Assistive Technology Tools and Resources for Computer Access
Alternative computer access tools and resources
Alternative computer access includes tools and settings which make it easier for users with a variety of disabilities to access their computers more independently. Alternative access computer methods include touch, switch, mouse, and eye gaze.
Windows Computer Access
Ease of Access - Ease of Access is a Windows feature that helps make your computer more accessible based on a user's individual needs.
Full Screen Mode - Use the F11 key on your computer keyboard to switch to full screen view on your windows computer when using a web browser. Full screen mode may help focus attention and/or prevent mouse misclicks. Full screen mode works in most web browsers. Video Tutorial on How to Use Full Screen Mode
Pointer Size - Changing the mouse pointer size may help with visibility and to focus attention on the screen.
Mouse Settings - You can change how the buttons and pointer on the mouse function to meet a user's individual needs.
On-screen Keyboard - Windows has a built-in Ease of Access tool called the On-screen Keyboard that can be used instead of a physical keyboard. You don't need a touchscreen to use the On-screen Keyboard. Use the mouse or other input device to select keys. Video Tutorial on How to Use Single Switch Scanning with the On-screen Keyboard | Video Tutorial on How to Change the Size of the On-screen Keyboard
Filter Keys - Filter keys is a setting which tells your computer to ignore brief or repeated key presses. Filter keys allows you to set the time a key is pressed before it repeats.
Magnifier Reading - Magnifier reading is built into the Windows operating system starting with Windows 10. Students can use the Magnifier reader to listen to selectable text on web pages and web applications such as Google Docs.
Chromebook Computer Access
Chromebook Accessibility Features - You can make your Chromebook easier to use when you turn on accessibility features that work best for your needs.
Select-to-speak - You can hear full pages read aloud with Chromebook’s built-in screen reader. You can hear parts of a page, including specific words, read aloud with Select-to-speak.
Screen Reader - Chromebooks have a built-in screen reader called ChromeVox, which enables people with visual impairments to use the Chrome operating system.
Dictation - Type text with your voice. You can hear full pages read aloud with Chromebook’s built-in screen reader. You can hear parts of a page, including specific words, read aloud with Select-to-speak.
Display - Enable color filters for protanopia, deuteranopia, or tritanopia, or view the display in grayscale with Color correction, turn on Color inversion mode, turn on the screen magnifier, and change screen resolution or text size.
Keyboard - Turn on sticky keys, on-screen keyboard, keyboard focus highlighting, keyboard repeat rate, or word prediction.
Mouse and touchpad - Turn on navigation buttons in tablet mode, automatic clicking, tap dragging, cursor highlighting, or change the cursor's size or color.
Chrome Live Caption - You can use Live Caption to automatically create real-time captions for any audio or video you play on your Chrome browser.
Switch Computer Access
A switch is an assistive technology device that offers an alternate way to interact with a computer, communication device, appliance controller, or switch adapted toys.
Switch Interface - A switch interface is required to connect a switch to a computer. Video Tutorial on How to Use the Don Johnston Switch Interface Pro | Video Tutorial on How to use a Hitch Computer Switch Interface
Eye Gaze Computer Access
Tobii Eye Tracker 4C
Tobii Eye Tracker 4C - An eye tracker is a peripheral that allows a computer to be accessed via eye gaze. The Tobii Eye Tracker 4C is a low-cost precise eye tracker that attaches to a computer via a USB cable.
Tobii Eye Tracker 4C Software Download
Setting up the Tobii Eye Tracker 4C
Setting up the Tobii Eye Tracker 4C Video Tutorial
Tobii Gaze Point Software
Tobii Gaze Point Eye Control Software - Tobii Gaze Point is a free software that allows the user to control the mouse cursor and to make single mouse clicks using their eyes.
Tobii Gaze Point Eye Gaze Software Download
Tobii Gaze Point Eye Gaze Software Introduction Video Tutorial
Tobii Gaze Point Eye Gaze Calibration Video Tutorial
Windows 10 Eye Control
Windows 10 Eye Control - Eye control is a setting on Windows 10 computers (version 1709 or higher) which allows users to control and use their computers with the movement of their eyes. Windows 10 Eye Control is used in conjunction with an eye tracking device. It currently supports several Tobii eye trackers.
Windows 10 Eye Control Tutorial
Windows 10 Eye Control Video Tutorial
Alternative Computer Access Resources
Ianbean - Resource website with hundreds of fun, accessible activities. Activities can be accessed via touch, mouse, switch, or eye gaze. This website requires you to register for an account with an email address to access their free resources. FCPS staff and student email addresses should not be used to register for an account.
Tar Heel Reader - Resource website of free, easy-to-read, accessible books on a wide range of topics. Each book can be speech enabled and accessed by touch, mouse, switch, or eye gaze. To enable speech, choose a book to read, click the gear icon in the top right corner, and then select your speech preference.
Tar Heel Gameplay - Resource website of free, easy-to-play, accessible games. Each game is speech enabled and may be accessed via touch, mouse, switch, or eye gaze. You can create your own games using videos from YouTube.
Papunet - Resource website of touch, mouse, switch, and eye gaze accessible activities.
SEN Switcher - Resource website of 15 introductory touch, mouse, switch and eye gaze activities that encourage user interaction with the computer. Each activity can be customized to the user's needs. This website requires you to register for an account with an email address to access their free resources. FCPS staff and student email addresses should not be used to register for an account.
Chrome Music Lab - Resource website of touch, mouse, and eye gaze accessible musical experiments.
