Resources:
Access to ICT

Often a computer is seen as a solution to either a physical or intellectual difficulty - whether it is an aid to support individuals with poor communication skills or software to help dyslexics with note taking and spelling. However, for many individuals, a badly chosen solution can bring with it as many problems as solutions.

The aim should be to determine the most effective tool for the individual, which may involve both hardware and software solutions. Although each person has individual needs, there are common factors to be considered in the successful identification and implementation of a solution.

Understanding the Issues

Before considering a solution it is important to find out information about the individual. Consultation with parent, carer, teacher, support staff and therapists is essential to fully understand the issues.

Understanding the cognitive abilities of the individual will be important when we consider the means of access and the skills that will need to be taught. Successful access methods allow the individual to concentrate on what they are doing, rather than how they are doing it.

Physical and sensory abilities impact significantly on the type of device used to communicate with the technology. It is important to observe individual's physical abilities in order to select the appropriate access method and ensure that any actions are easy, successful, consistent and repeatable.

Positioning and mounting

Equipment is often purchased without consideration to how it should be positioned or mounted. Basics such as, is a power source nearby, is there space in the room, is the table the right height, can a wheelchair user get close to the table, how are we going to mount a switch or angle a keyboard?

Solutions include: Height Adjustable tables, which allow the height of the equipment table to be adjusted from almost floor level to high enough to facilitate access by a wheelchair user or a child in a standing frame.

To mount switches and devices, you can use systems such as a Universal Switch Mount, Maxess trays and Sensitrac pads and mounts. The key is to have a system that allows easy, quick adjustment, with a wide range of positions.

Mouse Alternatives

All modern computers are supplied with a mouse and should be used with a pointing device. A number of alternatives exist:

• Mini Mice - small mice which are ideal of users with small hands or younger children.
  
• Trackerballs: a wide range are available - the SEMERC ProTrack60 and the Roller 2 are plug and go replacements. Users can rest their hands on the device and by moving the ball can control the mouse pointer. These tough devices are cognitively easier to operate than a mouse and far more accurate. The SEMERC Roller Plus 2 is similar but benefits from a full keyguard and a wider range of options, such as speed control, double click from one press and movement lock. The Kids Ball (Big Track) is useful for those users who need a larger ball.
  
• Joysticks: an alternative to a trackerball is a joystick - the Joystick 2 and Joystick Plus replace the ball with a joystick which some users find easier to use, or in the case of electric wheelchair users, more familiar.

Touchscreens/monitors

Touchscreens allow individuals to select by touching the screen. An existing monitor or laptop can easily be modified using a Magic Touch screen. If you are replacing the monitor or buying a new computer, we would recommend a built-in touch monitor. SEMERC has just released two new titles in the Touch It series, these are Touch It Gardens and Touch It Transport and Road Safety and are specifically designed to be used with touch screens.

Keyboard Alternatives

Again many software packages assume keyboards and if an individual can use a keyboard it is often quicker than alternatives.

Keyboards:

• Large keyboards include the SEMERC Easy keys and Big Keys Plus LX, which are all ideal for those with poor coordination or visual impairment.
• Small keyboards include the Ultra Compact Keyboard
• High visibility keyboards or Kid Glove and Keyboard are useful for those with limited vision.
• Overlay Keyboards, such as a Concept Universal Plus Keyboard, are boards that allow you to design the way the keyboard works. The surface of the board can be covered with an overlay that allows only the necessary instructions to be used.

Switch Access

Switch access is an alternative for those who can't use traditional methods of access. This can take the form of:

• Switches, such as a pressure adjustable (joggle switch) or a big red or jelly bean switch.
• A switch interface to allow connection to the computer, such as a Joy Cable, Mouser 3, Mouser 4, or JoyBox.
• Software such as Clicker 4.

Hands-Free Video Camera/Helmet Cam

This new camera is designed for those situations when you can't hold your video camera or look through the view finder, but still want to be able to record the situation.

The camera works on the principle of Strap- Aim- Capture- Edit- Share. Click on the link for details of how to use the camera and technical specifications Tony Hawk hands-free helmet cam.

 

 

The list above is just a starting point covering common solutions, however we would recommend a professional assessment - please contact us for further details on
+ 44 161 827 2719.