Adaptive technology and older people

1 Background information

1.1 Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA)

ASCCA – the peak organisation for Computer Clubs for Seniors – is committed to ensuring that all older people have the opportunity to become computer literate. This includes older people who have difficulty using standard computer hardware and software.

This information sheet will give you an overview of the many different ways to make computer technology accessible to older people with disabilities. You can obtain one to one and small group help from one of the many seniors computer clubs throughout Australia. When this document is viewed online at www.ascca.org.au all links will take you to the relevant websites for more details. You will find some contact details at the end of the sheet.

1.2 What is adaptive technology?

Adaptive technology opens up a new world of information for people who find it difficult to use common computer devices such as keyboards, the mouse, a monitor or a printer. The technology includes alternative or adapted hardware and/or software applications which duplicate the input and output tasks in an appropriate way for the user.

Many older people are deterred from using computers, not only because of lack of familiarity, but also because they are physically unable to use the keyboard, the mouse, or are unable to read text or view images or video on a computer screen.

Adaptive technology, which can also be known as assistive technology, compensates for the inability to use input and output devices and the computer operating system.

1.3 Who benefits from adaptive technology?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics found in its 1998 report (Disability, Ageing and Carers Summary of Findings, Australia, 1998 (Cat. no. 4430.0) that the rate of disability amongst older people ranges from 36% of the population aged between 60-64 to 67.5% of people aged 75 and over.

· Assistance with paperwork is required by 262,100 people aged 65 and over.

· Mobility assistance is required by 410,400 people aged 65 plus.

· 133,600 people aged 65 and over require assistance with communication.

People who benefit from adaptive technology include:

· People with low vision or no useful sight at all

· Older people with poor hand function (stiff joints, tremors, weak muscles or paralysis), often as a result of stroke or arthritis

· Older people with poor memory or confusion

Older people who are hard of hearing.

1.4 Standard computer hardware

Computer hardware is the physical body of the system. It includes the computer’s central processing unit and motherboard, daughter boards (such as sound card), keyboard, monitor, mouse and any other peripherals such as printer, scanner and modem.

1.4.1 Input devices

These include keyboards, mouse, trackballs, scanners and cameras.

1.4.2 Output devices

Video screens and printers are output devices.

All can cause problems for older people with disabilities. See Section 2.2

1.5 Operating systems and software applications

1.5.1 Operating systems

All computers require operating systems (or sets of instructions) to manage tasks such as storing, sorting and saving files. The operating system manages software applications. Examples of operating systems include Microsoft Windows and Linux.

Windows and other operating systems have recently introduced many accessibility features to assist people who have difficulty reading a screen, using a mouse or a keyboard, or hearing sounds.

These include shortcut keys, toggle switches, bundled screen readers (such as narrator which is built into Windows XP), and utility managers which can increase screen contrast or change font size.

1.5.2 Software applications

These are designed to accomplish given tasks such as word processing, mathematical calculations, drawing pictures and managing data. Examples of software applications include Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Netscape browser and Internet Explorer.

Again, the major software application companies are increasingly providing accessibility features to ensure equal access to information technology.

2 Assistive devices and software

2.1 Help in reading text on a screen

It may be that you have difficult reading a document, sending or receiving email or seeing a webpage on the screen. Enlarging the text, images and the menu bars may be as simple as changing the commands in your operating system, such as Windows XP, or you may need screen magnifying or text to speech software.

A few examples of software, utilities and equipment are given below. ASCCA does not necessarily endorse these products over others.

2.1.1 Windows utilities

On your control panel, check out the Accessibility options or Keyboard Assistance on the Microsoft Accessibility website.

2.1.2 Screen magnification software

These allow you to enlarge text or images on a screen. Some software allows you to zoom in and out. An example of screen magnifying software is Freedom Scientific’s MAGic and ZoomText. IBM Web Adaption Technology will help you customise your computer and help you to access websites.

2.2 Alternatives to using a screen

2.2.1 Screen readers

There are a range of products for email and the web which can read text aloud to either replace reading text or facilitate screen reading. These include Jaws, which can read many popular software programs as well as operating system commands, Connect Outloud or Window Eyes™. Many of these text to speech readers can also send output to Braille printers and Braille displays.

2.2.2 Scanning technology

Many people cannot read books, magazines and printed material in general. However, optical character recognition (OCR) software can be used in conjunction with a flatbed scanner to overcome such barriers. By using a scanner with OCR software, a computer can output to large print, speech, Braille or another modality. An example of OCR software is Scansoft.

2.3 Replacing the mouse

A mouse is used for pointing a cursor and clicking to carry out commands. There are a number of alternatives which may suit you.

You may be unable to use a mouse at all, or require a different clicking or pointing device. You may not be able to see the cursor, you may lack fine motor control to click where you choose on the screen, or you may not be able to click at all.

2.3.1 Keyboard shortcuts and utilities

Instead of a mouse, you could use short-cut keys to replace the mouse functions. Screen reader programs work this way, using key strokes like TAB, shift key etc.

However, you can also use generic software applications such as the Microsoft Office suite this way. The alternate keys are easy to learn and full instructions are given for each application. As an example, check Keyboard assistance in Microsoft.

2.3.2 Trackballs, joysticks, electronic pointing devices, wands and sticks

There are a myriad of devices you can use instead of a mouse. Some are used by hands, others by moving the head or sucking and drawing breath. You can check out many of these devices at the Independent Living Centre or specialist places like Ability Technology.

2.4 Replacing the standard keyboard

Keyboards come in lots of different shapes and configurations. Adapted keyboards can be used by people who have control over one hand or just one finger. Some are programmable, permitting the user to rearrange the keyboard layout. Keyboards can also be used with a mouth stick or even with the feet. They can be large or small in size.

Microsoft provides three Dvorak layouts (as opposed to QWERTY layouts) for people who type with either their right or left hand, or with both hands, as part of its Windows operating system

2.4.1 On screen keyboards

On screen keyboard programs allow an image of a keyboard to be shown on screen. The user then uses a mouse, joystick, switch, electronic pointing device, head stick or trackball to select the key on the screen. Some on screen programs have a scanning system, whereby the user controls the highlighted letter with a part of the body able to be controlled.

2.4.2 Keyguards

Keyguards are plastic or metal covers that fit over a standard or alternative computer keyboard. They help prevent accidental keystrokes and provide a place to rest hands for stability when typing.

2.5 Speech recognition programs

There are a number of software programs which enable the computer to recognise your voice, and type the words on the screen. The user gives commands via a microphone attached to the computer. This can be extremely useful for people with poor hand function. You can create text documents such as letters or email messages, browse the internet and navigate through applications and menus using your voice.

Software programs include ViaVoice and Dragon Speaking Naturally.

2.6 Further information

For more information about products