Alternative Access

When an individual has a motor control and/or a visual disability, alternative

input devices may be needed.

Emphasize…try to adapt standard methods first…strive for least restrictive

environment!!

Direct Selection:• Use body or object to touch choice directly

(not scanning)

• Quickest and easiest way!

Examples:

• Touch window

• Adapted keyboard (Intellikeys, Big Keys, etc.)

• Trackball

• Joystick

• Head pointer

Alternative Keyboards:

As the primary input device currently available with computers, there are a variety of alternative solutions available.

•The IntelliKeys keyboard provides a larger surface area for students who have difficulties with motor control.

•The Little Fingers keyboard, as it sounds, provides smaller keys for smaller hands

•BAT One-Handed keyboard provides full keyboard access for students with the use of only one hand.

•Big Keys: large keys, allows for easier access

Overlays:

A variety of keyboard overlays are available for a variety of special needs such as Braille, larger images of keys, and special functions that can be programmed into the computer using special software.

Mouse Alternatives:A range of mouse alternatives are available to make it easier for students who have difficulty with motor control to handle the mouse.

•Scroll wheels: both a track ball and a mouse

•Track balls: rolling ball that moves curser

•Head mouse: tracks a student's head movement to activate and control the computer application program.

Switch Access:• Individuals with severe motor disabilities cannot

who cannot operate any type of adapted keyboard or mouse must rely on switch access.

• Must be used in conjunction with a software scanning program and switch interface.

• Switches come in all shapes and sizes and are designed for multiple access points on the body, including hand, foot, head, eyebrow, and mouth.

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Designed by K. AhernDesigned by K. Ahern

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ActivityActivity::

Together with a partner, choose 1 Together with a partner, choose 1 AT tool and explore it well AT tool and explore it well

Fill out the Fill out the Adaptive Device Adaptive Device Review Form Review Form

Report device to class Report device to class