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What is Adaptive Technology ?
According to Sheryl Burgstahler from DO-IT Publications, "Computers are essential tools in all academic studies. They can enhance the independence, productivity, and capabilities of people with disabilities. Computers can benefit people with low vision, blindness, speech and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, mobility, and health impairments. Each of these impairments poses challenges to accessing and using a standard computer and electronic resources. For example, a student who is blind is unable to read a computer screen display or standard printouts. A student with a spinal cord injury may not have the motor control and finger dexterity required to use a standard mouse and keyboard.
Access to computers for students with disabilities involves two major issues: access to the computers themselves and access to electronic resources such as word processors, spreadsheets, and the World Wide Web.
Adaptive (or, assistive) hardware and software can facilitate computer access for people with disabilities. Adaptive technology solutions may involve simple, readily available adjustments such as using built-in access devices on standard computers, or they may require unique combinations of software and hardware such as those needed for voice or Braille output."
source url: http://www.washington.edu/doit/Faculty/Strategies/Academic/Adaptive/
Your VSU Adaptive Technology Coordinator is:
Michael McKinley
Email: mmckinle@valdosta.edu
Skype: mike.mckinley.vsu
Phone: 229.245.2498
Farber Hall - South
Accessibility Training with New Products
Windows 7 includes accessibility options and programs that make it easier to see, hear, and use your computer including ways to personalize your PC. Windows 7 includes significant accessibility improvements. Magnifier now includes a lens mode and full-screen mode. On-Screen Keyboard can be resized to make it easier to see and includes text prediction. Windows 7 also gives you more ways to interact with your PC by taking advantage of new strides in speech recognition and touch technology.
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Accessibility in Microsoft Products
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Guides by Impairment
© 2011 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
These guides organize information from this site into helpful resources for various types of difficulties and impairments. Each guide provides a list of assistive technology products and links to tutorials for accessibility features that are helpful for specific types of difficulties and impairments.
Guides available for:
- Vision Difficulties and Impairments
- Dexterity Difficulties and Impairments
- Hearing Difficulties and Impairments
- Learning Difficulties and Impairments
- Language and Communication Difficulties and Impairments
- Aging Computer Users
- Keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Word 2010*
- Keyboard shortcuts for use while creating a presentation in PowerPoint 2010*
- Keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Outlook 2010*
- Keyboard shortcuts in Excel 2010*
- Create accessible PDFs in Microsoft Excel 2010, PowerPoint 2010, Publisher 2010, Visio 2010, Word 2010, Excel 2007, PowerPoint 2007, Visio 2007, Word 2007
*Note: To print this topic, press TAB to select Show All, press ENTER, and then press CTRL+P.
Dragon Naturally Speaking - Reference & Help Guide
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Look for additional topics. If you have any questions, please contact Mike McKinley at 229.245.2498.