The Open University in Yorkshire
OU Yorkshire's Disability Website
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology can support you to study more effectively. There is a huge range of products on the market. AssistiveWare videos on computer accessibility
Hearing Impairment Technologies
Visual Impairment Technologies
Physical/Other Disabilities Technologies
Dyslexia Technologies
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Windows access features
Windows has a wealth of accessibility features built into the operating system itself that can make life easier. Aimed at people who have visual or hearing impairments, or impaired dexterity when using the keyboard or mouse.
To activate go to the Start Menu and choose Control panel. Select Accessibility options.
Below is a series of 'How To' documents to download.
Windows Accessibility Overview (doc, 56k)
HOW TO - Background colour (doc, 96k)
HOW TO - Filter keys (doc, 564k)
HOW TO - Mouse keys (doc, 404k)
HOW TO - Sticky keys (doc, 120k)
HOW TO - Use zoom (doc, 76k)
HOW TO - Large mouse pointers (doc, 92k)
HOW TO - Large icons (doc, 84k)
HOW TO - Keyboard shortcuts (doc, 36k)
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Loop systems
Portable Loop systems/Radio aids are discrete miniature radio microphones with a separate pendant receiver that transmits sound direct to a students’ hearing aid. The microphone can be hand-held or placed on a surface near to the sound source/tutor. It focuses your mode of hearing, whether in a tutorial or a lecture theatre. The OU in Yorkshire try to provide this facility in tutorials. Ring the Regional Centre to find out more.
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BSL software
BSL software is designed to learn and build vocabulary, grammar and signs required for British Sign Language. Can be used by both deaf and hearing learners. The British Sign Language website
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Text to Speech/Screen readers
- Text to Speech software is used to convert text from a computer document (e.g. word processor document) into synthesized speech through the computer speakers. Allowing a user with a visual impairment to have a book read audibly by the computer. It can assist concentration, reading comprehension and proof reading. Also helpful for aural verification of what you are seeing in print, assisting users with communication difficulties and dyslexia.
- Screen readers allow speech output for every action and navigational element including web pages. JAWS for Windows reads information on your screen using synthesized speech. It provides useful commands that make it easier to use programs, edit documents, and read Web pages. With a refreshable braille display, JAWS can also provide braille output in addition to, or instead of, speech.
Notes:
Most installations of SuperNova (formerly Hal) have 4 voices - 2 synthetic voices for fast reading and two more lifelike voices which are slower. Newer ultra realistic voices can be bought from Dolphin UK. Any queries about Supernova or Hal should be directed to support@dolphinuk.co.uk
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Magnification Software
Magnification Software allows users with visual impairments to enlarge incrementally the screen resolution of a portion or the whole of the computer screen. Allowing users with some visual impairment the level of magnification required.
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Braille
- Braille embossers are essentially printers that print in Braille instead of standard text.
- Braille translation software converts text to Braille formats so that it may be “printed” out on a Braille embosser or sent to a tactile-based Braille display. Most translators also show a visual/graphic display of the dots that represent the letter/word that has been translated. Most programs allow translation to Grade 1, Grade 2, or both Braille derivatives.
- Braille notetakers are portable devices with either Braille or Qwerty keyboards for input and voice output. Can include MP3, DAISY player/recorder, email and calculator.
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Talking books/Audio formats
OU modules vary in which formats they can offer depending on the age of the module. Module Descriptions contain a section on the alternative formats available for that module. For further details and/or clarification contact your Regional Centre.
- Adobe PDF files are digital files that can be read by most text and screen readers.
- DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) is a universal standard format for reading and publishing digital talking books through a Daisy player or Daisy software on a computer. Many local authorities support people with sight impairments in their area through subscription to RNIB's Talking Book Service RNIB Book Site DAISY reading software easily converts Word documents to DAISY format as combined audio and text. Allowing you to listen to your tutor’s notes.
- E-book is the digital equivalent of a conventional printed book and can be read on a computer or an e-book reader device.
- MP3 is a near-CD quality sound file format, but a fraction of the size, making them easy to download over the internet. MP3s can be played on your computer using programs like Quicktime Player, RealOne, WinAmp or Windows Media Player and also transferred to portable MP3 players.
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Voice Recognition Software
Voice Recognition Software allows a user to use their voice as an input device. The user speaks through a microphone and gives commands to the computer such as opening application programs, pulling down menus, or saving work. Users can also dictate text to a word-processor-like application, which is transferred into editable text. Enabling students with limited hand dexterity, mobility and motor impairments to input text.
