When an individual has a heaving or
visual disability, alternative output devices may be
needed. In addition to third-party software and
hardware, Mac OS 9 provides built-in features to
enhance accessibility. The classroom teacher should
modify the visual and auditory output of a computer
using the built-in access features. If the student has
significant auditory and/or visual disabilities,
specialists in those areas should be consulted
regarding additional adaptations.
Close View
Close View, accessed through a control panel,
is a screen enlarger that magnifies what is seen on the
screen by up to 16 times.
Enlarging Font Size
The Appearance control panel allows you to
increase the font size for any document to allow
students easy access to information to output.
Talking Alert
In the Speech control panel, you can select the
Talking Alerts option that will command your computer
to automatically speak all written messages sent to the
screen.
Talking Word Processor
Programs such as IntelliTalk II and Write:Outloud
provide auditory output for all typed text, including
letters, words, sentences, paragraphs. This
``text-to-speech" feature can assist students who
have reading disabilities, including difficulties with
vision and visual processing.
outSPOKEN
For blind and visually impaired students, a
third party extension called outSPOKEN provides
students with the ability to complete lessons by using
the keyboard or Braille commands to hear what is
written on the screen.
Headset
Use of a simple headset can help a student with
auditory focus when using a computer. Headsets can also
reduce the noise level from computer output in the
classroom.
FM Systems
Students with assistive hearing devices can use an FM
system that connects directly to the audio output of
the computer. Assistance from an audiologist is
required before an FM system is plugged into a computer
in order to protect the student's hearing and assure
compatibility of equipment.
Math Formatting
Math application programs such as Math Pad,
Math Pad Plus, and Access to Math are designed for use
with the math program used by others in the class.
Program features include visual and auditory clues for
number placement, operational steps, and feedback for
self-correction.
Converting PDF to HTML
Adobe has developed an online utility on their
web site that allows you to convert PDF (Portable
Document Format) documents to HTML Documents. Simply
cut and paste the web address or URL of a PDF document
into the utility window and the file will be
automatically converted into HTML. In turn, the HTML
file can be read out loud using a talking word
processor. (See Reading PDF Files as HTML Files.)
(See Assistive Technology Training Materials for more extensive information.)
Output Devices or Methods
