{"id":154,"date":"2020-08-06T19:24:22","date_gmt":"2020-08-07T02:24:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/idwerkz.com\/blog\/?p=154"},"modified":"2020-08-06T19:51:07","modified_gmt":"2020-08-07T02:51:07","slug":"resources-for-independent-remote-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/idwerkz.com\/blog\/accessibility\/resources-for-independent-remote-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Resources for Independent Remote Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In a perfect world, both our students with disabilities and our faculty would be properly supported with the resources they need to excel and thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While our world might still be a work in progress, we are fortunate to be able to support each other as much as possible during these \u201cinteresting\u201d times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those of you who may be teaching students with disabilities at a distance, I know there is never enough support, and now even less with students away from campus-based support services. I\u2019m writing this post to cover some resources for accessibility that everyone should know about, but many don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Computer OS Assistive Technology Capabilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many different types of disabilities, and we have many corresponding forms of computerized assistive technology to help address the needs of individuals with these different disabilities. As modern computer operating systems have continued to evolve, they also have become more accessible through built-in assistive technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most modern computer operating systems incorporate some level of assistive technology. Both Windows and Mac OS feature a set of assistive technology tools for magnification, screen reading, and speech recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the built-in assistive technology is rarely equal to dedicated assistive technology applications, it can be useful and sometimes provide adequate access in a pinch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a very brief look at some of the available assistive technology that your students might benefit from knowing about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windows Built-in AT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Windows
Windows 10 Settings and Ease of Access.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Windows 10 provides a variety of options for customizing your computing experience. Visit the \u201cEase of Access\u201d center from the System Settings to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assistance for Low Vision and Blindness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Windows features a variety of color and cursor configurations as well as other system schemes to make things easier to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Windows
Windows 10 Display options from Ease of Access settings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are two applications in the Windows 10 Ease of Use section dedicated to assisting individuals with low vision or blindness, Narrator and Magnifier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windows 10 Accessibility Keyboard Commands<\/a> can be helpful when trying to use these different forms of AT as well as other aspects of your computer experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Narrator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft Narrator is a screen reading application that allows you to navigate around the Windows environment and read properly formatted documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The default keyboard command to start Narrator is WINDOWS KEY + CTRL + ENTER<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To configure the settings for Narrator, press WINDOWS KEY + CTRL + N<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Magnifier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Windows
Windows 10 Magnifier settings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Magnifier is an application that can be turned on when you need to take a closer look at something on the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft published a guide for using magnifier<\/a>, including tips for customizing the way Magnifier behaves to suit your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you have configured your preferences, it is very easy to use Magnifier whenever you need it and then turn it off again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can turn Magnifier on by pressing the WINDOWS KEY + PLUS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turn Magnifier off by pressing WINDOWS KEY + ESCAPE<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speech Recognition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Windows
Windows 10 Speech Recognition settings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Windows 10 allows you to use your voice to dictate rather than type, and to control your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the Ease of Use center, click on \u201cSpeech\u201d from the Interaction category to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For best results you will need to spend a little time training Windows to recognize your voice before you can make serious use of speech recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can turn speech recognition for dictation on by pressing the WINDOWS KEY + H<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To toggle speech recognition on or off to control your device, press WINDOWS KEY + S<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft also provides a list of speech recognition commands<\/a> you can use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mac OS Built-in AT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mac OS also has assistive technology available for users with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find the Mac OS built-in assistive technology by selecting “Accessibility” from the System Preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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