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.