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Computer Access for Students with Vision Impairments

The Decision

When choosing a computer for students with vision impairments - desktop, laptop or note-taker; PC or Apple - it is important to evaluate all options carefully. The following general factors will need to be taken into account when making the decision:

student's current and future curriculum access requirements
factors which are likely to affect the student's ability to operate computer devices
input, storage and output features for the student's needs and skills
student's entry level skills and ongoing training required
technical support available
compatibility with home and school systems

A detailed checklist, which may assist in the selection of suitable access technology solutions, is available - see Checklist for Access Technology.

Accessibility Options

In order for the student to fully access their computer, consider low-tech solutions first. Access for the student may be provided by simple adaptions including:

tactual markers on the keyboard
large letters on the keyboard eg large print stickers or specialised keyboard
mounting the computer screen on a moveable arm so that it can be positioned close to the student
purchasing a custom-made computer workstation enabling the laptop screen to be in an ergonomic position whilst the student types on a wireless keyboard - see Laptop Workstation
a larger computer screen - see Computer Monitor Size

Most PC and Apple computer users employ a mouse and keyboard to navigate around the screen; students with vision impairments may prefer to use Key Commands as an alternative - several “Cheat Sheets” are available here!

Some mouses include features such as magnification, programmability and automatic scrolling which may assist students with vision impairments read lengthy passages.

The attributes of the student's computer can be personalised - including size, colour and contrast of, for example, the title bar, menu, icons, scroll bars, and text. For the PC, see Computer Access: Windows. Both PC and Apple systems have many inbuilt Accessibility Options - voice and/or enlargement - that may allow adequate access for students with vision impairments. Further information and downloads of Accessibility Options can be found at:

Microsoft - http://www.microsoft.com/enable/guides/vision.aspx
Apple - http://www.apple.com/disability/

If these options do not provide adequate accessibility, additional software (eg voice output or enlarging software) or additional hardware (eg alternative keyboard, enlarged screen or refreshable braille display) may need to be considered. Ensure that the computer has adequate memory to run additional software. For further information and product lists, see:

Tip: Extending the Life of your Laptop Battery

Most laptops have the ability to turn off the screen whilst still using the computer. This is great for those who use a screen reader and don't need the screen. It means that they're not using up battery charge to power the laptop screen, which in turn will extend the time between battery charges.

Modified Access for Students with Physical Impairments

For modified access to computers including switches, touch pads etc, refer to Spectronics.

Secondhand Computers

If adequate funding is difficult to secure, you may wish to consider purchasing a secondhand computer.

List of Suppliers
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Website editor Deb Lewis , Statewide Vision Resource Centre - Victoria, Australia. Last updated November 2006.
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