Contents
Slide 1: Welcome to the Accessible Technology Webinar Series 2010-2011
Slide 2:  How to Conduct a Workplace Computer Accessibility Assessment
Slide 3: Title Slide
Slide 4: Stout Vocational
Slide 5: Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute
Slide 6: Course Objectives
Slide 7:Person-machine System
Slide 8: Accommodation Model
Slide 9: Assessment Components
Slide 10: Quote
Slide 11:Assistive Technology Problem Solving Process
Slide 12: Assessment Process
Slide 13: Referral
Slide 14:Background Information
Slide 15: Background Information
Slide 16: Skill Evaluation:
Slide 17:Skills Evaluation
Slide 18:Skills Evaluation
Slide 19:Assessment Wrap-up
Slide 20:Reporting
Slide 21:Reporting
Slide 22:Follow-up
Slide23:Assessing Computing Skills
Slide 24:Skill Assessment General Guidelines
Slide 25:Skill Assessment General Guidelines
Slide 26:Skill Assessment General Guidelines
Slide 27:Seating
Slide of 28:Seating
Slide 29: Armrests
Slide 30:Arm Supports
Slide 31: Workstations
Slide 32:Computer Access Technologies
Slide 33: Keyboard Modifications
Slide 34:Keyboard Modifications
Slide 35:Keyboard Trials
Slide 36: Keyboard Trials
Slide 37:Alternative Keyboards
Slide 38: Alternative Keyboards
Slide 39: Ergonomic Keyboards
Slide 40:Oversize Keyboards
Slide 41: Space Saving and Mini Keyboards
Slide 42: Other Keyboards
Slide 43: One-handed Keyboards
Slide 44: On Screen Keyboards
Slide 45: On Screen Keyboard
Slide 46: Scanning Keyboards
Slide 47: Speech Recognition
Slide 48 :  Speech Recognition
Slide 49: Speech Recognition
Slide 50: Specialty Items
Slide 51: Switch Considerations
Slide 52: Switch Considerations
Slide 53: Mouse Trials
Slide 54: Mouse Modifications
Slide 55: Mouse Alternatives
Slide 56: Mouse Alternatives
Slide 57: Mouse Alternatives
Slide 58: Rate Enhancers
Slide 59: Rate Enhancers
Slide 60: Output Options
Slide 61: Output Options
Slide 62: Case Studies
Slide 63: Case Study 1
Slide 64: Case Study 2
Slide 65: Case Study 3
Slide 66: Assistive Technology Products
Slide 67: Assistive Technology Products
Slide 68: Resources
Slide 69: Thank you

Slide 1: Welcome to the Accessible Technology Webinar Series 2010-2011 

The Accessible Technology Webinar Series is sponsored by the Great Lakes ADA Center and the Pacific ADA Center, both members of the ADA National Network.

The content and materials of this training cannot be used or distributed without permission. This training is funded under award #H133A060097 from the U.S. Department of Education through the auspices of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR. For permission to use training content or obtain copies of materials used as part of this program please contact us by email at adata@adagreatlakes.org or toll free (800) 949-4232 (V/TTY) in IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI.  For other all other states call (312) 413-1407

Slide 2:  How to Conduct a Workplace Computer Accessibility Assessment 
How to Conduct a Workplace Computer Accessibility Assessment
Speaker : Paul J. Schwartz, MSIE, ATP, RET, CPE
Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute
University of Wisconsin-Stout
221 10th Ave/101 VRB
Menomonie, WI 54751
715-232-2378
schwartzpa@uwstout.edu

Slide 3: Title Slide
University of Wisconsin – Stout 
Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University 

(Image of the United States with inset of Menomine, Wisconsin )

Slide 4: Stout Vocational 

Rehabilitation Institute 
Menomonie, Wisconsin

(Image of a sled in a tundra)

Slide 5: Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute 
•	Vocational Evaluation
•	Placement
•	Assistive Technology 
•	Benefits Counseling
•	Research
•	Education
•	Training
•	Assistive Technology 

Slide 6: Course Objectives
•	Develop knowledge of one methodology in computer access assessments
•	Gain practical information through case studies
•	Gain understanding of general access equipment
•	Gain knowledge of access resources

Slide 7:Person-machine System
(diagram) 
1.	Perceived Information 
2.	Information and Decision Making 
3.	Motor Responses for Control Activation
4.	Controls
5.	Internal Equipment Status
6.	Displays
= Person-machine System 

Slide 8: Accommodation Model
(circular diagram) 
Access Workers Ability. Are worker and Job Compatible? A Yes = Successful Job Placement. A no = Medical Interventions and Assistive Technology. 

