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Family Center on Technology and Disability (page 4 of 5) Page 4 of 5
Optical Character Recognition and Scanners:
Optical character recognition (OCR) software works with a scanner to convert images from a printed page into a standard computer fi le. With OCR software, the resulting computer fi le can be edited. Pictures and photographs do not require OCR software to be manipulated. Example: Pierre is a high school student who was diagnosed with Stargardt disease (inherited juvenile macular degeneration) at age 10. He has been legally blind since age 12. Much of his schoolwork is available electronically, and he uses his screen reader to scan the text. Often, however, documents are only available in hard copy. These documents are scanned into his computer using a basic scanner with OCR software. The “graphic” image from the printed page then becomes electronic text.
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Pointing and Typing Aids:
A pointing or typing aid is typically a wand or stick used to strike keys on the keyboard. They are most commonly worn on the head, held in the mouth, strapped to the chin, or held in the hand.
Example: For Kwame, a young man with severe spinal cord injury and no mobility from his head down, pointing and typing aids allow him to interface with his computer. His aid allows him to navigate around his computer. When he moves his head, this device substitutes as a mouse and allows him to perform standard activities, such as playing games or taking tests, and even more advanced activities like drawing.
Prosthetic and Orthotics:
Prosthetic and orthotics include replacement, substitution or augmentation of missing or malfunctioning body parts with artificial limbs or other orthotic aids. This includes splints, braces, foot orthosis, helmets, restraints, and supports.
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Screen Enlargement Programs:
Screen enlargement programs magnify a section of the screen, increasing the visibility for users with limited vision. Most screen enlargement programs have variable magnification levels and some offer text-to-speech options.
Screen Reader:
A screen reader is a software program that uses synthesized speech to “speak” graphics and text out loud. This type of program is used by people with limited vision or blindness.
Example: Teri has been blind from birth. A screen reader allows her to access visual information on a computer screen. A piece of software installed in her computer goes “behind the scenes” and reads the text that exists behind the graphic Web pages that sighted people read.
Seating and Positioning Aids:
Seating and positioning aids offer modifications to wheelchairs or other seating systems. They provide greater body stability, upright posture or reduction of pressure on the skin surface. Equipment includes wheelchair cushions, trunk/head supports, modular seating, and seating lifts.
Switches and Switch Software:
Switches offer an alternative method to provide input into a computer when it is not possible to use a more direct access method, such as a standard keyboard or mouse. Switches come in various sizes, shapes, colors, methods of activation, and placement options. An interface device and software program are usually required to connect the switch to the computer and interpret the operation of the switch.
Some software programs have been developed specifically for use with a switch and can employ on-screen scanning. With on-screen scanning, the computer highlights the options available to the user depending upon what action he or she wants the computer to take. The highlights are done either by sound, visual cue or both. When a visual or auditory prompt indicates a specific keyboard or mouse function, the user activates the switch and the desired function occurs.
Other programs have built-in options to allow switch use. Many standard software programs can be accessed through a switch with the use of additional software and devices.
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Talking Word Processors:
Talking word processors (TWP) are writing software programs that provide audio feedback as the student writes. As each letter is typed and each word is written, the TWP will “speak” it back to the user. Many of these inexpensive writing programs also incorporate powerful tools for reading. Students with learning disabilities often fi nd that having written material read aloud helps them to better edit, comprehend and organize their projects. Once a fi le (i.e. story from a book, assignment, article or typed information) is imported into a talking word processor, the text can be read aloud to the student. These TWP programs offer other adjustments as well, such as enlarging the size of the text, and changing the color of the foreground, background, and highlighting box, to assist students in following along as the text is read.
Touch Screens:
A touch screen is a device placed on or built into the computer monitor that allows direct activation of the computer, or selection of a program, through a touch on the screen.
TTD or TTY :
A telecommunication device for the deaf TTY/TDD is a device with a keyboard that sends and receives typed messages over a telephone line.
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Universal Design:
Universal design is the design of products and environments so they are usable by a wide range of people. Examples of universally designed environments include buildings with ramps, curb cuts, and automatic doors.
Universal Design for Learning:
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is the design of instructional materials and activities that make learning goals achievable by individuals with wide differences in their abilities to see, hear, speak, move, read, write, understand English, attend, organize engage and remember. Universal Design for Learning is achievable via flexible curricular materials and activities that provide alternatives for students with differing abilities. These alternatives are built into the instructional design and operating systems of educational materials; they are not added on after-the-fact.
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Voice Recognition:
Different types of voice recognition systems (also called speech recognition) are available. Voice recognition allows the user to speak to the computer, instead of using a keyboard or mouse, to input data or control computer functions. Voice recognition systems can be used to create text documents such as letters or email, to browse the Internet, and to navigate among applications and menus.
From the Family Center on Technology and Disability. Used with permission. www.fctd.info.
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