8. Assistive Technology

Head Stick

Adaptive pointers that attach to helmets or other bracing systems on the head.

Scanning

An indirect method of computer access. The process entails stepping through choices that the user selects by switch activation. In general, scanning involves the use of an array, keyboard emulator, and one or more switches. The four most common methods are automatic linear, step linear, inverse, and frequency-of-use.

SETT model

Specifically for schools Student Environment Tasks Tools

Home Row

The row of keys on the keyboard where the fingers rest when they are not reaching for other keys. In the standard (Qwerty) keyboard layout, home row contains A, S, D, F, G, etc. With the Dvorak layout, home row contains the most frequently used keys (A, O, E, U, I, etc.)

Traditional Orthography

Written language text.

Blissymbols

A pictographic symbol system developed by Charles Bliss.

HAAT Model

Human Activity Assistive Technology Model

Compatibility

The condition allowing hardware devices or software to work with each other.

Bandwidth

The difference between the lowest and highest frequencies that can be transmitted by an analog or digital communication channel. Analog signals are expressed in hertz (Hz) or cycles per section (cps). Digital pulses are expressed in bits per second (baud rate).

respiration

puff and sip

phonation

speech recognition and sound

Automatic Linear Scanning

A common scanning method in which the use presses the switch to bring up the array. A cursor then starts moving across the array of selections using either one-item-at-a-time or group-item scanning. The user waits until the cursor is on the desired item and then presses the switch.

Braille Input

A hardware device that allows input to the computer via a Braille-Style keyboard or specific keys on a standard keyboard that functions in Braille patterns.

Key Guard

A hardware device that covers a standard or alternative keyboard. Key guards allow users to slide a pointer over the surface without accidentally activating the keys.

Switch

A hardware device that either opens or closes an electronic circuit, controlling the flow of electricity to an electronic device - much like a light switch in the home turns the lights on (closed circuit) or off (open circuit). Switches are connected to a computer using either a game I/O switch interface or keyboard emulator.

Large Print Display

A hardware device that enlarges the image on the computer monitor.

Keyboard Emulator

A hardware device that interfaces with a computer and allows input from a source other than the standard keyboard.

Braille Output

A hardware device that produces hard copy Braille, or paperless refresh Braille as output from the computer.

Alternative Keyboard

A hardware device that replaces or works in conjunction to the standard keyboard and is positioned to meet the specific needs of the user.

Dvorak Keyboard

A keyboard layout designed to increase typing speed and efficiency by locating the keys most often in the home row.

Menu

A list of options from which the user can choose, typically shown on the screen. An option may be selected by keystrokes or mouse actions. Menus are used to make application software easier to use.

Keyboard

A peripheral device that provides a common way to communicate with the computer. Computer keyboards are arranged in a variety of layouts with different numbers, sizes, and shapes of keys.

Joystick

A peripheral device with a moveable stick used to provide 2D control to computers and applications ranging from games to graphic software.

Speech Recognition

A process whereby the computer learns to understand discrete sounds or words. This is accomplished by training the recognition system with repetitions of individual words or phrases. A template for each word is stored and then saved to a vocabulary file which can contain up to several thousand words; voice input.

Yes/No Verbal Scanning

A scanning method in which the listener points to all possible choices while the speaker responds yes or no to each selection.

Inverse Scanning

A scanning method in which the user is required to hold the switch closed to start the cursor moving across an array. The user continues to press and hold the switch until the cursor reaches the desired item. Only then does the user release the switch.

Mouse

A small hardware device used to position a cursor on the computer screen. The mouse is rolled around on a flat surface next to the computer. When the user moves the mouse, the cursor on the screen moves correspondingly.

Text-to-Speech Analysis

A synthesized speech technique that defines and stores the phonemes or sounds of the English language as a set of mathematical rules and procedures. Typically, text-to-speech systems include hundreds of such pronunciation rules to describe the English language. The voice quality of text-to-speech synthesizers is not as good as digitized or LPC.

Braille

A system of writing for individuals who are visually impaired that uses letters, numbers, and punctuation marks made up of raise dot patterns. Braille software translate from English-Braille, Braille-English, or functions as a Braille training programs.

Communication Board

Allows expressive communication by pointing or gazing at printed word, symbol, or picture. These systems do not have spoken or written output.

Direct Selection

An access method that allows the user to indicate choices directly by pointing with a body part of techniques aid to make a selection. Direct selection is the most rapid method of entering information into the computer.

Mouth Stick

An adaptive pointer that attaches to a mouth guard that is held by clamping it between the teeth.

Icon

An image that represents an object, concept, or message.

Touch Screen

An input device that senses the position of a finger on the computer monitor.

Touch Tablet

An input device that senses the position of a finger or stylus on a flat, touch-sensitive surface. Can be used for control cursor movements, act as an alternative keyboard, or replace a mouse/joystick

Indirect Selection

An input method that involves intermediate steps between indicating the choice and actually sending a keystroke or command to the computer. Indirect selection schemes replicate the computer's keyboard characters by using a variety of display formats.

OTs role in assistive technology

Analysis of Occupation and Participation Interaction with context/environment Performance skills Matching device to individual Advocacy Team member

assistive technology

Any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities

Switch Toys

Battery- or radio-controlled toys that have been adapted for use with a single switch.

