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Information... Helping Someone to Write
Writing and recording can present difficulties for people with
disabilities. The computer can be adapted in many different ways to help
someone write. Adaptations to the keyboard can be made to help those with physical problems and speech output can be used by
people with visual disabilities. Pictures and
symbols can be used to help people with learning
disabilities communicate and record their ideas. The computer can also
provide additional motivation for reluctant learners by helping them to produce
attractive work.
As the keyboard is the most commonly used way of writing with a computer it is best to begin by seeing if it can be used. Changes can be made to the keyboard response to make it easier to use. For instance,software found in the computer's Control Panel allows the action of the keys to be changed. This can help reduce the risk of problems such as "aaaaaaaaaa" when a key is held down for too long. Other alterations can be made to provide further fine tuning.
A keyboard with lower case letters such
as the Inclusive Lower Case Keyboard is
often preferred for young children and those with learning difficulties. This
is because most children begin learning by using this type of letter. Large
key keyboards such the Big Keys LX and
Jumbo Board can help younger children or those with poor fine motor skills. High contrast keyboard
stickers can help people with visual difficulties and also provide temporary
lower case letters.
IntelliKeys keyboards and on-screen keyboards can be used to provide simplified layouts or allow whole words and phrases to be produced with a single press. Pictures can be used instead of words or letters.
Some word processors such as
Clicker 5 will speak letters,
words and sentences as they are typed and give auditory feedback i.e. a
click sound when pressed. Alternative shapes,
sizes and layouts of keyboard can be plugged in as a direct alternative
to the standard keyboard supplied with the computer.
Speech input systems such as Dragon Naturally Speaking Preffered are a reliable and practical way of controlling a computer and capable of translating speech directly into text. Some skill and practice is needed to use them effectively.
On-screen keyboards display an array of keys on screen which can be selected with a mouse.
Word prediction systems such
as Penfriend XL: can be of help
and word lists can be displayed on the screen.
With the help of special software switches can be used to enter text and control the computer.
Keyboard training
Anyone who is likely to make extensive use of a keyboard for writing could benefit from proper keyboard tuition. Keyboard training programs are available to give additional practice in skills.
Support and position
Care in providing a good working position is important, enabling the user to concentrate on their writing. A selection of wrist and arm supports (QED) can be used to give additional support.
As the keyboard is the most commonly used way of writing with a computer it is best to begin by seeing if it can be used. Changes can be made to the keyboard response to make it easier to use. For instance,software found in the computer's Control Panel allows the action of the keys to be changed. This can help reduce the risk of problems such as "aaaaaaaaaa" when a key is held down for too long. Other alterations can be made to provide further fine tuning.
A keyboard with lower case letters such
as the Inclusive Lower Case Keyboard is
often preferred for young children and those with learning difficulties. This
is because most children begin learning by using this type of letter. Large
key keyboards such the Big Keys LX and
Jumbo Board can help younger children or those with poor fine motor skills. High contrast keyboard
stickers can help people with visual difficulties and also provide temporary
lower case letters.IntelliKeys keyboards and on-screen keyboards can be used to provide simplified layouts or allow whole words and phrases to be produced with a single press. Pictures can be used instead of words or letters.
Some word processors such as
Clicker 5 will speak letters,
words and sentences as they are typed and give auditory feedback i.e. a
click sound when pressed. Alternative shapes,
sizes and layouts of keyboard can be plugged in as a direct alternative
to the standard keyboard supplied with the computer.Speech input systems such as Dragon Naturally Speaking Preffered are a reliable and practical way of controlling a computer and capable of translating speech directly into text. Some skill and practice is needed to use them effectively.
On-screen keyboards display an array of keys on screen which can be selected with a mouse.
Word prediction systems such
as Penfriend XL: can be of help
and word lists can be displayed on the screen.With the help of special software switches can be used to enter text and control the computer.
Keyboard training
Anyone who is likely to make extensive use of a keyboard for writing could benefit from proper keyboard tuition. Keyboard training programs are available to give additional practice in skills.
Support and position
Care in providing a good working position is important, enabling the user to concentrate on their writing. A selection of wrist and arm supports (QED) can be used to give additional support.