AT Report - Computer Access Software
Frequently Asked Questions on Computer Access Software
- What is computer access software?
- Who uses computer access software?
- Is there any computer access software already on my computer?
- Is there software that can assist an individual who has difficulty using the mouse?
- If an individual has difficulty using a keyboard, is there software that can assist?
- Are there ways to assign shortcuts for typing certain phrases or performing certain actions?
- Can an individual talk into the computer and have it type what he/she says?
- Can information on the screen be read aloud by the computer?
- How can information on the screen be made larger or easier to see?
- Is there software that can make using email easier?
- Is there a software program that makes using the Internet easier?
- Are there ways to try out computer access software?
1. What is computer access software?
Computer access software refers to programs that can be used by individuals who have difficulty using the computer due to a functional limitation. These functional limitations may be related to vision, hearing, motor, and/or cognitive issues. Computer access software can help individuals input information into the computer and receive information from the computer. These programs range from simple software to make text larger to software that tracks an individual’s eye movement so he/she can move the cursor, “click” on an icon, compose an email, and perform other typical actions.
2. Who uses computer access software?
Individuals with various capabilities can use the computer with the assistance of access software. Computer access software is used by individuals who have vision, hearing, motor, and/or cognitive difficulties. Activities that might be impacted are seeing information on the screen, hearing alert tones, typing on a keyboard, using a mouse, and remembering the steps to sending an email. Some possible causes of hearing, vision, motor, and cognitive difficulties include:
- Brain injury (e.g., stroke, accident, tumor, anoxia)
- Spinal cord injury
- Disease (e.g., cancer, ALS, MS, etc.)
- Other traumatic injury (e.g., burns, nerve damage, etc.)
- Developmental causes (e.g., prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal trauma, congenital or genetic malformations, etc.)
3. Is there any computer access software already on my computer?
Both Windows and Macintosh operating systems have built-in features that can be customized to accommodate for vision, hearing, and mobility impairments. The operating systems include several basic options that users can set and adjust without installing any extra programs.
StickyKeys (Win) or Sticky Keys (Mac)
This feature enables a user to press any modifier key (Ctrl, Alt, Shift) and have it remain active until a non-modifier key is pressed. Certain commands do require the user to press more than one key at a time (such as capitalizing letters), so a person who has dexterity issues or types using only one finger, one hand, or a pointing device (such as a mouthstick) is not able to do this. Other examples of commands requiring more than one keystroke at a time are Ctrl+C (copy), Ctrl+V (paste), and Ctrl+Alt+Delete (used for terminating program or shutting computer down). Sticky Keys tells the computer that the first key in a series is being held down, similar to how the shift lock works to capitalize the first letter of a word.
Filter Keys (Win) or Slow Keys (Mac)
This feature is designed for people with motor difficulties who are unable to consistently hit the correct letter. In essence it "filters" out repeated or sudden keystrokes. It only accepts a character after the key has been held down for a specified time period.
Toggle Keys (Win)
An auditory feedback feature useful to individuals who have reduced visual skills, finger sensitivity, or fine motor coordination. When the Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock buttons are used, the computer will beep to announce on/off.
MouseKeys (Win) or Mouse Keys (Mac)
A feature that enables the user to make mouse movements with the numeric keypad to move the cursor around the screen. This is useful to individuals who have difficulty using a standard mouse due to tremors, dexterity issues, fatigue, and weakness.
In addition to these features, the user can also adjust screen colors, contrast, resolution, text and icon size, visual sound alerts, cursor size and cursor speed. The operating systems may also include onscreen keyboard, screen reader, text-to-speech, and magnifier programs. These additional accessibility programs may be found in Windows Me, 2000, and XP, and Macintosh OS X. Previous versions of Windows and Macintosh operating systems have more limited accessibility features, but may contain some options. To explore what your system has built-in, find the “Accessibility” (Windows), “Easy Access” (Macintosh), or “Universal Access” (Macintosh) menu or file.
4. Is there software that can assist an individual who has difficulty using the mouse?
Scrolling or scanning mouse emulator
Program that enables a user who has minimal movement (switch access or finger) to control where the cursor moves. A horizontal, vertical, or rotary line moves across the screen until the user presses a switch or hits a designated key on the keyboard. The cursor then moves along the stopped line until it reaches the target. The user presses the switch or key again to “click” on the target. This type of program can be used by individuals who have a consistent, voluntary movement anywhere on his/her body. For example, if an individual is in bed and is only able to move his/her head, a switch can be positioned and connected to the computer to enable that person to control the movement of the line on the screen. No to minimal training is required to use these programs. However, an individual may need to have an evaluation for switch access to determine where the best location is for the switch and what body action will accurately activate the switch.
Expanded features
Program that offers additional features for cursor movement, speed, and/or appearance. Many of the programs have adjustments for the size, color, contrast, and design of the cursor to suit the visual needs and preferences of the user. A few programs have adjustments for speed and movement to enable a user with fine motor difficulties (due to mild tremors, spasticity, weakness, and/or fatigue) to compensate for reduced range of movement or uncontrollable movements. Some setup is required to ensure that the settings are properly adjusted. No to minimal training is required to use these programs.
