Using Macintosh Computers with Special Needs Students A Presentation for TBE 550 Farah Fisher, EdD

Presentation Objectives List computer-related physical/educational needs of special students. Given a problem related to computer use, list at least two possible solutions. Given a problem related to computer use, describe a Macintosh program that may provide a solution.

What is assistive technology? General term for hardware and/or software used to assist individuals with disabilities. This presentation will focus on computer-related access adaptations, but many other types of assistive technology are available.

Why cover Macintosh only? Macintosh computers have always had free adaptive software built in. TBE meets in a Mac lab, so we can try the adaptations. There will be references to Windows applications at the end of the presentation.

Presentation Organization The assistive technology adaptations will be organized by general type of disability (type of impairment). This is the most common way to access information about assistive technology.

Fine Motor Movement Problems Some disabilities impair the use of hands and arms (“fine motor” means small muscles). Cerebral Palsy Muscular Dystrophy Multiple Sclerosis Stroke Arthritis Quadriplegia Central Nervous System Disorders

Fine Motor Movement Problems There are at least two possibilities: Cannot use hands Lack of hand control shaking jerky movement hold keys down too long cannot hit correct key difficulty moving mouse

Fine Motor Movement Problems - Adaptations Headstick/Mouthstick Keyboard Cover Keyboard Control Turn off repeatability Hold down key longer to access Keyboard replaces mouse

Fine Motor Movement Problems - Adaptations Voice commands (speech recognition) ListenDo! Dragon products ViaVoice Special keyboards

Scanning Software - for those who cannot use their hands or speak Characters/words displayed in grid Single switch chooses puff switch button switch key on keyboard

Vision Problems - Disabilities Vision impairments may be divided into two general categories: Partially sighted (“low vision”) Blind

Vision Problems Vision impaired individuals have problems seeing the screen: Can see only large displays (low vision) Cannot see screen (blind)

Vision Problems - Adaptations Speech synthesis computer “pronounces” text on screen Large letter display characters are shown in large fonts small larger larger larger larger larger really large

Vision Problems - Adaptations Screen reading software Reads all part of the screen, including menus Screen enlarging software Enlarges all screen display, not only text

Hearing Problems - Disabilities As with vision problems, there are two basic categories of hearing problems: Hard of hearing Deaf

Hearing Problems Computers generate beeps and other alert signals to notify the user that something is happening. Deaf students generally have a low reading level and may not be able to understand messages on the screen.

Hearing Problems - Adaptations The auditory signals can be replaced by flashes on the screen. Turn up the volume (consider ear phones). Pictorial instructions can replace text.

Cognitive Problems - Disabilities Individuals with cognitive disabilities sometimes need adaptations. Classifications: Learning disabled (LD) Developmentally disabled (DD) “mildly retarded” “moderately retarded’

Students may not be able to read or have a low reading level - may not be able to read instructions or menus. Students may not understand or remember how to operate the computer. Cognitive Problems

Speech synthesis to read screen Cross-ability pairing disabled student paired with good reader Cognitive Problems - Adaptations

Students in Wheelchairs - Disabilities Permanent disabilities cerebral palsy para/quadriplegic birth defects (e.g. Spina Bifida) Temporary orthopedic problems broken leg

Students in Wheelchairs - Problems Access to computer lab Movement within lab Cannot get close enough to computer DOORDOOR

Students in Wheelchairs - Adaptations When arranging computer lab, allow access for wheelchairs. Use computers with moveable keyboards (do not lock down). Purchase special tables that can be raised/lowered Put a computer table up on blocks

Adaptive Programs for the Macintosh OS 8.x/9.x OS X

Keyboard Control Panel (8.x/9.x) Choose Control Panels in Apple Menu Choose Keyboard Set mouse tracking and double click speed Control keyboard repeatability and delay time (minimum control)

Easy Access (OS 8.x/9.x) Comes with Macintosh system In Universal Access folder Put into Extensions folder and restart Three functions controlled by Easy Access Sticky Keys Slow Keys Mouse Keys

Easy Access Sticky Keys Latches keys like Command and Shift Allows easy one-hand (or stick) use Activate/deactivate by pressing Shift key 5 times without moving mouse

Easy Access Slow Keys Controls repeatability factor for students who hold keys too long Can delay or turn off repeatability

Easy Access Mouse Keys Allows numeric keypad to be used instead of mouse = mouse button 0 = lock mouse button. = unlock mouse button

CloseView Must be in Control Panel folder Use Control Panels from Apple menu or... turn on/offOption Command O magnify on/offOption Command X magnify up/downOption Command

MacinTalk Easy speech synthesis Software only Works with word processing (speaks highlighted text when menu item is chosen) SimpleText (OS 8.x/9.x) TextEdit (OS X)

Universal Access (OS X) Open System Preferences (in the blue Apple menu) Double click Universal Access Options will appear for seeing, hearing, keyboard and mouse.

Universal Access (OS X) Seeing options Zoom (like CloseView) White/black exchange Hearing options Screen flash (alert) Volume

Universal Access (OS X) Keyboard options Sticky keys Slow keys Mouse options Mouse keys

Let’s try the Mac adaptations!

What about Windows? Let’s visit the TBE 550 “open site” disability links. We will also visit shareware/freeware sites to find free/inexpensive adaptive software

End of Presentation TBE 550 Special Needs Students And Computers