For many students with disabilities, accessing and using standard computers and electronic resources can be challenging. For example, a student with a spinal cord injury may be unable to use a standard mouse and keyboard. Access to computer-based technology involves two major issues: access to the computers themselves (see also: Computer Labs) and access to electronic resources, including word processors, spreadsheets, and websites.

Assistive hardware and software can facilitate computer access for people with disabilities. Assistive technology solutions may involve simple, readily-available adjustments, such as using built-in access devices on standard computers, or they may require unique combinations of software and hardware, such as those needed for speech or Braille output.

Computer-Related Assistive Technology for Specific Disabilities

The assistive technology and accommodations presented below are organized by disability and by computer input, output, and documentation.

Blindness

Most students who are blind can use a standard keyboard but cannot view standard screen displays or printed documents. Specialized speech and Braille output devices can translate text into synthesized speech and Braille.

Input

  • locator dots on the keyboard for commonly used keys

Output

  • screen-reader software and speech output
  • refreshable Braille displays, to translate screen text into Braille
  • Braille embossers

Documentation

  • electronic versions in an accessible format that can be used with screen readers and speech or Braille output devices

Low Vision

Most students with low vision can use standard keyboards. Special equipment or the use of built-in computer features can help modify screen displays and printer output for easier access.

Input

  • large-print key labels and home-row indicators

Output

  • large monitors
  • anti-glare screens
  • screen and/or text enlargement software
  • color and contrast adjustments
  • speech output systems

Documentation

  • electronic versions with text- and/or screen-enlargement capabilities
  • large-print versions

Learning Disabilities

Most students with learning disabilities can use standard computer equipment. However, specialized software and technology can help students who have difficulties with reading, writing, and organization.

Input

  • word processors with grammar and spell checkers
  • word processors with outlining and highlighting capabilities
  • word prediction software
  • phonetic spelling software, to render phonetic spelling into correctly spelled words
  • speech recognition products, to dictate assignments and navigate the Internet using voice commands
  • concept mapping software

Output

  • screen and/or text enlargement software
  • color and contrast adjustments
  • screen-reader software and speech output

Documentation

  • electronic versions with text- or screen-enlargement capabilities
  • large-print versions
  • speech output

Speech and Hearing Impairments

Most students with hearing and speech impairments can use standard computer equipment, and do not need accommodations for input or documentation.

Output

  • computer setting adjustments, e.g., from auditory signals to flash signals
  • speech output

Mobility and Orthopedic Impairments

Students with mobility impairments, including students in wheelchairs, must be able to access the computer workstation. Using the standard mouse and keyboard for input can be difficult or impossible for students with limited upper-extremity function. Generally, these students do not need accommodations for output or documentation.

Input

  • accessible on/off switches
  • flexible positioning or mounting of keyboards, monitors, etc.
  • software utilities that consolidate multiple keystrokes
  • mouth sticks, head sticks, or other pointing devices
  • keyguards
  • modified keyboards (e.g., expanded, mini, or one-handed)
  • trackballs or other input devices, as alternatives to the mouse
  • keyboard emulation with specialized switches, for scanning or Morse code input
  • speech input
  • word prediction software

Consult the AccessComputing Knowledge Base

The AccessComputing Knowledge Base contains Q&As, Case Studies, and Promising Practices.

Acknowledgment

The content of this web page was developed from Burgstahler, S. (2012). Working Together: People with Disabilities and Computer Technology. Seattle: UW.