Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

Chapter 2 – Computer Access
Access to Computers and Devices
for Students with Physical Difficulties
A student with a physical disability may have difficulty handling the materials commonly used in the
classroom such as books, pencils, crayons, and paper. While it is certainly possible to replace the need to
access these simple materials by putting more things on the computer, that student may also have
difficulty accessing the computer without adaptations or special peripheral devices.
Overview of Physical Access to Computers and AAC devices
There are a variety of things that can be done to make keyboarding easier for a student with a physical
disability. Both Macintosh and PCs come with build in access features such as sticky keys, toggle keys,
and the ability to adjust mouse controls.
♦ Direct Selection-The simplest and most efficient way to access a computer or device is through
direct selection. This means that the student uses some body part or tool to directly activate a key on
the standard keyboard, an alternative keyboard or an onscreen keyboard. A student can use any body
part, e.g., hands, fingers, and toes.
♦ Assisted Direct Selection-Some individuals lack the fine motor skills to use direct selection
techniques without assistance of some kind. There are a variety of low tech custom made sticks
which can be strapped to the hand, held in the teeth, or worn on the head with a strap or cap.
Occupational therapists are the best source of information on the various ones available. They can be
used to activate a standard keyboard with a keyguard or an alternate keyboard to avoid hitting more
than one key at a time. These devices include:
• Hand-held pointer (e.g., dowel, stylus, or pencil)
• Head controlled pointer mounted on the head, chin, or mouth
• Light pointer worn on head or held in hand
• Mouse or mouse emulator (e.g., HeadMaster Plus, HeadMouse ® , trackball, track pad)
• Proportional or video pointing devices (e.g., joystick) that are controlled by the hand, chin, or
tongue
• Voice input
The second set of devices that assist in direct selection are those the help the individual stabilize the
arm or hand in order to activate one key at a time. These include:
• A keyguard placed over the keyboard to assist in directing key activation and hand stabilization
by providing a frame to support the hand and reduce accidental key activations
• A wrist rest or arm rest (e.g., Ergo Rest ® ) may provide needed support to increase control of
movements, again reducing accidental key activations.
♦ Enhanced Direct Selection-An individual who types slowly due to physical impairment (e.g., a one
fingered typist or individual using a mouth stick, head stick) may benefit from using a keystroke
reduction strategy. Keystroke reduction cuts down the number of keys which must be activated in
order to produce a word or phrase. Keystroke reduction strategies include:
Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology (2004) 67