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AbilityNet (Scotland)

Welcome to this morning's session, hosted by Craig Mill from

AbilityNet Scotland

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AbilityNet

…..is a national charity and the UK's leading provider of expertise on

computing and disability.

Who is talking to you today?

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How AbilityNet works!

30% funded by fees

10 centres across the UK

Over 2,000 assessments in 2001

Over 15,000 phone calls in 2001

Over 600 machines supplied

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AbilityNet Services

Helpline Tel: 0800 269 545

Assessment services

Informative courses

Consultancy – including website accessibility

Website – www.AbilityNet.org.uk

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An essential technology!

The Kettle

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The AbilityNet Kettle Montage!

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The AbilityNet Approach

In every operation we have…

a person a method an end result

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The AbilityNet Approach

We believe that there are many different methods, and our approach is all about finding the right method, for a unique individual.

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It doesn’t need to be expensive:

Research in the USA showed that an average cost of adaptation was less than $150 on top of the cost of the computer.

We run a hands-on course, called Low Cost – No Cost, which looks at equipment which costs no more than £100.

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The AbilityNet Triangle

Fewer, more seriously disabled, requiring complex, and sometimes expensive equipment.

Line of identifiable disability.

Large number of people who require ‘some help’, but you would not use the word disabled to help describe their difficulties.

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Provision

ProvisionIt is unrealistic for any organisation to attempt to cater for ALL of its users’ needs at any one time.

AimsWhen carrying out library/accessibility audits we recommend that, if possible, organisations should aim to meet 70 - 90% of its clients/customers/users’ needs, e.g., physical, sensory, reading and writing.

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Provision

Our experience has shown us that whilst there will always be a number of individuals who will require personalised equipment in a supported environment, it is possible to provide for the majority of disabled people quite simply by understanding the alternatives, and having some of them available.

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Internet

The Internet should also be an accessible environment.

Web sites should comply with the W3C guidelines.

The ways in which the Internet is accessed (usability) should also be considered.

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Alternative and Adaptive Technology

Alternative Readily available choices that do the same job, but in a different way to the standard technology.

Adaptive Modified specifically to accommodate disability.

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Just one thing to remember!

“At AbilityNet we have learned that almost any individual with a physical disability, sensory impairment or reading and writing difficulty, can use alternative and adaptive technology to help make positive steps towards greater independence, and achievements, with Information Communication Technology (ICT).”

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The Standard keyboard

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The disabled keyboard?

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Alternative keyboards

There are alternative keyboards which provide greater access compared to a traditional keyboard:

• integrated numeric pad• designed for right and left handed people• fits on to a wheelchair tray• keyguard to rest hands and accurately position fingers

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Alternative keyboards

Keyboard overlay stickers for visually impaired users:

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Alternative keyboards

Keyboard for early learners or older users:

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Adaptive keyboards

For example, the WinKing adaptive keyboard:

• non QWERTY • word endings clustered together• integrated keyguard• combined mouse actions

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Adaptive keyboards

Or the WinKing Mini adaptive keyboard:

• for small, fine motor movements • word endings clustered together• combined mouse actions

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Adaptive keyboards

IntelliKeys:

• membrane keyboard• changeable overlays• QWERTY and ABC layouts• fine motor skills

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Adaptive keyboards

IntelliKeys:

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Ergonomic Keyboards

Fujitsu Siemens

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Ergonomic Keyboards

Goldtouch ergonomic:

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Recap – Standard Keyboard

Designed 130 years ago, to slow you down.

Right handed people only.

Less than 20% of people use the numeric pad, yet we all have one.

Just too big to fit between the arms of a standard wheelchair.

Designed for arms which come out of the chest, are 6 inches long, and all the fingers end at the same length.

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The Standard Mouse

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Alternative pointing devices

• precise and accurate mouse movements• easy to use buttons for left and right click• ‘drag lock’ function key• natural contour rests for hands

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Alternative pointing devices

• designed for both left and right handed users• come in various sizes• ergonomically shaped

Contour mice:

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Adaptive pointing devices

• joystick with various attachments• integrated keyguard• ‘drag lock’ function key• various speeds

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Recap – Standard Mouse

Unnatural gripping motion required.

Right handed people only.

Even the slightest dexterity problems in the hands, make it difficult to use.

Requires very accurate control of the hand, while looking at the screen.

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Switch input systems

Switches can provide a valuable and accessible way of using a computer.

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Software: Accessibility Options

Many modifications can be made using software that is standard in Windows:

• FilterKeys• StickyKeys• Increasing menu font sizes• Changing background colours• Adjusting speed and settings of mouse• Magnification / colour contrast

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AbilityNet Says:

Be Pro Active

Promoting accessibility requires a co-ordinated effort bringing together staff experience and skills, with new technology along with regular updates on accessibility and technology.

www.AbilityNet.org.uk - download our factsheets for free.