When the on-screen keyboard is used for typing it may occupy up to half of the screen, with the rest of the screen being used to display the program being used (e.g., word processing or email).įor individuals who have limited motor capabilities, one or more of the scanning techniques and formats described earlier in Chapter 5 may be used. On-screen keyboards may also be used with single- or multiple-switch scanning formats. For example, it can be easier to understand the information on the screen if the color is appropriate for what the image represents (e.g., blue for water). Also, the ability to increase the visual contrast and magnification and to change colors can be useful. Touch screens that provide feedback (i.e., a sound when you activate a key or a change of color to indicate a key has been activated) are often helpful for people with cognitive impairment or for those who are just learning to use these kinds of devices. Other adjustments intended to make use easier and more efficient include horizontal and vertical cursor movement speed control, keyboard layouts, and location of the keyboard image on the screen (e.g., top or bottom, depending on the type of application program that is running). Some on-screen keyboards also include other characteristics such as a word prediction feature that displays frequently used words as the first few characters of a word are typed. (Courtesy Origin Instruments Corporation, Many on-screen keyboards allow changes in the keyboard arrangement, size of the on-screen keys, and location of the keyboard on the screen. B, An example of an on-screen keyboard screen for Microsoft Windows. If a program (e.g., word processor) works with the standard computer, then it should work with the adaptations that are provided for the individual with a disability.įigure 7-1 A, Head-controlled mouse. All the keyboard keys, including modifier (e.g., shift, control, alt) and special function keys, and all the mouse functions, such as point, click, and drag, must be available on the adapted input system.
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No matter how complex the adaptation, the goal is always to make sure that: (1) all of the functions of the computer are available to the user who has a disability and (2) all application software that runs on the unmodified computer runs on the adapted computer. If the minimal adaptation is not sufficient for a given user, then more complex adaptations can be evaluated. The best approach to adapting a computer for use by individuals with physical limitations is to begin with the simplest modifications designed for the most minimal of physical limitations on the part of the user. In the United States, many computer adaptations are mandated by the legislation described in Chapter 1 (e.g., PL 508).
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