Creating Accessible Teaching and Support

Voice or speech recognition programs allow the user to dictate information into the computer through a microphone and, to varying degrees, control the computer by voice.  With some training the latest software allows the user to dictate information directly into the computer naturally with very high accuracy rates. People with speech impediments will have to spend more time training but can achieve excellent recognition.

Most programs will operate within email, word processor or other programs and allow voice-controlled editing, formatting and navigation around the document, with spelling, training and correction functions also voice controlled.

A range of assistive technology can help students with physical disability use a computer more effectively: 

• Ergonomic aids such as footrests, wrist rests, height-adjustable furniture and arm supports ensure correct posture.
• Devices like key guards can be placed over the keyboard to improve typing accuracy, and ergonomic keyboards reduce the strain of typing.
• Chorded keyboards enable students to control a handful of keys to type by “chords” (one per digit on each hand).
• Larger keyboards increase usability for students with vision and mobility impairment.
• Alternative-layout keyboards (such as DVORAK) locate keys in a more ergonomic way (such as the most common letters towards the far left or right side of the board).
• Keyboards with lowercase, larger, or high colour contrast letters
• Large-print, adhesive keyboard stickers in high contrast colours
• Embossed locator dots that help find the “home” keys on the keyboard
• Foot-operated mice, trackballs, joysticks, graphics tablets, touch-pads, touch screens
• For students unable to use a keyboard or mouse, more complex assistive technology will be required eg sip-and-puff input, switch access, and vision-based input devices.

Input devices can also be modified using specialist software:

• Keyboard shortcuts and MouseKeys replace keyboarding with mouse control.
• Sticky keys allows characters or commands to be typed without having to hold down a modifier key (Shift, Ctrl, Alt) while pressing a second key.
• ClickLock allows items to be highlighted or dragged without holding down the mouse button.
• ToggleKeys is a feature that makes a high sound when the caps lock, scroll lock or numbers lock key is on.
• Pointer appearance – size, colour, shape – can be altered.
• Predictive text, spell checkers and grammar checkers can be helpful for students with a variety of disabilities.