Scanning Systems

Students who are successful with single switch use may need more efficient methods when using software requiring multiple keystrokes or clicking different screen areas. We typically do this by moving the cursor with a mouse and clicking or by using the keyboard.

A scan is comprised of equivalent key and mouse choices that appear on the screen when a software program is running. The student goes through (scans) the various commands and then activates a switch to make a choice. To use a scanning system, a student must be able to:

1. Make a choice from a field of options;
2. Watch/listen and wait until the choice is highlighted by the scanning box or advance through choices until they arrive at the choice; and
3. Activate a switch to select their choice. There are a variety of scanning systems available for elementary school students.

Scanning systems consist of 3 parts:

1. Switch - chosen based on the student's controlled movements.
2. Switch Interface -- connects the switch to the computer.
3. Scan action -- describes how items on the computer screen are sequentially highlighted, one after the other, until the student chooses one by pressing the switch.

There are several different scanning systems. How the scans are presented depend on the student's abilities.

Onscreen Scanning

Several scanning methods use actual objects on the screen as scanning choices. This makes it easy for a new user. It works particularly well with programs requiring a limited number of keys for software control. We describe three methods below.

Software with Built-In Scan Options

Bailey's Book House (Riverdeep)

Some software programs are available with built-in scans. An arrow or box moves to each of the "clickable" areas on the screen. When the arrow/box gets to the area a student wants, the student can press a single key or a switch to select it. With any of the switch interfaces on the previous page, a single switch can be connected and used to select the student's choice.

Universal 2-Direction Scanning

CrossScanner (RJ Cooper)

CrossScanner is a universal way to run all non-adapted software by single switch or any pointing device. The user is able to perform mouse moves and clicks, double clicks, drags, operate menus and enter text with optional OnScreen. The first click starts the line-scan down the screen. The next click stops the line when it gets to the user's desired vertical point. The final click tells the computer to move the cursor to that point and perform the chosen function. (Mac/Win)

Creating Software Scans

Specialized programs allow you to create a moving arrow or box that scans actual objects within the software itself. This is similar to the built-in scan in some software programs, except the student can identify exactly which objects to scan. She identifies these as "hot spots" on the screen, which respond to a mouse click, and then "marks" them. Each spot is then scanned. When the box is on the student's choice, she uses a single switch to select it.

Reader Rabbit's Reading 1

Click It! (IntelliTools, Inc.)
In Reader Rabbit's Reading 1 (The Learning Co.), the student is to identify words beginning with the consonant shown. He chooses to put words on the lift (if they match) or in the garbage can (if they don't). Typically, a student clicks on the lift or the garbage can with the mouse.

To adapt the software so a student, who is unable to use a mouse, can still interact with the software, a program to create the scan is required. The "hot spots" chosen for the scan are the lift (#3), garbage can (#2) and "go" (#1) button. Each of them are "scanned" with a moving box when a switch is pressed. The student activates a switch to start the scan and then presses again when his choice is highlighted. This allows the software to be controlled with just a single switch. ClickIt! allows you to customize the number of hot spots, the speed of the scan, and whether each hot spot will say the name of the object as it is scanned.

Discover: Switch (Don Johnston)
Instead of "hot spots," Discover:Switch software allows you to create "markers" on the screen that can then be activated using a connected switch.

Array Scanning

When a student needs to have access to all key and mouse commands, you may need a more organized and complex scanning system. How the student selects the key choice needs to be more efficient than scanning each item one at a time. We describe a popular method below.

Row/Column Scanning

Since "scanning" describes the manner in which items are sequentially highlighted, row/column scanning best illustrates this concept. It is often used for writing activities within a word processing program. The scanning box appears on the screen "on top" of the word processor. A switch press begins the activity by scanning each row one after the other. The student presses her switch when the row containing her desired choice (e.g. "S") is highlighted.

After selecting a row, the scanning sequence begins to horizontally scan items along the selected row. In the example, (Discover:Switch - ABC Setup) the first horizontal scan creates smaller groups of 5-6 keys to scan. When the highlighter box is on the group containing the desired key choice, the switch is activated. This then causes each key within the group to be individually scanned until the switch is pressed again to select the key, which immediately sends the letter "S" to the document.

Scanning requires the ability to locate the desired key and manipulate a switch and system to select it.

Customized Scans

Several scanning systems exist that include software and a customizable switch interface. These scanning arrays (layout of items) can include keyboard and mouse commands, as well as specialized features such as word prediction, built-in macros or communication messages. Items included in the array depend on the student; for example:

• Scanned items can include letters, words, phrases and pictures.
• Scans can include all mouse and keyboard functions students need to run software programs or just a few.
• "Macros" or key combinations (i.e. to print, open or save a file) can be pre-set under a single key.
• Communication messages, such as "I'm finished with this!" can be stored.
• Some arrays include scripting options where a command is given to "scan the menu bar". The resulting action is that the pointer goes to the top left of the screen and moves slowly to the right, scanning the menu choices. When the switch is pressed, the pull-down menu appears and the scanning highlight bar moves down through the new menu choices. Pressing the switch again makes the choice.
• Word prediction features provide quick access to frequently used words.

With these features, a student using a single switch can have full access to classroom software programs. Very often, onscreen keyboard vendors provide a scanning version for the single switch user.

Examples

Discover: Switch (Madentec)
This system replaces both the keyboard and mouse with scanning. The customized scans described below are included with Discover: Switch.

A scan has been created for a popular drawing program, KidPix. The array includes several drawing tools, mouse movements, color keys and various stamps. A student using a single switch can draw a picture or make a card on the computer.

This scan is created for use with a popular talking word processor: Write:Outloud. It includes the alphabet keys for writing as well as the speaking commands from the program. This helps a student to hear and edit her work as she writes.

The Advanced ABC scan includes punctuation keys as well as other navigation keys (open file, print, etc.) Communication messages are also included so the non-verbal student can initiate and respond to conversation while she is writing.