Alternative Access

Students with a variety of physical disabilities – and especially those with complex bodies – often require assistive technology devices that provide for alternative means of accessing materials and tools. Among other possibilities, these tools may include adaptive or alternative keyboards, switches and switch interfaces, or mounts to support those tools from a desk or wheelchair. 

Switches:

A switch can be used to help interact with a battery operated or electronic device such as as toy, communication device, computer/tablet or environmental control.

Switches can be activated by any part of a students body hand, head, foot, eye blink, sip/puff, etc.  Switches can be used as single point access or combined for multiple switch access.

Switches can be used for simple cause and effect, or complex communication and technology access.

Keyboards, Mice and Styluses

External hardware, such as ergonomic keyboards, compact keyboards, enlarged keyboards, alternative mouse pointing devices, touch screens, stylus, joysticks, and single or dual switches may improve access to computer or tablet devices.

Headtracking and eye-gaze technology

When using computer technology, head tracking and eye control systems measure head or eye positions and directly translate their movement into mouse movements. A quick nod of the head or blink of the eye and individuals with mobility challenges can navigate a computer completely hands-free. Head tracking and eye gaze can also be reliable methods allowing a user to access no tech and light tech communication systems.

The speed and ease of using eye gaze or head tracking by the student in comparison to many other alternative access methods should be considered in the decision making process.