Inclusion in Action:
Improving Access to ICT for SEN

Improving ICT access for SEN learners need not cost the earth. Many solutions are easily at hand if you know where to look. The first place to start is with an assessment of the equipment that you already have.

In some cases learners with additional needs can use standard access devices - keyboards, mice and monitors - with just a few modifications either to the positioning of the PC or with adapting the configuration of the computer. Even pupils with poor motor control may be able to progress supported by minimal changes.

The classroom set up

It is amazing how often we have been able to improve a pupil's access to a PC with the simplest of modifications. Start your assessment by examining the location of the equipment. The following considerations may help you to resolve a problem relatively easily.

• The Monitor
  Is the learner able to clearly see the monitor whilst looking straight ahead?
  Is the lighting suitable so that there is no glare or reflection to distract or disturb? We often find a monitor screen positioned directly facing a window, which will ensure no one could work at the station comfortably for very long.
• Seating
  Is the learner able to sit comfortably so that their hands are resting on the keyboard without having to stretch? Are their feet flat on the floor?
• The Workstation
  Is the pupil able to reach and use all equipment easily? Is there an adjustable desk stand allowing the student to view reference material at an appropriate height and distance in line with Health and Safety recommendations?
• The Keyboard
  Does it need to be at an angle?

The introduction of interactive whiteboards has meant that many learners with special educational needs now have access to standard software applications through class activities. The whiteboard is an inclusive tool allowing pupils to interact with a program either individually or as part of a group. It creates a tremendously stimulating and motivating learning environment. To ensure that the whiteboard in your classroom is an inclusive tool, remember to position it so that all learners can reach it comfortably!

Customise the operating system

The way in which the software within a PC is configured can have as much impact on accessibility as the positioning of the hardware. There are several options within Microsoft Windows that give learners greater accessibility.

In your Start menu, you will find a Settings option. Select this and then select the Control Panel option. Within your Control Panel the four key areas that will help improve access to ICT. These are Accessibility Options, Mouse, Keyboard and Display.

Some key tools we have found useful within these options are:

• StickyKeys
  This feature enables you to press one key at a time instead of pressing and holding two or three keys simultaneously. So for example, when a capital letter is required, the shift key is pressed first followed by the desired letter.
• FilterKeys
  This makes the keyboard ignore repeated keystrokes so no more typing mmmmmmm when just one m is required.
• Toggle Keys
  Enables a sound to be made whenever a locking key, such as CapsLock, Number Lock, or Scroll Lock, is used ensuring the user knows when they have activated a particular function.
• Mouse Properties
  This changes the speed of the mouse movement so it is easier for learners to use. You can also to add a trail or alter the size of the cursor.

More ideas for changing the options within Windows can be found on the Microsoft web site at www.microsoft.com/enable. Apple build similar features into the Macintosh operating system and details are available from www.apple.com/disability/.

How user-friendly is your hardware?

When purchasing alternative hardware, your aim should always be to look for the easiest and most effective option. This may be the most cost-effective option too!

It is worth exploring keyboard adaptations rather than a brand new keyboard or other access methods. It may be that all that is necessary to make a keyboard accessible is the purchase of a key guard. If a new keyboard is required, consider a multi-purpose keyboards such as Kid Glove, with high visibility colour coded letters and plastic cover; Big Keys or Easy Keys either colour or black and white, that would be appropriate for many pupils with motor control difficulties. There are also high contract keyboards available for visually impaired pupils.

If a standard mouse proves difficult for a pupil to manoeuvre due to poor motor control, tremor, pain or visual impairment then you should consider the use of one of a range of adaptations and alternatives. These include a different sized mouse, or roller ball. This versatile tool includes many options including latch and drag, zoom, pan and scroll. Optical mice are also a very effective.

There are a wide range of useful communication aids to enable a pupil to communicate via tools which can contain messages. GoTalk is an easy to use communication tool. It can contain up to 36 messages using nine message keys, with a total of six minutes recording time.

There is also a four message key version, also a Pocket GoTalk which has a 25 message capability.

Using the right software

Schools and colleges usually have a wealth of software. An audit of software in your organisation will enable all teachers to be aware of what is available to them. If you can, include in your audit a short sentence or two on how the software can be used and where it links to the curriculum. Do also check whether your LEA has bought software licences for the schools in your area.

Within most standard word processing or art packages, it is possible to select options that could make one package appropriate for different ages and abilities. This enables differentiation and ensures continuity and progression for all pupils.

For example, all BlackCat software packages can be configured to different levels making it easily accessible to a wide range of users.

Finally, for specific needs, talk to suppliers like SEMERC, who design ICT software and hardware for learners with additional needs.

Once you have explored the class set up, the configuration of the operating systems, and systematically checked out your hardware and software, the chances are that your learners will be empowered to participate in their own independent learning more successfully.