Using Computers

Computers can be useful learning tools for students with low vision. There are several ways to ensure their success.

Consider the computer's placement in the room to avoid sun and lighting glare.
Knowing about monitor features and computer + student positioning guidelines will help.

Monitors

Monitors come in a variety of sizes. In general, the larger the monitor, the larger the display image. Seventeen-inch monitors are becoming the standard. An even larger (19" or 21") monitor, however, may make using the computer more comfortable. The size of the actual image on the screen depends on the resolution setting and the font size used by the operating system and application programs. When selecting a monitor for students with low vision, keep in mind these points:

Monitor size is measured on the diagonal. Actual viewing size is smaller than the diagonal measurement.
Larger monitors are heavy and require more table space.
Proper placement at eye level is important. (In most cases, monitors should not be placed on top of the computer.)
A flat, square screen produces less glare and may make the image easier to see.
Dot pitch is one of the principal characteristics that determine the quality of a monitor. The lower the dot pitch, the clearer the display image. Do not purchase a monitor with a dot pitch higher than .28mm.

Monitor Modifications

Glare Filters
Screen Magnifiers
Adjust the Display: Lower the screen resolution to make the images appear larger

Adapting Standard Keyboards

You can modify keyboard keys to make them easier to see and find. Try these suggestions first!

Keytop Labels
Adhesive-backed large-print key labels can economically convert any keyboard to a large print-format. Labels are available in black/white combinations, colors for young children and even blank labels to cover keys. Check the Hoolean site for many options.

Tactile Indicators
Adhesive-backed, clear, round dots with a raised bump in the middle are unobtrusive. They may help non-visually impaired typists as well.

Tactile indicators are helpful in positioning the fingers on the home row keys and for quickly finding the left and right WINDOWS keys. They can be found as home row indicators, loc-dots, and bump dots at Hoolean and MaxiAids.

HINT: For beginning computer users, placing a small piece of Velcro on the BACKSPACE, TAB, HOME, and F4 keys (and any other keys troublesome to the student) helps achieve more immediate success. As proficiency increases, these indicators can be removed.

Alternate Keyboards
Students with low vision need to learn touch-typing early on in the writing process. The use of a child-size keyboard with smaller keys makes this task easier.

Little Fingers Keyboard (DataDesk)

Large Print Keyboards (Hoolean)
The Hoolean website offers a variety of keyboards made with key labels twice the normal size.