Dwell clicking
Program that offers an alternative way to perform mouse clicks and drags. Once the user stops moving the cursor, the software waits a predetermined amount of time before initiating a click. This makes it easier for individuals who have difficulty coordinating moving and clicking the mouse, sensitivity issues, or reduced strength in their fingers. These programs can also be used in conjunction with onscreen keyboards and some of the previously discussed hardware options. Some setup is required to ensure that the settings are properly adjusted. No to minimal training is required to use these programs.
5. If an individual has difficulty using a keyboard, is there software that can assist?
Onscreen keyboard (or virtual keyboard)
Program that emulates a keyboard on the user’s screen. The user can select keys by moving the cursor (by standard mouse or alternative option) and clicking or selecting the desired choice. Most of these keyboards can also be set to a scanning mode that highlights each row, and then each key in the row until the user selects one.
Many of the keyboards include a dwell or hover selection mode that enables a user to select a key by placing the cursor over it. By keeping the cursor on the key for a designated amount of time, it is automatically selected by the dwell feature. Some of these programs have additional features such as the ability to customize the keyboard layout, utilize word prediction/completion, adjust letter size, and create pre-stored phrases or sentences. Onscreen keyboards are typically used by individuals who are not able to type on a standard keyboard due to weakness, fatigue, immobility, tremors, or literacy issues. No to minimal training is required to use these programs. However, some initial setup may be required depending on the user’s preferences.
Abbreviation expansion
Program that enables the user to assign one or more keystrokes to a series of letters, words, or sentences. When the assigned keys (the abbreviations) are entered, the program automatically inserts the expanded text. For example, the user can assign “HHY” to expand and type “hello, how are you today?” into a document, email, or text entry field. A macro program also has this capability, but includes more functionality (see Macros in following section). Some other programs include abbreviation expansion as a feature, but it can be purchased as a stand-alone program that will work with the user’s existing Internet pages, e-mail, documents, spreadsheets, and other programs. Abbreviation expansion is typically used by individuals who fatigue easily while typing or who have difficulty with spelling. Minimal training is required to learn how to use these programs. The user is only limited by the number of abbreviations that he/she can remember!
Word prediction/completion
Program that offers the user a list of words after a letter (completion) or word (prediction) has been typed. Word prediction is based on the sequence of previous words rather than on the basis of letters and attempts to follow grammatical structure. For example, if a user types “ Word completion offers word choices to help the user complete the word based on the sequence of letters already typed. For example, if a user types “t-o”, the choices that might be offered are “to”, “today”, “tomorrow”, and “top”. The user can simply choose the desired word from the list, without typing the rest of it. Used by individuals who have fine motor impairments (e.g., pain, fatigue, reduced range of motion), cognitive impairments, literacy issues, or learning disabilities. Minimal to moderate training may be required depending on the program.
Voice or speech recognition
Program that identifies spoken words and converts it into text on the computer. An individual uses a microphone to input or dictate text and may do so through discrete (one word at a time) or continuous (full sentences) methods. This type of program may also include functionality for controlling the cursor. Voice or speech recognition is frequently used by individuals who are not able to type, type very slowly, or fatigue quickly while typing. Moderate to extensive training is required to become proficient in using most programs. Learning how to effectively dictate is a key training point if the program will be used for extensive document creation.
6.What kind of software will help an individual who has difficulty spelling?
Word prediction/completion
Program that offers the user a list of words after a letter (completion) or word (prediction) has been typed. Word prediction is based on the sequence of previous words rather than on the basis of letters and attempts to follow grammatical structure. Word completion offers word choices to help the user complete the word based on the sequence of letters already typed. For example, if a user types “t-o”, the choices that might be offered are “to”, “today”, “tomorrow”, and “top”. The user can simply choose the desired word from the list, without typing the rest of it. Used by individuals who have fine motor impairments (e.g., pain, fatigue, reduced range of motion), cognitive impairments, literacy issues, or learning disabilities. Minimal to moderate training may be required depending on the program.
Symbol programs
Several programs exist that enable a user to write text based on selecting symbols or pictures. These programs can be customized or programmed to include specific words, phrases or sentences that are needed.
Voice or speech recognition
Program that identifies spoken words and converts it into text on the computer. An individual uses a microphone to input or dictate text and may do so through discrete (one word at a time) or continuous (full sentences) methods. This type of program may also include functionality for controlling the cursor. Voice or speech recognition is frequently used by individuals who are not able to type, type very slowly, or fatigue quickly while typing. Moderate to extensive training is required to become proficient in using most programs. Learning how to effectively dictate is a key training point if the program will be used for extensive document creation.
