Main Topics

Overview Adaptations to Environment Preschool Computer Center Management Strategies Performance Indicators Computer Environment Site Map

Adaptations to the Computer Environment

Sub-Topics (Click on topic you wish to see) Child Positioning Equipment Placement

Adaptations to the Environment

Environment plays an important role in the outcome of a curriculum activity for the very young child with disabilities. Factors that can affect a child's level of response include body position, placement of monitor or toy, choice and placement of input device, room lighting, acoustics, and distractions. Input from families and support staff, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and vision and hearing specialist, is essential in consideration of environmental factors. Input from the child's team can be obtained during a technology assessment in which environment and positioning are evaluated.

For more information, view the Technology Assessment Workshop.

Child Positioning

Positioning strategies for optimal computer access are extremely important for children with physical disabilities. Some questions to ask concerning positioning are:

• In which position is the child most comfortable?
• What is the child's resting position?
• How long should the child stay in one position at a time?
• What are the child's most reliable, consistent movements?

Perception and the ability to integrate motor control with vision or hearing also play an important role in determining the most comfortable, consistent position for the child. A child in a wheelchair may need to have the angle of the seat adjusted in relation to the monitor to improve his/her ability to use the input device and maintain visual attending. Consider these questions:

• How long can the child visually attend to the monitor?
  
• Can the child visually track an item across midline?
  
• Can a child work with his/her eyes in midline?
  
• How does the child coordinate his/her eyes and motor skills?
  
• Does he/she have to look at his/her hand to operate the input device?
  
• Does the child have difficulty maintaining visual attending while operating the computer?
  
• Does the child rely on vision or hearing to operate the computer?

Once the best position is determined for the child, the type of input device or the way the child will access the computer should be addressed.

Child Positioning Aides - are available commercially or can be adapted from common materials.  For a list of aides, check the Let's Play! Project website http://letsplay.buffalo.edu

Other Resources on Child Positioning:

Circle of Inclusion - provides information on positioning for children with disabilities.http://www.circleofinclusion.org/

Positioning and Mobility - chapter from Baby Power book at National Center to Improve Practice in Special Education (NCIP) website - http://www2.edc.org/NCIP/library/ec/Power_3.htm

Alternative Input Methods

Switch and Switch Interface

• Switch input may be used through a Switch Interface, IntelliKeys, or Discover:Kenx.
• Software written for single switch use can be used with the switch interface.
• Through Discover: Kenx or ClickIt! any software program can be customized for switch use.

Touch Tablets

A variety of touch tablets are available:

• Magic Touch – Keytec, Inc (www.magictouch.com/)
• Key Largo - Don Johnston (www.donjohnston.com)
• IntelliKeys - IntelliTools (www.intellitools.com)

Each device has advantages and disadvantages. An evaluation needs to be made before purchasing.

• Some devices require specialized software.
• Overlays can be produced to correspond to computer screens.
• Off-computer materials can be designed around overlays to encourage sequencing or retelling a story.

Equipment Placement

When using an alternate input device:

• Simplify the environment for the child by removing the mouse and keyboard from the child's view.
  
• Present the switch or touch tablet within easy reach and in front of the monitor.
  
• Cover other pieces of equipment with a static-free cloth if they are too distracting for the child.
  
• Provide a long monitor cord switch cable if needed to position the equipment at a comfortable distance for the child.

Secure the device in a stable position so that it will not move out of the child's reach when activated.

• Clamps, tape or velcro are inexpensive methods of securing an item to a wheelchair tray or table.
  
• Dycem or non-slip material will secure a switch, keyboard or touch tablet in place.
  
• Switch holders can be made of wood to keep a switch in position.

Directions for making a switch holder can be found in Adaptations Workshop.

For more information, view the Adaptations Workshop.

A switch mount can be used for positioning the switch in a secure yet versatile position.

There are several types of mounts available:

• Universal Switch Mount http://www.ablenetinc.com
  
• Slim Armstrong http://www.ablenetinc.com
  
• Magic Arm - can be used for positioning switch or other small input device, such as adapted joystick. http://www.rjcooper.com/magic-arm/index.html
  
• Universal Switch Mount from Creforms Applications - can be used as a mount for a switch or a communication device. http://ece.eng.wayne.edu/etl/agile/Creform/switchmount.html

Preschool Computer Center