Alternative Keyboards

                                                   Alternative Keyboards     

Use of a computer holds great potential for student's future.  Most employers require their employees to have competitive computer skills.  Students can access the computer at and early age.  The computer provides accessibility to the core curriculum areas as well as the expanded core curriculum areas.  The computer also has leisure value. Young children can use a computer for emergent literacy actives, writing and math.

To use a computer the student must have and "input" method.  There are several types of "input" access methods for the computer, these include mouse, trackball, switch, voice recognition, sensory pointer and keyboarding.

Considerations for selecting and alternative keyboard,  vising needs, physical access, cognitive abilities.  Check with your vision specialist for individual needs.

The following are examples of alternative keyboards for students with visual impairments.

                 Big Keys

Description taken from Maxiaids at Maxiaids.com  Features
  • Great for kids and those with low vision
  • Easy to see oversized 1" square color-coded keys
  • ABC keyboard layout is logical for children
  • Vowels keys are all yellow, B key is blue, G is green, etc.
  • For use with Mac computers

This model of Big Keys Plus, with its large color-coded keys in ABC order, makes it easy for children to learn to use the computer keyboard. No longer will they have to hunt for keys in the unfamiliar arrangement of a QWERTY keyboard - now they can easily locate keys by simply saying the alphabet. (Note: the keyboard is equipped with a switch that can convert it into a QWERTY keyboard in the future.) In addition, color coding further aids in key identification: all vowel keys are yellow, the “R” is red, the “G” is green, etc. This will accelerate their automatic recognition of letters, and their progress in learning to read.
The oversized keys on this keyboard are also helpful for those with low vision, increasing efficiency and enjoyment of the computer. The letter and number keys are 1” square. The return key is 2” square.

This Keyboard is similar to "Keys You Can See"

Description taken from MaxiAids @ MaxiAids.com

The Keys-U-See Large Print Yellow Computer Keyboard and Mouse Combination is designed for those who have a hard time seeing the existing commands on the standard keyboard. It is particularly helpful for those with conditions that cause visual impairment or low vision such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or age. This user-friendly large print keyboard has 12 "hot keys" providing easy access to common functions.

VisiKeys

Description taken from Visikeys @   http://www.visikey.net/catalog/index.php

"We combine the visibility of large white on black print for increased visibility and contrast, with the internet and media center functionality of todays best keyboards. Our Enhanced Visibility lettering system is rated at 20/300 on the Snellen Visual Acuity Scale, most other keyboards are rated at 20/70"

               Zoom Caps

  ZoomCaps are adhesive labels for computer keyboards. The letters, numbers, and symbols are enlarged and use the American Printing House for the Blind's "Aphont" for easier viewing by individuals with low vision.  Zoom caps can be ordered in a variety of contrasting colors.

The Intellikeys Keyboard is a programmable keyboard and can be used with braille, print, pictures, symbols and textures on overlays created specifically for themed curricular activities. 

(Please she the Intellikeys link under Assistive Technology for more information)