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System
software
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Both
Windows and Mac operating systems come with built in
software that allows significant changes to the way
your computer looks and acts. Customization to
the user interface and the way the computer behaves
has developed for all users, but has important
significance to users with disabilities. Users
can change the way the screen looks, enlarge or
reduce size of items on the screen, change colors
and contrast settings, and make changes to every
part of the screen, not just fonts and text.
Built in software utilities can alter the way the
keyboard acts, such as 'Sticky
keys' which reduces the need for two or more
simultaneous key presses, or 'Filter
Keys' which eliminates excessive or inadvertent
key hits due to poor coordination or tremors.
Take a look at some of
the ways software can be set up for
access issues in Windows XP: (these are
all links to the Microsoft web site)
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Word
prediction
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Word
prediction is extensively used as an assistive
technology modification or tool for slow typists and
users with poor spelling and writing skills.
Word prediction has many features and benefits, but
can also be a hindrance to some users, and so it is
important during assessment and trial periods to
determine actual benefit and rate or performance
increase versus perceived benefit since this is such
a widely respected tool. Many people believe
that word prediction is only beneficial for users
who type at 20 words per minute or less and with
good visual skills and ability to cope with divided
attention. However, given custom vocabularies
and with good technique for use, faster typists can
benefit from a combination of word prediction,
abbreviation expansion and macro
programs.
Word prediction
involves the selection of possible words from a list
of options. The way that word prediction works
varies widely from program to program. There
are many programs available, many of which will have
specific users they are best suited to.
Word prediction is a
tool for speeding up text entry and a writing tool
for individuals with poor spelling, grammar and
writing skills.
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Abbreviation
Expansion
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Abbreviations
are a part of our lives, our writing, our talking
and common vocabulary. However, we aren't always
aware that we are, in fact, using an
abbreviation. Abbreviated versions of words
and phrases become so much a part of our thinking
and talking that we often use them automatically, without thinking.
For the user who
needs to speed up typing, who has difficulty
spelling, or who has large volumes of text to
type, with repetitive words and phrases,
abbreviation expansion programs can make a
considerable difference!
Users who learn to
develop good, logical and comprehensive abbreviation
lists for use in multiple programs or applications
are those for whom abbreviation expansion is an
essential tool in their productivity and day to day
work.
Learning 'when' and
'how' to use ab-ex in combination with word
prediction is an important skill.
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AutoCorrect
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AutoCorrect
is a feature found in some regular commercially
available office software, and also as parts of some
adaptive programs.
AutoCorrect provides
comprehensive lists of the most common misspellings
of words. Misspellings can include omissions,
additions of incorrect letters, incorrect sequence
of letters, misspellings due to inadvertent physical
key hits, and also the user's genuine difficulty with
spelling specific words. In all programs,
lists of words can be modified. Words that are
commonly misspelled can be added.
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Macros
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Macro
programs are an extremely underutilized resource for
adaptive computing. Macros, when used wisely,
can speed up and automate many, many computer
functions and text entry. Almost every
keystroke and key sequence, mouse movement, mouse
button click and sequence of commands can be
recorded for quick and automatic
playback.
Macros can not only
speed up computer use, but can also make tasks
possible for assistive technology users that might
have been impossible without the macro
function. For example, a macro program can
provide automatic file naming for saving files if a
user is unable to navigate folders or name files
correctly. Macros can also open and close
programs, insert dates and strings of information
into a page, open and start a business or form
letter, open a web page and get information, and
much more ... |
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Speech
Output
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Every
computer with a sound card and speakers has the
potential to be a reading machine, with the right
software. Speech output programs and
facilities abound and have expanded rapidly over the
past few years! Computers can produce
artificial, synthesized speech to read text.
They can also record voice and store digitized /
recorded messages in your own voice.
Speech output
programs can be extremely useful as a rate
enhancement utility. If the user is able to
make use of auditory feedback and 'hear' each letter
and word typed, this makes for speedier error
correction and less reliance on vision for checking
work.
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