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An Educators Guide to Learning Disabilities and Mobility Impairments
And Technology Use Written by: Cheryl Cheifetz
Introduction Our most recent Census in the year 2000 counted 20.9 million families that had members with some type of disability. One in every 26 families was raising children with a disability of one sort or another. (Wang, 2005) These varied from visual and hearing disorders, to learning and mobility issues. According to the Americans with Disability Act, the definition of a disability is “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities.” As teachers, we need to develop strategies to make electronic and information technology accessible to all students as predetermined by their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). New computerized information and services that are offered to the general public should also be made accessible at the introduction or be easily adaptable for those persons with disabilities as well. (Sara-Serrano, 2004)
It is vital that we focus on integrating students with disabilities into the classroom. The education of these students should be an integral part of national planning, curriculum development and school organization. It is necessary for teachers to have continued support and training in order to service these students, especially when using technology in the classroom. (Sara-Serrano, 2004)
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 makes it very clear that all individuals with disabilities should have access to any Federal agency website. Standards were developed by the Electronic and Information Technology Access Advisory Committee over a two year period ending in 2000. These standards discuss computers, software, and electronic equipment including controls, keyboards, and keypads; software applications and operating systems (non-embedded); web-based information or applications; telecommunications functions; video or multi-media products; and information kiosks and transaction machines. Also covered was compatibility with adaptive equipment that people with disabilities commonly use for information and communication access. (Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards, 2000) These standards have helped guide numerous Federal websites strive to be accessible to the general public. (See Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards) All website developers should follow suit.
Mobility Impairments – Mobility impairments can range from lower body to upper body concerns. For the most part, upper body impairments require more technological adaptations in the classroom. There are a number of products that will assist a person with mobility impairments in using a computer. One of the more basic tools is a roller trackball that replaces the traditional mouse which can be difficult to steer. In addition, some keyboards are designed with extra large letters and numbers for ease of access.
New Technology
Ø HeadMouse Extreme is replacement technology for the traditional mouse. The HeadMouse is mounted either on your forehead or glasses. It uses infrared light which measures the users head movements and relays them to the device mounted atop a computer. Other assistive technology, including speech recognition software and on-screen keyboard software, is also compatible with this system. Ø Jouse2 is another highly technical replacement mouse. Your mouth is used to control the direction of a joystick. You can “click” your mouse by “sipping” or “puffing” the joystick. Minimal movement is needed and the device attaches to your desk. It uses an on screen keyboard for typing and allows the user to draw or play games with ease. Ø Another adaptive mouse is called the LaZee Mouse Pro. It is a hands-free, wireless unit that uses microphone input. The internal micro-computer decodes the oral command and sends it directly to your desktop or notebook computer.
Learning Disabilities – There are 5 basic areas of learning disabilities: auditory and visual deficits, oral/verbal expressive language, memory/recall, reasoning/processing, and organization. (Learning Disabilities and Assistive Technologies, 2001) These can affect reading, math, writing, and social skills. Students with learning disabilities can be highly motivated by using computers. Basic technology that is available today includes speech recognition software for writing, reading activities for comprehension, computer managed spelling instruction, and integrated learning systems for curriculum. Many of the same tools used by the visually impaired have been found successful for the learning disabled as well. New Technology Ø Thinking Reader is a Tom Snyder software product designed to provide access to novels and literature to students who struggle with reading disabilities. It helps build reading comprehension in all students, but especially lower level readers. It also includes support materials for teachers such as quizzes, and a student tracking system. Ø Tech/Syms is a free download that enables the user to access over 500 symbols to assist in communication. It works in conjunction with other communication software. It is a great tool for those with language disabilities. Ø The Readingpen Basic Edition was designed with students in mind. This 3 ounce mini-computer scans words or sentences that can be defined or pronounced aloud. It reads and recognizes many fonts and sizes, and stores up to 80 words for student review. Another great classroom feature is the Test mode. This blocks the pen’s access to the dictionary and thesaurus during exams. Ø See Visual Disabilities for additional technology that can assist learning disabled students.
Links Origin Instruments – company that produces computer access solutions for the mobility impaired
SparkTop.org – a website designed especially for students with learning disabilities
Accessible Software Guidelines – links to the major computer systems (IBM, Apple, etc.) and their accessibility guidelines
Adjust Settings and Utilities – Microsoft tutorials for mouse, sound, keyboard, display, speech, on-screen keyboard, narrator, and magnifier options
Mac OsX Accessibility Options – list from Apple
AbleLink Technologies – company which develops assistive technology for those with cognitive disabilities, as well as an e-mail program for people with reading and writing disabilities Browsealoud – assistive technology for students with low literacy and reading skills, ESL students, dyslexic students, and students with mild visual impairments Set Options for People with Mobilitiy Impairments – Microsoft tutorial
New Products for 2005 – products displayed at the Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference
References Advanced Multimedia Devices Inc. Tech/Syms Software. 2004. 4 August 2005. <http://www.amdi.net/techsyms.htm> Compusult Limited. All About Jouse2. 2005. 4 August 2005. <http://www.jouse.com/html/about.html> “Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards”. Federal Register. 21 December 2000. 25 July 2005. <http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm> Goodman, Kim. “Tom Snyder Productions Wins Prestigious Codie Award for Thinking Reader”. Tom Snyder Productions. 24 June 2005. 4 August 2005. <http://www.tomsnyder.com/aboutus/releases/050624.asp> Hancock, Vicki, and Frank Betts. “Back to the Future; Preparing Learners for Academic Success in 2004.” Learning & Leading with Technology. April 2002. 3 August 2005. <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002463799> LaZee Tek Homepage. LaZee Mouse Pro. 16 June 2005. 2 August 2005. <http://www.lazeetek.com/index.html> “Learning Disabilities and Assistive Technologies”. Tools for Life. 20 November 2001. 4 August 2005. <http://www.gatfl.org/ldguide/general.htm> Origin Instruments. HeadMouse Extreme. July 2005. 3 August 2005. <http://orin.com/access/headmouse/index.htm> Sara-Serrano, Maria Cristina, and Dr. John R. Mathiason. “The Standard Rules: A Short Tour.” WorldEnable: Internet Accessibility Initiative. 24 April 2004. 17 July 2005. <http://www.worldenable.net/standardrules/Default.htm> Wang, Qi. “Disability and American Families: 2000”. U.S. Census Bureau News. 21 July 2005. 25 July 2005. <http://www.census.gov/prod/2005pubs/censr-23.pdf> WizCom Technologies Ltd. Readingpen Basic Edition. 2004. 4 August 2005. <http://www.wizcomtech.com/Wizcom/products/product_info.asp?fid=176>
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