Computer Access for Students with Disabilities

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) was extensively discussed in previous blogs and how UDL can be beneficial to educators in teaching to every student. There are universal design features on computers that can help facilitate computer access for students with disabilities. 

The second principle of Universal Design, flexibility in use, has been incorporated in operating systems which benefits students with disabilities. Operating systems were designed to be useable by as many people as possible, including individuals with disabilities.   

It's important to remember that not every feature is applicable to every student, nor is a particular feature appropriate for every student with a particular disability; therefore, computer access solutions must decided on a case-by-case basis according to each student's specific needs. Some universal design features that assist users with disabilities in completing tasks more easily include:

• Programs providing a variety of methods of use
• Accommodating right and left handed users
• Provide for flexibility among the precision, accuracy, and pace of computer users
• Additional operating system features that adhere to the flexibility-in-use principle such as keyboard and mouse control, voice feedback, and display options

These universal design features are for students whom have:

• Poor fine motor control 
• Limited range of motion
• Difficulty in visually tracking mouse pointer
• Reading disabilities or attention deficits 
• Low vision
• Visual perceptual issues
• Visual tracking difficulty
• Hand-eye coordination problems
• Hand tremors
• Cognitive deficits
• Difficulty raising hand to monitor the movement of the mouse pointer or check for typing accuracy 

The next blog post will discuss additional operating system features to help students!

Sources:

www.educationuk.org

Dell, A., Newtown, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom . (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey : Pearson Education.