This training module provides an overview of alternate access technology options for students with disabilities.  The presentation highlights important considerations for planning and matching technology to student needs, abilities, goals, and expectations. We describe the features of different categories of access technologies, including software and operating system adaptations, keyboard and mouse alternatives, and switches and scanning.

Webcasts - This webcast is divided into 5 sections:

• Planning & Feature Matching - Highband, Lowband or Audio Only (Elaine Ferguson - 16:38 min)
• Computing Devices & Software Options - Highband, Lowband or Audio Only (John Beames, Doug Bowes - 10:59 min)
• Alternative Keyboards - Highband, Lowband or Audio Only (Rick Cordingley - 19:43 min)
• Pointing Options - Highband, Lowband or Audio Only (Shel Harris - 6:03 min)
• Switches & Scanning - Highband, Lowband or Audio Only (Yvonne Green, Colette Massie - 26:40 min)

Related Materials - Before watching the webcast presentations, you may want to download the accompanying resource guide which provides more in-depth information on access technologies.

• Alternate Access Technologies: A Guide for School-Based Teams (2005) - Download PDF (675 Kb)

Software Demonstrations / Screen Captures

• Operating System Accessibility Options
  • Macintosh OSX Universal Preferences - View Demo (2:03 min)
  • Windows XP Accessibility Options - View Demo (9:32 min)
  • Windows XP Accessibility Options Magnifier - View Demo (2:02 min)
• Onscreen Keyboards
  • Clicker 4 Onscreen Keyboard - View Demo (2:32 min)
  • Macintosh OSX Onscreen Keyboard - View Demo (1:19 min)
  Windows XP Accessibility Options Sticky Keys - View Demo (2:24 min)
• Pointing Options
  • Windows XP Pointing Options - View Demo (3:01 min)
• Switches & Scanning
  • Single Switch Use - View Demo (1:19 min)