On my continued journey of discovery about UDL ~ Assistive Technology through the lens of using what is already available via existing operating systems will now be reviewed. Specifically I will be using the text book, Assistive Technology in the Classroom. I will be using the Chapter 7 focus questions to guide my post.UDL is an integral part of Assistive Technology (AT) - computer manufacturers use UDL to maximize their market share. With this knowledge a teacher is able to have access to many AT tools with minimum investment (majority of investment is with time).
The ability for operating systems to accommodate different end-users, allows you to match the student need and ability to the method of access.
Here is a sampling of how a student might be matched to the appropriate access (page 167):
Student Characteristic Operating System Feature
1) Student with Reading Disability Text to Speech
2) Low Vision / Hand Tremors Enlarged Icons
3) Limited Range of Motion Increase mouse speed
MAC: Universal Access settings are found under System Preferences and look for the Universal Access Symbol (displayed on right).
When using a resource that has a
Windows Operating system,
look for the Ease of Access icon (displayed on the right).
By accessing the "Universal Access" or "Ease of Access" settings you have the ability to change:
- warning beeps to flashes or loud voice over (hard of hearing/deaf student)
- high contrast color screen and screen magnification (vision impairment)
- stick keys / slow keys / mouse keys ( range of motion or muscle control limitations)
If you are hesitant to "play" this You Tube
video will give you a brief tutorial on
Universal Access on a Mac.
Here is a brief tutorial on Ease of Access for Windows based operating systems.
Resource:
Assistive Technology In the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities, Second Edition 2012 by Amy G. Dell, Deborah A. Newton, Jerry G. Petroff, Pearson
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