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On-screen keyboards
On-screen keyboards are graphical representations of a usual keyboard. Allowing users with limited manual dexterity or motor impairments that hinder use of a normal hardware keyboard, complete control of the computer. Text can be entered by using a input device/mouse alternative. Moving the input device over one of the onscreen keyboard 'keys', and either clicking or 'hovering' will cause that key to be typed. Customisable onscreen keyboards and communication grids allow the user to type words or multi-letter commands by activating a single key. This automates computer functions and can be built for different programs such as word processing or web browsing.
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Scanners
Optical character recognition (OCR) Scanners allow the user to scan a paper-based document, converting an image of text to editable digital text. This reduces reliance on using the keyboard for inputting data, assisting students with visual impairment and dyslexia. A scanner can also photocopy documents, which can assist in less cumbersome course material for students with mobility or motor impairments. Pen scanners scan in small amounts of text from journals and books in a library situation and can then be downloaded on to a computer.
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Mouse and Keyboards
A standard mouse and keyboard requires fine manual dexterity/motor control and is often difficult to operate initially even for non-disabled people. For students who have difficulty using a conventional mouse, there are alternatives. Many provide additional buttons to assist with double click and drag. When these devices are combined with an on-screen keyboard, they can replicate a conventional keyboard and mouse.
- Roller/Tracker Balls facilitate minimal hand movement as they are stationary and the user moves the ball with their fingertips to input instruction to the computer.
- Joysticks are familiar devices, found on many computer games and on powered wheelchairs. As a result, students with limited hand function can find them easier to use. There are also joysticks available that can be controlled by the mouth or foot.
- Foot operated mice allow control of the cursor with the feet and can assist those who cannot use their hands or wish to be hands free to type and perform other tasks. The feet rest on pedals and perform similar tasks as a standard mouse; one side will control the cursor's position, while the other is used to 'click'. Movement is controlled by the ankles and can help with repetitive stress injury on the hands.
- Head or eye input devices operate by head or eye movements giving full mouse control to people who cannot use their hands to control a conventional mouse or standard keyboard. For example, an infrared sensing device can be placed on the top of the computer’s monitor which follows a tiny dot that is placed on the forehead (or other part of the body) of the user.
- Mouth and Lips input enables the user to activate all functions of a computer mouse by mouth. Left and right mouse clicks are triggered by very slight sucking or blowing.
- One-handed keyboards allow for typing with only one hand—left or right. One-handed keyboards have special shapes and letter layouts to simplify typing.
- Large key/large print keyboards have keys and/or letters that are larger than those found on standard keyboards and facilitate students with low vision.
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Notetakers/Audio recorders
- Audio Recorders enable the student to record basic notes during a tutorial or lecture. Then downloaded electronically to a computer as audio files, dictated into voice recognition software which is transcribed into text, independently, without requiring a personal support assistant. These electronic devices are useful for a number of students with mobility, motor, visual impairments and dyslexia.
- Portable keyboards, tablet PCs and PDAs can be used for notetaking in any situation, are less cumbersome than a laptop and are useful on field trips.
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Ergonomic
- Screen glare filters provide eye protection benefits and can minimise migraine symptoms and Contrast Sensitivity for conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Benefits can also be achieved by ensuring the monitor is stable and adjusting the brightness and contrast.
- Ergonomic Keyboards can be contoured, extended, can include built-in wrist support, split spacebar, and integrated touchpad eliminating the need for a mouse. Their shape encourages a natural hand, wrist, and forearm position for maximum comfort reducing tension in shoulders, arms and wrists. Assisting students affected by RSI.
- Ergonomic mice are generally contoured to fit the hand and can reduce muscle fatigue and reduce the risk of and assist students affected by RSI.
- Ergonomic chairs are a vital part of a comfortable workstation, providing ample back, neck, leg, and arm support to keep the user free of bodily strain, muscle tension, and pressure.
- Document Easels/Holders allow reference materials to be read at a comfortable eye level decreasing posture stress and increasing comfort and productivity.
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Word prediction
Word prediction software speeds up typing with on-screen keyboards or any other input device. Users begin typing and suggestions appear that can be used to complete each word without actually entering all the requisite text characters. These products are useful for a number of students with mobility, motor, visual impairments as well as dyslexia.
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Writing software
Writing software helps the user to compose and write essays through word prediction, word suggestion, advanced thesaurus, spoken feedback and other features. These products are helpful to individuals who have difficulty getting their thoughts on paper, finding the right word or phrase and structuring their work. A popular program in this category is TextHelp. These programs are useful for students with dyslexia.
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Mind mapping
Mind mapping programs help users to structure their work. Typically they contain ready-made essay templates which students can adapt for a particular assignment. Popular programs in this category are Inspiration and Mind Manager. These programs are useful for students with dyslexia.
Grateful thanks to :
Jo Wilson and MMU TRiDA project
http://www.natstar.ac.uk
http://www.techdis.ac.uk
http://www.enablemart.com
http://www.emptech.info
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