Desktop Computer Software
There are several tools built into a Windows computer that would support learners with a disability such as hearing loss, visual impairment, or weaknesses in the hands.
The main tools covered below in the tutorial videos are:
- How to Access The Ease of Access Center in Windows 7
- Screen Magnifier
- Narrator
- On Screen Keyboard
- Voice Recognition
These tools allow student learners to have the computer read program text, see a larger view of the screen, have an on screen keyboard, and voice recognition (with appropriate headsets - as you will see are needed from the tutorial video). These tools are build directly into the windows PC operating system. By including them, they can be useful to students.
Also, helpful would be the ability to adjust contrast themes within Windows along with the size of the cursor. In changing the contrast, it would help learners with Dyslexia as well other visual disabilities.
The main tools covered below in the tutorial videos are:
- How to Access The Ease of Access Center in Windows 7
- Screen Magnifier
- Narrator
- On Screen Keyboard
- Voice Recognition
These tools allow student learners to have the computer read program text, see a larger view of the screen, have an on screen keyboard, and voice recognition (with appropriate headsets - as you will see are needed from the tutorial video). These tools are build directly into the windows PC operating system. By including them, they can be useful to students.
Also, helpful would be the ability to adjust contrast themes within Windows along with the size of the cursor. In changing the contrast, it would help learners with Dyslexia as well other visual disabilities.
Tutorial Videos:
Ease of Access Center
Screen Magnifier
Narrator
On Screen Keyboard
Voice Recognition
References and Resources:
Accessibility in Windows 7
Computer Accessibility Tips
Six Computer Accessibility Tips
Accessibility in Windows 7
Computer Accessibility Tips
Six Computer Accessibility Tips
Computer Lab Software
In order to have a computer station accessible to student learners with disabilities, a minimum of the following will be needed. These items are in addition to the onscreen keyboard and magnifying tools addressed in the section above.
- ScreenReader Program
- Voice Command Speaking Program (Reliable)
- Braille Displays
- Large Keyboard
- Movable Lift Desks
- Laptop Lift (if using a laptop)
- Seat Cushion of Appropriate Desk Chairs
The items above are included for both learning and physical disabilities. For example, the movable desk lifts will be utilized for students who are in a wheelchair and need a raised desk. Learners who are visual impaired will use the screen reader, voice command, and braille programs or devices. Learners who face paraplegia or cerebral palsy may need to use special chairs or cushions in the lab. For learners who maybe in a wheelchair or have other disabilities that prevent them using a laptop in a normal set up, may need a laptop lift device such as iFold, to make the computer set up as a desktop sized computer.
- ScreenReader Program
- Voice Command Speaking Program (Reliable)
- Braille Displays
- Large Keyboard
- Movable Lift Desks
- Laptop Lift (if using a laptop)
- Seat Cushion of Appropriate Desk Chairs
The items above are included for both learning and physical disabilities. For example, the movable desk lifts will be utilized for students who are in a wheelchair and need a raised desk. Learners who are visual impaired will use the screen reader, voice command, and braille programs or devices. Learners who face paraplegia or cerebral palsy may need to use special chairs or cushions in the lab. For learners who maybe in a wheelchair or have other disabilities that prevent them using a laptop in a normal set up, may need a laptop lift device such as iFold, to make the computer set up as a desktop sized computer.
| Lab Software Budget (Excel) |
Mobile Technology
Mobile Applications:
AutismXpress - This is a free application that allows learners with Autism express their current emotion state. Learners who live with Autism may have trouble expressing their feelings. This application allows the learner to tap an icon that represents their emotions by a visual so that those around them are better able to serve.
MyHomework - Learners who face attention deficit disorder are often losing track of where they are in course work or simply getting distracted. The MyHomework application was developed to allow learners to manage and track homework. It will send reminders, keep a daily schedule, keep track of upcoming exams, and can be access on both iPhone and iPad with website capability as well. This application has been highly rated and recommended. It would prove useful to any learner seeking to better track course work.
Dragon Dictation - This application would be best for learners who struggle with mobility strength in their arms to type or those with vision loss. Dragon Dictation allows the user to speak into the device to send text messages or emails. The application will also read texts or emails. For student learners who enjoy social media, it will also send status updates to various social media sites.
Read2Me - The Read2Me application is excellent for learners who are struggling with a visual disability. In researching more of this application, it will allow learners to import .txt files to be read to them.
ER Browser - The ER Browser application is an alternate internet browser for iPhone and iPad devices. It will assist learners who have Dyslexia. Once opened, the application allows the learners to change background colors, font styles, and even size. In doing this, it allows learners to browse the internet at ease.
AutismXpress - This is a free application that allows learners with Autism express their current emotion state. Learners who live with Autism may have trouble expressing their feelings. This application allows the learner to tap an icon that represents their emotions by a visual so that those around them are better able to serve.
MyHomework - Learners who face attention deficit disorder are often losing track of where they are in course work or simply getting distracted. The MyHomework application was developed to allow learners to manage and track homework. It will send reminders, keep a daily schedule, keep track of upcoming exams, and can be access on both iPhone and iPad with website capability as well. This application has been highly rated and recommended. It would prove useful to any learner seeking to better track course work.
Dragon Dictation - This application would be best for learners who struggle with mobility strength in their arms to type or those with vision loss. Dragon Dictation allows the user to speak into the device to send text messages or emails. The application will also read texts or emails. For student learners who enjoy social media, it will also send status updates to various social media sites.
Read2Me - The Read2Me application is excellent for learners who are struggling with a visual disability. In researching more of this application, it will allow learners to import .txt files to be read to them.
ER Browser - The ER Browser application is an alternate internet browser for iPhone and iPad devices. It will assist learners who have Dyslexia. Once opened, the application allows the learners to change background colors, font styles, and even size. In doing this, it allows learners to browse the internet at ease.
