Accommodations and Resources

Persons with a disability may vary in the types of accommodations they need to aid them. Often we find that one type of accommodation can be used for a number of difference accommodations. For example text to speech software may aid persons who are blind, low vision, or cognitive disability.

 Below are just some possible accommodations for:

• Vision
• Hands
• Reading
• Composition

The following links will aid you find more information on some specific disabilities and accommodations

• Learning Disabilities
• Blindness or low vision
• Deafness or hearing loss
• Mobility
• General

Vision

Difficulty seeing small text or small cursor.

Some solutions may be:

• Increased size of text or cursor
• Use magnify screen.
• Increase monitor size
• Use screen enlargement software.

Unable to see images or text.

Some solutions may be:

• Use screen readers and speech synthesizers
• Use refreshable braille displays.

Hands

Difficulty using keyboard with two hands. Persons tires easily or pain when typing.

Some solutions may be:

• Use arm rest supports
• Use ergonomic adapted keyboard.

Difficulty using keyboard with one hand.

Some solutions may be:

• Use sticky keys or latching keys.
• Use of adapted keyboard developed for on
• Use keypads with larger keys.
• Use keyguards with standardized keypads.
• Use voice recognition system.

Unable to use hands.

Some solutions may be:

• Use voice recognition input.
• Use alternative switch input systems such as mouth switches.

Unable to use a mouse

Some solutions may be:

• Use touchscreens monitors
• Use joysticks,
• Use mouse keys.

Limited hand movement or limited gross or find movement.

Some solutions may be:

• Use modified keyboards,
• Use trackballs,
• Use joysticks.

Unable to control mouse movements with hands.

Some solutions may be:

• Use electronics switches or pointing devices,
• Use voice recognition systems.

Reading

Difficulty reading written instructions or directions.

Some solutions may be:

• Use text to speech readers,
• Use large print.

Difficulty reading that lower-than-expected level.

 Some solutions may be:

• Use speech synthesizers and text to speech readers,
• Use reading comprehension programs,
• Use large print with auditory cues.

Composition

Difficulty in ability to compose sentences due to errors in vocabulary, grammar, or spelling.

Some solutions may be:

• Use work prediction software,
• Use spelling software,
• Use writing composition programs.

Difficulty communication of meaning to writing.

Some solutions may be:

• Use writing composition programs.
• Use voice recognition programs,
• Use software that allows graphics to be interpreted as words

Here are some useful links about disability issues and related technology.

Learning Disabilities

Schwab Foundation for Learning

http://www.schwablearning.org/main.asp?page=2

Schwab Foundation for Learning is a non-profit operating foundation dedicated to raising awareness about learning differences and providing parents and teachers with the information, resources and support they need to improve the lives of kids with learning differences.

Blindness or low vision

Welcome to the Iowa Department for the Blind

http://www.blind.state.ia.us/

This web site is part of the Department's commitment to providing information and services to Iowans who are blind and low vision.

Deafness or hearing loss

The National Information Clearinghouse On Children Who Are Deaf-Blind

http://www.tr.wosc.osshe.edu/dblink/index.htm

DB-LINK is a federally funded information and referral service that identifies, coordinates, and disseminates (at no cost) information related to children and youth who are deaf-blind (ages 0 to 21 years). Four organizations have pooled their expertise into a consortium-based clearinghouse.

Mobility

Spinal Cord Injury Information Network

http://www.spinalcord.uab.edu/

information and resources from recognized centers, organizations, researchers, and educators.

General

Microsoft accessibility: Technology for everyone

http://www.microsoft.com/enable/

Microsoft has been one of the largest advocates technology for persons with disabilities. This site offers a large database of information on accessibility, product reviews, news and information, and free resources including free videos about computers and technology featuring the Flying Karamazov Brothers.