Technology can only benefit people with learning difficulties and disabilities if they have an appropriate method of accessing the equipment. Alternative access is needed for people who have physical and motor disabilities and are not able to use the standard keyboard or mouse. Those with learning and cognitive disabilities may need an alternative to the keyboard to simplify the task of interacting with the computer to provide a more direct method of accessing the learning experience or task. People with visual and sensory handicaps need specialist access systems such as speech input or speech output, magnification of the screen display and Braille or tactile inputs and outputs. Access devices can include a range of alternatives to the keyboard, alternatives to the mouse, overlay keyboards to simplify access, switches to provide access for people with physical disabilties and simple direct access for those with severe or profound learning difficulties.

Touch monitors provide a very direct and simple method of interacting directly with the software and the screen display. Speech input and output can be of use to people with medical and specific learning difficulties.

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