The traditional way for a computer to accept information is through a standard keyboard and mouse. For persons with disabilities the computer keyboard and mouse can present a barrier to computer access. Alternative keyboards and pointing devices are a way of providing accuracy for individuals with physical disabilities. Mini-keyboards can be operated with one hand and oversized keyboards can be controlled with the hands or the feet.

Free On-screen keyboard software:

Click-N-Type is an on-screen virtual keyboard

On–Screen Keyboard Window XP

A pointer access system can also bypass the use of a standard keyboard. Consisting of a head set it is controlled by software allowing the individual to use head movements to select items on the screen.

Keyboard modification software can alter the way your keyboard behaves. Using such software will provide individuals with assistance and features that would otherwise slow them down using a standard keyboard. Typical modifications include Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, Repeat Keys and Mouse Keys. Both Apple and Windows have incorporated these features in their operating systems called Easy Access and Accessibility Options respectively.

Software macros is another way to assist individuals who have difficulty typing. It allows many keystrokes to be typed automatically when a single key is pressed. Many popular software packages have built-in macros.

CCTV systems are used to enlarge text and images making access to printed material readable for individuals with vision impairments. Any printed material can be magnified up to 60 times by such a system. CCTVs are made up of a monitor (looks like a TV), a camera, a reading stand and a tray table. A CCTV can be interfaced to a PC with the appropriate connection cable. Magnification, brightness, and contrast can be adjusted with control knobs to fit individual needs. The reading stand is designed so that the camera is aiming downwards on the printed material. The system allows a person to lay a book or other printed material flat on the tray table beneath the camera and the monitor is positioned at eye level. CCTVs can be used for writing as well because the camera is suspended above the tray table (workplace).

CCTV Products

A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea, for example Inspiration . It is used to generate, visualize, structure and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.

Free Mind Mapping online services:

Gliffy Basic

MindMeister

Flowchart.com

The main function of screen magnification software is to enlarge text and graphics displayed on a screen. This magnification can range from 2 to 16 times, depending on the software. The user can use function keys to adjust the size of text and do this while running a word processing, database, spreadsheet, or telecommunications software package a CD-ROM, or other software. Certain types of software such as word processors, produce enlarged output without using any adaptive computer device but it may not be sufficient to satisfy the needs of some users with low-vision. If an individual is using screen magnification at extreme magnification levels it may be time to consider using screen magnification in combination with screen reading technology or making the transition completely over to screen reading.
Improving Visual Comfort at a Computer Workstation

Screen Magnification Product

A screen reader is a software application that attempts to identify and interpret what is being displayed on the screen, for example Kurzweil 3000. This interpretation is then represented to the user with text-to-speech, sound icons, or a braille output. Screen readers are a form of assistive technology (AT) potentially useful to people who are blind, visually impaired, or learning disabled, often in combination with other AT such as screen magnifiers.

Free screen reader software:

NaturalReader

Sayz Me Text To Speech Reader

ReadPlease

The technology allows a person to speak words or phrases into a computer via a microphone and have the computer recognize what has been said, for example Dragon NaturallySpeaking. The user is able to carry out some or all of the keyboard functions, and many of the mouse functions using speech. Not all voice recognition systems are the same. Some are designed to control the functions of a computer or a software program through voice commands and have limited vocabularies. Some systems not only control the functions of an application but can handle large vocabularies for voice dictation as well. And some voice recognition software are designed solely for voice dictation. This type of software is sometimes referred to as dictation software. Another distinguishing feature between voice recognition systems is "continuous" speech versus "discrete" speech. Continuous speech allows you speak to your computer at a conversational pace whereas discrete speech requires you to insert a slight pause between every word.

Free Speech Recognition Software:

Speech Recognition in Windows Vista

Speech Recognition in Windows XP Word

A text telephones, also known as a TTY (Tele-Type Writer) allows an individual to "talk" on the phone using a keyboard and instead of using voice. In order for the text conversation to take place the person on the other end of the line must also have a text telephone. The TTY also includes a visual display and a printer. The printer is used so that an individual can make a print out record of the conversation.

Word Prediction Software

When the first letter of a word is typed, a list of up to ten words which begin with that letter will appear on the screen, for example WordQ. The individual is then able to select the desired word by clicking on it if it is among the list. An individual may have to type the first two letters of the said word to generate another list of predicted words where the word would more likely appear. Word prediction becomes more efficient the more it is used. In other words, the program would note that a word had been selected and next time place it closer to the top of the prediction list. Word prediction software will not only predict which letters will follow in a word but will predict which words will follow in a sentence.

Braille Translation Software, Braille Printers and Braille Displays

Braille translation software converts a computer text file into Braille. Once the text file is converted it can then be sent to a Braille printer where it generates raised-dot characters on Braille printer paper which can then be read tactually. A converted text file can also be read by a refreshable Braille display. This device translates visual information into a tactile format using mechanical dots that pop up and down under computer control to produce Braille characters. An individual can use a screen reader and a Braille display to get both voice output and tactile feedback at the same.