4MyChild: Help and Hope for Life

November 20, 2006

Computers and Computer Hardware for Special Needs Kids

Surfing the internet or playing video game opens up a whole world for children who normally have trouble communicating or being understood.

Kids who struggle to turn the page of a book can learn to use a keyboard or mouse with widely available adaptive hardware. These tools not only open a world of discovery and communication but empower kids in the process. Playing an online video game or talking over the Internet can do wonders for children’s self esteem.

There are several types of hardware tools that will enhance computer use for children with physical disabilities.

One Handed Keyboards:
Keys will typically be curved for ease of use when only using one hand to type. They are available for both right and left-handed use. The keys are arranged to minimize movement and maximum comfort.

Touch-Free Switch:
Uses a video camera and movement to activate computer mouse. You can “train” the camera to recognize different movements and it turn operates a computer mouse.

Touch Screen Monitors
Monitors that respond to touch. Touch the screen for an action to take place. The aim is to have the child feel “successful” while using the computer and not frustrated.

Some brands include:
Touch Window

Discover:Switch USB is assistive technology that enables people with disabilities to control their computer by simply clicking a switch. Now people with severe motor impairments can perform all keyboard and mouse functions by clicking on the large surface of this switch or by plugging in alternative switches into the switch ports of this device.

A popular brand is BigKeys PLUS, which can be found here: http://atestore.enablemart.com/productDetail.aspx?pid=182&dept=24&store=10

There are many types of “switches” that look like Giant buttons and will take over tasks of mouse or control keys. There are relatively inexpensive and very popular.
Some example of switches can be found here:

http://enablingdevices.com/home.aspx