New technology clearly offers great promise for
all, especially those with disabilities. Our challenge is to find the resources and wisdom to use it
and to apply the use of new technology appropriately for optimal
technology-
augmented independence and
achievement.
Technology, when used wisely and
appropriately, can open the doors to writing, communicating
and interacting. It can create new possibilities
and options in the school and work environment. It can
improve productivity and improve functional skills.
'Typing' and 'computers' are no
longer defined in the ways they were in the past.
Traditionally, when we've thought about typing
or keyboarding,
we think of two hands on a keyboard, fingers lined up on the
home row.
When talking about a
computer, we have referenced the typical 'box
on the desk' with monitor on top or beside, and a regular
keyboard and mouse attached. Both the regular computer field
and the assistive computing fields are RAPIDLY moving away
from typical, regular, historical computing as we've known
it!
This is good news for people
with disabilities. There are so many new developments,
with a significant blurring between what used to be
'assistive technology' and 'regular technology'.
Nowadays, there are so many new developments, that
technology has become 'assistive' and 'essential' to all of
us in our daily lives.
No longer do we need to rely
on the 'good 'ol qwerty keyboard'! There are hundreds
of different options for controlling the computer.
Determining the best system
for text entry, writing and computer control requires
investigation into 4 different areas:
Click on links
to see summaries
Take a look at
our game ideas for kids... BRIGHT, BOLD,
COLORFUL, QUICK AND INTERESTING
NOTE: This is an
early preliminary
look at what some of our games
will look like. There are MANY features to be added in
terms of curriculum content, speed and complexity levels
etc.
LINKS
to some of the most prominent and useful assistive technology
web sites
NATE -- the National
Assistive Technology in Education Network -- brings together
information from the many fields and disciplines that are
involved in assistive technology services in educational
settings. We provide that information in a cohesive, integrated
manner, so that people from all disciplines can access it.
Provides information on AT applications that help students with disabilities learn in elementary classrooms.
By Center for Assistive Technology (CAT), at the University at Buffalo.
An
overview of computer use, including summaries of
technologies for keyboard access, alternate pointing
systems, rate enhancement programs and other simple, low
tech options. (A useful link to the DO-IT web site)
CAST
- Center for Applied Special Technology - a not-for-profit organization that uses technology to expand opportunities for all people, especially those with disabilities.
Provides
a free service for locating technology tools and
services.
Free online book
- ATA Book: Computer and Web Resources for People with
Disabilities.
Case studies, lists of vendors and contact information.
Founded in 1971, Trace
has been a pioneer in the field of technology and disability.
Web site provides detailed information resources, and
information about accessibility, universal design, web
accessibility and disability.