Students with vision impairments need early access to computer technology. Many sighted children begin using computers at a very early age, and by 10 years are typically independent with internet searches for school assignments, using chat rooms to chat to their friends, emailing, downloading music etc. Students with vision impairments must have similar access in order to be competitive in the academic arena and job (including work experience) market. Competence with computer technology will enhance job opportunities.
When teaching students to type, the student and/or Visiting (Itinerant) Teacher may require skills in the following areas:
Below is a range of materials and tutorials for teaching:
For the prerequisites, skills and strategies, see: Keyboarding
Skills
For reluctant typists see: Fun Keyboarding for
the Reluctant Typist
| Title and Supplier |
Price |
Comments |
| Access Technology Institute Courses Access Technology Institute |
Free to US$125 per course | MP3 files (stream) which include instruction in Windows SP & VISTA, Window Eyes, JAWS, Internet, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Firefox, webpage design |
| Big KeysLX Spectronics |
A$249 | PC or Apple: large print keyboard |
| CATS Software Australian Independence Products Micro Marvellous |
A$770 software only |
PC: talking system Easy to use Spoken help, taped lessons No key combinations required - suitable for some physical and learning disabilities Includes typing tutor, spelling tutor, word processing, email, database, phone dialer and diary |
| Five Finger Typist |
A$99 | PC and Apple Teaches one handed typing - left or right hand Access via mouse or keyboard |
| Internet Training Pachage for People
with a Communication or Literacy Disability |
Free download | Developed for people with literacy or communication
difficulties Internet Explorer 5.5 and Outlook Express Manuals for student and tutor |
| JAWS Tutorials ATTO Freedom Scientific |
Free download | Text and/or sound-based tutorials |
| Keyboard Access Tips CantorAccess |
US$20-22 | Resources for teaching efficient use of Windows-based software
without a mouse Includes tips for learning to work without a mouse, essential hotkeys, configuring Windows to improve keyboard assess etc Available in booklet, Word file or PDF file |
Large Print Keyboard |
A$139 | Upper or lower case lettering |
Large Print “Keys U See” Keyboard |
A$149 | Wireless mouse and keyboard |
| Microsoft Step by Step Tutorials Microsoft |
Free to schools and other learning institutions | Tutorials for some of the most commonly used accessibility
features - either via mouse or keyboard shortcuts Also tutorials for Windows, Word, Outlook, Internet Explorer |
| PC Talking Typing Tutor for Windows Rehabilitation Technology Services |
Download US$189 CD US$199 Licence is for 12 months - extensions available Multi-user licence available |
PC - Win 95, 98 14 lessons with performance feedback Adjust colours, fonts and speech |
| Talking Typing Teacher MarvelSoft.com |
A$100 | PC - typing program |
| Talking Typing Tutor Azabat |
A$72 | PC - CD Talking Typing Tutor with 7 lessons typing letters and 7 typing words Feedback given on progress Self-voiced and runs from the CD |
| Talking Typer for Windows APH |
US$89 | PC: keyboarding/typing program designed for people with
vision impairments With drills, practice and games |
| TypeAbility T&T Consultancy |
A$150 | Typing program that is compatible with JAWSA new typing program which works with JAWS |
| UltraKey 5.0 www.donortec.com.au |
A$18 | Keyboard tutoring program with interactive activities Clear voiced instructions Tracks progress |
| ZoomText Large Print Keyboard Spectronics |
A$149 | PC keyboard |