Helpful Computer Features

I know when I originally thought about assistive technology, I automatically thought electronics.  And as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, that doesn’t always have to be the case! Although it still can mean electronics.  The computer industry has implemented the concepts of UDL in order for it to be more accessible by people with disabilities.  Check out this chart to learn about some features on computers that can benefit students with disabilities!

UDL Feature	Characteristics of Students Who Benefit
Providing choice: mouse, keyboard, or voice control	Fine motor control difficulties Limited range of motion Visual impairments (that interfere with seeing or tracking the mouse pointer on the screen) Muscle weakness or fatigue
Accommodating left and right handed users	Only have use of one hand Can only control movements of one hand
Variations among the precision and accuracy of computer users    -Enlarge the size of icons    -Adjust mouse speed	Visual impairments Hand-eye coordination problems Hand tremors Mild motor control issues Cognitive disabilities
Provide adaptability to the user’s pace (speed of mouse, timing for double-click, keyboard repeat delay, keyboard repeat speed)	Limited range of motion Visual tracking difficulty Fine motor control difficulties Difficulty raising head

A computer is something that a lot of us use in our day to day lives and there are already simple accommodations built right in to the device to make it more accessible to those with disabilities.

References: Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A. and Petroff, J. G. (2012).  Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities (2nd edition).  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.