Taped Speech

Cassette tapes with prerecorded speech output for use in AAC systems.

Dynamic Display

Communication aid or computer displays of symbols that change constantly based on previous system selections.

Static Display

Communication aid or computer displays of symbols that never change or vary.

Aided Communication

Communication modes that require equipment in addition to the communicator's body.

Unaided Communication

Communication modes that use only the communicator's body. Vocalizations, gestures, facial expressions, and head nods are examples.

Alternative Communication

Communication modes, such as sign language, gestures, and communication aids that are used to replace oral language skills.

Augmentative Communication

Communication modes, such as sign language, gestures, and communication aids that are used to replace oral language skills.

Dedicated Augmentative Communication Aids

Communication systems specifically designed to operate as communication skills.

high tech

Complex Usually electronic Multiple functions More expensive Difficult to acquire May require more fine motor demands

High-Technology Augmentative Communication Aids

Computerized AAC systems that use specifically written software and have either printed or spoken output, or both.

Education Tech Points (AT Process)

Consideration & Referral • Are there barriers? • Could AT improve access and participation? Evaluation • Use HAAT or SETT to brainstorm possible AT solutions • Team approach Trial Periods • Test Drive Plan Development • Identify AT or characteristics of AT in the plan • Document AT services needed to reach goals Implementation • Instruct child how to use AT across needed environments • Provide training Periodic Review • Is the AT still helping? • Is the AT being used as it was documented?

Adaptive Computer Access

Hardware and/or software created or modified to allow persons to use a computer with or without its standard input or output devices.

Usability Principles

How you choose assistive technology Learnability Efficiency - how many steps does it take to implement the technology? Memorability Errors Satisfaction

Symbols

Language units that have shared meaning between the use and listening. Photographs, drawings, letters, and written text can all serve as symbols.

Word Prediction

Memory-resident utility software that provides keyboard assistance. As the user inputs each keystroke, the software presents a list of possible words or phrases that it thinks the user is typing. The user then selects the appropriate word from the prediction list. Statistical weight is often incorporated into the software to improve prediction tasks

Sticky Key

Memory-resident utility software that provides keyboard assistance. Sticky key features allow head-stick users and single-finger typists to simultaneously depress 2+ keys. A single keystroke can then be used to capitalize letters or to enter multiple control key sequences.

access methods

Movement Respiration Phonation

Universal Design for Learning

Multiple means of Engagement Multiple means of Representation Multiple means of Action & Expression

Pre-Stored Message

Pre-programming frequently used words, phrases, and sentences into a computer of a AAC systems for quick retrieval with symbol codes.

Group-Item Scanning

Scanning procedures that more the cursor by highlighting groups of symbols, then single items in the selected groups.

Item-By-Item Scanning

Scanning procedures that move the cursor one by one through every item in the scanning array.

Low-Technology Augmentative Communication Aids

Simple devices without written or spoken output and without programming capabilities. May be non-electronic or electronic.

low tech

Simple to operate Simple to construct Manual Low cost

Large Print Software

Software that provides large print on the computer monitor or paper.

Synthesized Speech

Spoken computer or communication and output that uses partial numerical waveform parameters representing the format frequencies of speech.

Pictograph Symbols

Symbol sets that have picture representations of concrete concepts as well as abstract concepts.

Mouse Button

The button on top of the mouse. Users press the mouse button to choose commands from menus or move items around on the screen.

Communication Mode

The modality of communication. Gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, communication boards and speaking are all modes of communication.

Qwerty Keyboard

The most commonly used keyboard layout in the US, named for the first 6 letters in the top row.

Interface

The physical point of communication between the communication and peripheral devices.

Mini Keyboard

These keyboard provide a smaller key surface area for input, reducing the motor requirements for making keystrokes. Mini keyboards use a matrix of touch-sensitive membrane switches that can be grouped together to form larger keys. Mini keyboards often use paper overlays to define the layout of particular keys, Mini keyboards differ in properties such as size, spacing, and sensitivity of the keys. In general, mini keyboards require a "keyboard emulator" interface to communicate with a computer.

Step-Linear Scanning

This is a manual scanning method of moving the cursor through an array and selecting items. A user presses a switch to bring up the array. The user then presses and releases the switch to move the cursor across the array item by item. This process is repeated until the cursor reaches the desired item.

Row-Column Scanning

This scanning method is commonly used with AAC systems. These scanning procedures quickly move the cursor by first highlighting an entire row of symbols, then single symbols in the selected row.

Digitized Speech

This technique stores a real person's actual words and sentences in the form of "digitized" sounds. These sounds are recorded by a peripheral device that converts sound input from a stereo system, an instrument, or a microphone into a form that the computer can process, store, and play back. The sound quality is excellent, but this technique requires large amounts of RAM and storage space to sample and converts works and phrases into digitized speech.

Mouse Emulator

an alternative access method that replaces the physical movement tasks associated with the mouse. The alternative input method can include alternative keyboards, touch tablets, or switches. Alternative keyboards usually require the use of paper overlays to indicate mouse functions. Switches usually require an indirect selection method.

AT service

any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition or use of an assistive technology device

movement

• Physical (finger, arm, head, eyes) -joystick, keyboard, mouse, switch, trackball • Electrical-Brain Computer Interface, capacitive switch • Cameras/heat sensitive-Gestures