* Computer Technologies for Students Who
Have Mobility Impairments

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Adaptation Description Brand Name Free or Inexpensive
Ergonomic adjustments Adjustable work station (manual and electronic), desk and chair height and angles, accessible study carrel, ergonomic chair, keyboard location and angle, monitor and PC can be raised, rotated or lowered, document stand (to hold documents to be typed)

Keyboard adaptations Accessibility software usually built into the operating system: allow one keystroke use of keys that require Shift, Control, CapsLock, control the repeat rate, reconfigures the keyboard to allow for one-handed typing. Specialized "augmentative communication" systems that place a "keyboard" on the screen. Keyguards to prevent hitting 2 keys at the same time. Splints and wrist rests. Windows:
  • Sticky keys (to use Shift, Control, or Alt key by using one key at a time)
  • Filter keys (to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes or slow the repeat rate)
  • Mousekeys (allow mouse movements using only the keyboard)
Mouse adaptations Joystick type, trackball, foot mouse, touch pad, ergonomic, head mouse
Voice control of menus and toolbars Software - allows using one's voice rather than the keyboard and mouse to control menus and toolbars (such as "file," "open," "save")
"Shorthand" (macros) for frequently used words Software - quickly "pastes" text
Voice recognition Software - allows you to dictate (into a microphone) instead of typing on a keyboard
Sip and puff input device Hardware and software - system to give computer commands by blowing or sucking through a straw-like device

Mouth wand input device Chop-stick like rod with rubberized tip for typing using one's mouth

Morse input device Hardware and software - allows typing and control of the computer using Morse code

Optical character recognition (OCR) software (used with a scanner) Software - converts a printed page that has been scanned into electronic format (a text file) for speech output or storage Mainstream products
Monitor and image Hardware - multimedia projector connected to a computer allows a student to make presentations without handling overheads
Word prediction Software - a menu box pops up as you type to give you several possible ways to complete a word that you have begun to type
Portable note taking device Hardware

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