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Computers can be useful learning tools for students with low vision.
There are several ways to ensure their success.
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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Little Fingers Keyboard (DataDesk) |
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Large Print Keyboards (Hoolean)
The Hoolean
website offers a variety of keyboards made with key labels
twice the normal size.
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