Assistive Technology For Computer Access

What is the assistive technology continuum? In my last post, I discussed how some operating systems can be adjusted to provide computer access to students. However, even with all of the modifications and adaptations I discussed some students require additional adaptations to be successful computer users. The assistive technology continuum refers to the range of adaptations from the low-tech end progressing to mid-tech and high-tech. When considering assistive technology solutions for students with special needs, the continuum should be considered starting from low-tech adaptations which require no electronic components all the way through alternatives to input and output options for the blind and visually impaired such as the braille embosser pictured here:



There are also alternative keyboards options and alternative input and output devices for students who need specific adaptations. What I found really great were the mouse alternatives available as well. Students who can't use their hands or who can see and follow the movements of the mouse-pointer can use head-pointing systems. The eye-gaze systems are also good to use for this population of students. Students who are young, have poor fine motor skills but good gross motor skills, and students with limited range of motion can use mini-trackballs, standard trackballs, and adapted trackballs.