Chapter Seven: Providing Access to Computers: Using What You Have

Chapter Seven focuses on the universal design features and other features that are provided in operating systems that are relevant to students with disabilities. The computer industry wanted to sell computers that are usable for all people. For people who use computers for enjoyment, workplace, older people, and young people.

In the reading, there are guidelines that have been incorporated in operating systems that benefit students with disabilities. The first guidelines for the principle of flexibility in use encourages designers to make products that provide choice in methods of use. This operating system feature controls the computer with a mouse or keyboard. The keyboard helps students who have poor fine motor control and limited range of motion. It also allows information by reading or listening. Text-to-speech helps students with reading disabilities. The second guideline is accommodating left-and right-handed users. Having a one button mouse helps students to use one hand. The third guideline is taking variations in precision and accuracy of mouse use. Having enlarged icons for students that have visual perceptual issues helps students. The last guideline is adaptability to user's pace. Setting the speed of the mouse travel to help students with limited range of motion is an example.

Here is a picture of a keyboard that has been modified for a student that has a disability.  Notice how the keys are colored.

Keyboard Modification and Mouse Control:
1. Sticky Keys
2. Slow Keys
3. Mouse Keys
4. On Screen Keyboard