Module Summary

Computers are used by millions of people in order to accomplish a variety of tasks in their daily lives.  Using a computer to accomplish these tasks is relatively simple for the general population; however, from what we have learned in this module, for individuals with disabilities, it can be a task met with difficulties. Without adaptations, certain aspects of the computer serve as barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities from accomplishing goals or tasks using the computer.

This module explored Assistive Technology for computer access for computer system input and output.  Computer input is defined as the information entered into a computer system.  Some examples of computer input that were reviewed in this module were typed text and mouse clicks.   Input Devices are defined as any device that enters information into a computer from a external source. Some examples covered in this modules included: keyboards, touch screens, mouse, trackballs, microphones and scanners.

This module also explored output devices.  Output Devices are defined as a device used by a computer to communicate information in a usable form. Some examples included in this module are monitors, speakers, and printers. 

AT for computer access can be applied by adapting either the input or output component of a computer system. Doing this provides an individual with a disability with a tool that utilizes his or her abilities to access a computer. An example of adapting an input device is providing an individual who does not have use of his or her hands with speech recognition software to enter text into a computer as opposed to a keyboard. As for adapting an output device, an individual with a visual impairment can use either a screen magnifier or screen reader to access output on a computer screen. Information processing, in terms of a computer, does not involve a human element and thus does not require assistive technology adaptations.

Review Questions

These questions are intended to help you review important material from this module, they do not need to be submitted.

1. What are the differences between conventional and assistive technologies?

2. Define input, process, and output devices. Provide some examples of these devices on a standard computer. How do these devices work together on a standard computer?

3. What types of disabilities would cause an individual to need AT for mouse input on a computer? Identify the AT options for people who cannot use a standard mouse.

4. What types of disabilities would cause an individual to need AT for keyboard input on a computer? Identify the AT options for people who cannot use a standard keyboard.

5. What types of disabilities would cause an individual to need AT to access computer output? Identify AT options for people who cannot access standard computer output.

6. Speech recognition is an important tool for many people with disabilities. How would one maximize the ability of speech recognition software?

7. Why are some technologies such as speech recognition software, ergonomic keyboards, and trackballs more readily available and less expensive than other AT devices and software?

Please complete and submit Assignment #4.

Congratulations! You have finished Module 4.

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