EdTech 541 - Assistive Technology

Accessibility Features of the MacBook Pro

The amount of technology that is available today for the 21st century learner and teacher is remarkable. One of the most incredible features of technology is its ability to allow students with disabilities to take part in this learning process. No longer are these students segregated to separate classrooms. Today, students are integrated fully, and, with the use of assistive technologies, are able to learn equally of that of a mainstream student. Roblyer (2016) states, “Assistive technology devices and services enhance the performance of individuals with disabilities by enabling them to complete tasks more effectively, efficiently, and independently than otherwise possible” (p. 408).

In order to use this technology, the computer is essential. At the start of the MET program I made a decision to go with an Apple MacBook Pro. The operating system is the OS X Yosemite. It was completely new to me as I had never used a Mac product - except my iPhone. I am still learning its functions daily, but was shocked to discover the many accessibility tools it has built in directly to the computer. The following list outlines the accessibility features and support that comes standard on Apple’s Macbook Pro:

Visually Impaired or Blind

• VoiceOver - This is a screen reader that is a text-to-speech tool. It lets the user know exactly what is happening on the computer and is fully-interactive. It allows interaction through gestures, a keyboard or braille display.
• Zoom - This is a magnifier that allows the user to enlarge anything on the screen up to 20 times. It also has a picture-in-picture function that allows a zoomed in section and, at the same time, a normal sized section of the screen.
• Dictation - This function allows the user the ability to talk where they would normally type. Replying to an email, searching the web, or writing a report can be done with just the use of your voice. It also allows the user to ask the computer to bold, delete and even replace words.
• Contrast Options - The user can change the contrast on the screen and even invert colours. Once it is changed in preferences, it is system wide, meaning that it will be changed for all applications.
• Cursor Size - The user can magnify the cursor. This allows the user to see the cursor more easily.
• Braille Display - The Mac supports more than 40  braille displays that work with VoiceOver. Both Bluetooth and USB plugins work so no additional software is needed.

Hearing Impaired or Deaf

• FaceTime - Video calls let you see the person you are communicating with. This allows the user to see gestures and facial expressions - ideal for people who use sign language or read lips for communication.
• Closed Captioning - Watch movies, TV shows, videos and podcasts with text. The students in the class will be able to watch the same videos as the rest of the class.
• Messages with iMessage - iMessage lets you start conversations without needing to say or hear a word. The user can send unlimited messages to anyone or even group messaging on an iPhone, iPad or Mac. Even pictures can be shared.
• Screen Flash - This is like a visual beep - sounds are not needed as an alert. The Mac can flash its screen instead and indicate an alert on the screen.
• Mono Audio - This is great for hearing impairment in only one ear. Usually stereo recordings usually have distinct left-and right-channel audio tracks. Mono can help by playing both audio channels in both ears and even lets the user adjust the balance for greater volume in either ear.
• Purple Video Relay Services - Purple helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate with the rest of the world by having certified interpreters translate between American Sign Language and spoken language.

Physical and Motor Skill Impairment

• Switch Control - This tool gives the user the ability to navigate onscreen keyboards, menus, and the Dock using a system called scanning. The user creates their own custom keyboard or even with adaptive devices such as a switch, joystick, keyboard spacebar, or on the Multi-Touch trackpad.
• Slow Keys - This functions allows the use to adjust the sensitivity of the keyboard. It can be set up to delay between the time a key is pressed and when it’s entered and also make a sound when a keystroke is entered.
• Sticky Keys - Allows the user to press keys one at a time, instead of simultaneously, to enter commands like copy, paste, print, etc.
• Dictation Commands - The operation system adds over 50 editing and formatting commands to Dictation. You voice can control functions like bold, replace and delete.
• Mouse Keys - Mouse keys allows you to control the cursor with the numeric keypad rather than the cursor itself.
• Onscreen Keyboard - For some users, it is easier to point than use a keyboard. This function creates a floating keyboard that is pictured on the screen allows you to use a pointing device to type.

Cognitive or Learning Disabilities

• Simple Finder - The Simple Finder function helps students locate items easier by reducing the Dock to just three folders. This will allow teachers, students and parents to  limit the apps a student can open at any one time to help maintain student focus.
• Dictionary - This functions can help students with spelling, grammar, and pronunciation issues. The function allows access to definitions and synonyms and allow students to concentrate more on the ideas of the writing itself.
• Text to Speech - The user can highlight text and the Alex Voice will read it outloud.
• Word Completion - To help with vocabulary and word-building skills, the Mac provides word completion in apps such as TextEdit and Pages.

Speech Impairments

• FaceTime - Users can use FaceTime to communicate visually, whether with the use of sign language, lip-reading, gestures or facial expressions.
• iMessage - Allows users to communicate without the use of speech.
• Text to Speech -  Allows users to hear words which can help lead to expressive speech development.

Resources

Apple Accessiblility - OS X (2015). Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/accessibility/osx/

Roblyer, M.D. (2016). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (7ed). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.