CD 485 Computer Applications in Communication Disorders and Sciences

SECTION VII: Computer accessories designed to facilitate communication

1. Scanners--There is world of computer accessories available to facilitate their use by disabled individuals. For example, modified switches allow persons with severely restricted motor ability to input information into a computer. These are often used to control (are plugged into) a scanner which makes a row and column search for an item. Scanners can be visual, featuring lights that appear to move sequentially or in rows and columns; or they can be auditory signals featuring blips or voice prompts.

2. Oversize switches provide a larger target than the button on a typical computer mouse. For person’s with major motor control problems, this makes computer input possible.

3. Minimal movement switches, on the other hand, require very little pressure and provide extensions that reach toward the user so they don’t have to move very far. This is helpful for individuals with severely restricted motor movement.

4. Head switches can be placed so a person can use gross head movements or other body parts to activate the switch. Here is an example of an “Eyebrow switch.”

http://www.words-plus.com/website/products/input/inputs.htm

5. Palm switches can be held in the hand and pressed to activate.

6. Perhaps most exciting are Infra-red switches which make it possible for an individual with no surface motor ability to control a switch with his/her eyes!

7. Touch Screens are useful for some individuals who do not have severe motor impairments of their limbs. They allow direct interaction with the computer through contact with the monitor. This bye passes the keyboard, which is sometimes intimidating.

Along with the plethora of accessories that add to the capabilities of the personal computer is an array of impressive software to facilitate both communication skills and thought processes.