Including Children
with Physical Disablities
The computer provides many children with
physical disabilities an opportunity to shine and express themselves.
There are at least three different levels of including children
with special physical needs in computer play: pedagogy, assistive
devices and system configuration.
Pedagogically, including all children
means setting up activities so that children with physical problems
can participate as fully as possible, whether on the playground
or at the computer.
There are a growing number of assistive
devices that allow children to communicate with and through the
computer, from special input switches to microphones or text readers.
Some software provides a special system
configuration option for children who use a single switch input
device. This means that the computer rotates through the available
choices until the child presses the switch to select one.
Some accessibility features include:
- Wheelchair access for chairs up to 18 inches in height
- Membrane Keyboard by IntellitoolsTM to reduce need for motor dexterity
- Variable settings for adapting keyboard speed to performance
- Accessible software that accommodates alternate input devices
- Allowance for the installation of Riverdeep Edmark TouchWindow® for direct on-screen accessbility
- Accomodation for a single switch input from mechanical Discover Switch® and optical TouchFree™ Switch
- Design for learning environment that reduces visual distractions for the student
- Options for accommodating alternate hardware or software assistive technology
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