Download Assistive Technology

Candace Wentz
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What is Assistive Technology
Accessibility & Usability
Types of AT devices
Identifying the right AT devices
Discussion/Handouts
Additional Resources
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Accessibility is the ability to use a product
(service or system) under limiting conditions
resulting from functional or situational
limitations.
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Functional limitations can be physical or
mental (cognitive) and are usually associated
to individuals with disabilities.
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Is the end result usable?
Is there user satisfaction?
Is it used effectively?
Ex: website – Is the information usable to a
person with a disability?
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Vision difficulties/low vision
Color blindness
Blindness
Mobility & dexterity impairments
Hearing impairments & deafness
Language impairments
Learning impairments
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Speech Recognition programs
Alternative keyboards
Electronic pointing devices
Braille embossers
Screen enlargers/magnifiers
Screen Readers
Text-to-Speech synthesizers
Talking and large-print word processors
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Larger or smaller than standard keyboard
Alternative key configurations
Keyboards use with one hand
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Example
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Converts text using a word processing
program into Braille; then it’s printed on the
embosser
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Example
Example1
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Text to Speech:
 Read and Write Gold
 ReadPlease
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Voice Recognition:
 Dragon
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Magic Touch Add-on Touch Screen
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Mainly used by visually impaired
Enlarges either a part or all of the computer
screen
Basic screen enlargers come standard with
most operating systems
additional software include:
 built-in screen reading
 screen smoothing for jagged edges
 various screen orientation
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Tongue Drive System
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Accessibility Blog
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iPhone application for the blind
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Case Studies
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Accessibility Resource Centers
 help identify the right tool
 Set-up your computer
 Provide training
 Lending services available
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Opera web browser - alternative web browser
that is designed to be responsive to physical
and sensory disabilities
 Include single-key navigation (browses the web
using only the keyboard)
 Zoom in to enlarge content
 Change the font color
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IntelliPics Studio – software package for
creating accessible on-line content
 Provides speech output
 Single-switch scanning (access via a keyboard)
 IntelliKeys alternative keyboard
 Mouse or touch screen
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Electronic texts (etexts)
 Enlarge font type and size – visually impaired
 Copied/pasted into a word processing program or
text to speech programs
 Copied/pasted into a language translation tool
▪ Examples:
▪ Infomotions
▪ Bibliomania
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Study Aids – advance organizers for reading
materials
 SparkNotes
 NovelGuide
 Free Book Notes
 Pink Monkey
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Students who struggle with the physical
process of handwriting
 Dictation
 USB handheld digital dictation devices
 iDictate – transcription service
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Math
 Online calculation tools
▪ Calculator
▪ Converters
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Science
 Manipulate the lab equipment
 Unable to read the textbook
▪ Digital Microscope
▪ Brainpop
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Personalized newspaper services
 Crayon
▪ Decide what stories to monitor
▪ Help engage in reading
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Difficulty reading
 Reading bar – students click on text and it reads to
them
 News-2-You – service prepares current
events/weekly
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Help make art and music activities accessible
 Switches – help operate electronic devices
 Allows users to move objects
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Downloads – Tutorials, Fact Sheets, etc.
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Microsoft search feature
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AT Resources and links
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http://www.at.ufl.edu/_archive/accessibility_cd/