7. Are there ways to assign shortcuts for typing certain phrases or performing certain actions?
Abbreviation expansion
Program that enables the user to assign a series of letters, words, or sentences to one or more keystrokes. When the assigned keys (the abbreviations) are entered, the program will automatically insert the expanded text. For example, the user can assign “HHY” to expand and type “hello, how are you today?” into a document, email, or text entry field. A macro program also has this capability, but includes more functionality (see Macros in following section). Some other programs include abbreviation expansion as a feature, but it can be purchased as a stand-alone program that will work with the user’s existing Internet pages, e-mail, documents, spreadsheets, and other programs. Abbreviation expansion is typically used by individuals who fatigue easily while typing or who have difficulty with spelling. Minimal training is required to learn how to use these programs. The user is only limited by the number of abbreviations that he/she can remember!
Macro
Program that enable users to "record" a long series of commands and assign them to a function key, combination of keys, menu item, or on-screen button. Macros are typically created for frequently performed actions. Once a macro is recorded, the user can execute the complicated task exactly as recorded simply by typing the assigned key(s), selecting from the menu, or clicking the button. For example, with one or two keys, you could open a word processor, enlarge the text, and enter your name or address. You might create another macro to save and print your document in one keystroke. This is useful to individuals who are able to access keys on the keyboard, but have difficulty moving the cursor or for users who fatigue easily. This may also be useful for individuals who have difficulty remembering multi-step processes. Minimal training is required to learn how to use these programs.
8.Can an individual talk into the computer and have it type what he/she says?
Voice or speech recognition
Program that identifies spoken words and converts it into text on the computer. An individual uses a microphone to input or dictate text and may do so through discrete (one word at a time) or continuous (full sentences) methods. This type of program may also include functionality for controlling the cursor. Voice or speech recognition is frequently used by individuals who are not able to type, type very slowly, or fatigue quickly while typing. Moderate to extensive training is required to become proficient in using most programs. Learning how to effectively dictate is a key training point if the program will be used for extensive document creation.
9. Can information on the screen be read aloud by the computer?
Screen readers
Program that will read the text (and sometimes graphic) information aloud. Many times, the voice speed and gender can be modified to suit the user’s preference. This type of program is useful to individuals who have vision impairments, learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, or literacy issues. Minimal to moderate training may be required depending on how extensively the program will be used and the complexity of the particular program.
Text-to-speech
Program that converts typed text into spoken letters, words, or sentences. As with screen readers, the voice speed and gender can be modified to suit the user’s preference. Text can be typed in or inserted through copy and paste. These programs can also be used to help an individual hear what he/she is typing, enabling the person to make corrections as needed. This type of program is useful to individuals who have vision impairments, learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, or literacy issues. No to minimal training may be required depending on the program.
10. How can information on the screen be made larger or easier to see?
Screen magnifiers
Program that magnifies a portion of the screen, so that it can be more easily viewed. May include some screen reading capability. Used primarily by individuals with low vision. No to minimal training may be required depending on the complexity of the program.
11. Is there software that can make using email easier?
Simplified email
Program that provides a simplified interface for email. These programs reduce the amount of visual clutter and make the steps for composing email more transparent. Several of these programs can be configured to include graphics for both reading and composing emails. Some of the programs enable the user to record a spoken message instead of having to type an email. Individuals can also use text to speech programs to have email they have received to be read aloud.
12. Is there a software program that makes using the Internet easier?
There are a few programs available that provide simplified interfaces for Internet browsing. Typically, these programs use pictures or icons to store favorite links as individual sites or in categories. Simplified browsers can be used by individuals who have limited literacy skills or cognitive difficulties. They require initial setup for customization and generally require minimal training depending on the individual's functional limitation.
13. Are there ways to try out computer access software?
Many of the software developers and distributors offer trial versions that a user can install on his/her computer. These trials may or may not be full versions of the software and typically run for a limited time or number of uses. If a person does not have a computer or needs assistance in trying out software, he or she can visit an assistive technology (AT) resource center. Each state has at least one AT resource center as designated by the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (for a list of projects, go to: http://www.resna.org/taproject/at/statecontacts.html). Many of these centers have computers set up for demonstration or evaluation purposes. Other organizations, facilities and programs within each state may have access to computer access software for demonstration purposes.
Resources on Computer Access Software
Ability Hub
The Gilman Group, L.L.C.
P.O. Box 6356
Rutland, VT 05702-6356
Phone: 802-775-1993
http://www.abilityhub.com
Web site that helps individuals find information on adaptive equipment and alternative
methods available for accessing computers.
Apple Accessibility
http://www.apple.com/accessibility/
Web site for Macintosh accessibility information.
Assistivetech.net
Georgia Tech Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access
490 Tenth Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 800-726-9119 (V/TTY)
http://www.assistivetech.net
Searchable Internet database for assistive technology.
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)
526 Davis Street, Suite 217
Evanston, IL 60201-4686
Phone: 877-OUR-ATIA (877-687-2842)
http://www.atia.org
Not-for-profit organization for manufacturers or sellers of assistive technology,
and service providers.
Microsoft Accessibility
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/
Web site for Windows accessibility information.
Trace Center at the University of Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
2107 Engineering Centers Bldg.
1550 Engineering Dr.
Madison, WI 53706
Phone: 608-262-6966
http://trace.wisc.edu/
Research and development center for technology and disability.
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