Analyze Job Demands. Are worker and Job Compatible? A Yes =  Successful Job Placement. A no= Application of Ergonomic Technologies. 

Slide 9: Assessment Components
Regardless of model used, an assessment involves:
•	The individual
•	The environment
•	Their interaction

Slide 10: Quote
The goal of any computer access assessment is to evaluate the match between device characteristics and consumer skills and needs 
	-Cook and Hussey, 1995

Slide 11:Assistive Technology Problem Solving Process
(diagram)
Persons Ability and Goal Requirements = 
1. Indentify Inconsistencies 
2. Develop Objectives 
3. Develop Specifications 
4. Indentify Possible Solutions
5. Identified Preferred Solutions 

Slide 12: Assessment Process
1.	Referral
2.	Background information
3.	Plan development
4.	Interview with individual
5.	Skills evaluation
6.	Assessment wrap-up
7.	Report
8.	Follow-up

Slide 13: Referral
•	Determine clearly defined objectives
•	Request any available pertinent information
•	Determine where assessment will take place and clarify funding
•	Give timeline estimations for assessment process

(image of woman on the phone) 

Slide 14:Background Information
•	Referral source objectives
•	Diagnosis/prognosis
•	Community/family contacts, if applicable
•	Educational background and abilities

(clipart image of cartoon man carrying a folder)

Slide 15: Background Information 
•	Specific concerns
•	Previous experience with computers
•	Previous assistive technology history
•	Physical abilities (FCA, etc)

Slide 16: Skill Evaluation:

Use the Proper Equipment
(image of a man wearing a cheese hat) 

Slide 17:Skills Evaluation
•	Assess vision and visual perception skills
•	Assess cognition
•	Assess physical abilities/limitations
•	Assess reaction to various technologies
•	Tape measure, stop watch and goniometer are helpful

(clipart image of hand and a stopwatch)

Slide 18:Skills Evaluation
•	Assess frustration, tolerance, motivation
•	Use quantifiable results as applicable (wpm, error rate, etc)
•	Record what worked and didn’t work

Slide 19:Assessment Wrap-up
•	Clarify and review possible recommendations
•	Verify consent forms, etc are signed, if applicable
•	Discuss plan of action
•	Clearly delineate who does what, when
•	Discuss funding sources, if applicable

Do you have any questions?

(clipart image of woman handing a man a clipboard)

Slide 20:Reporting
•	Summarize individuals skills
•	Recommendations for AT
o	Include costs, vendors, etc as needed
•	Think globally
o	Different solutions for different environments?
o	Don’t neglect peripheral equipment
o	Does it fit in the work environment/family/school system
o	Portability needed?

(clipart image of a computer on a person’s body with a clipboard)

Slide 21:Reporting
•	Develop range of options, if applicable
•	Detail need for technology in terms of injury or disability
•	Consider backup systems
•	Detail methods, equipment, purchase, configuration, setup, training, etc
•	Who does what, when

Slide 22:Follow-up
•	Implementation of plan
•	Evaluation of access technique
•	Phone calls
•	Ongoing training

Often an iterative approach

(image of man and a woman looking at a computer)

Slide23:Assessing Computing Skills
•	A good computer assessment goes much broader than the keyboard and mouse
•	The environment beyond the physical contact with the computer is just as important as the input devices
•	Any computer access assessment should begin with seating

Slide 24:Skill Assessment General Guidelines
•	Start with simple solutions and move to  complicated ones
•	Stay on top of the products in the field or your recommendations will be quickly dated
•	Develop ideas of pros and cons of products
•	Have a range of possible solutions available or be able to fake them and get loaner later
o	“If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail”

Slide 25:Skill Assessment General Guidelines
•	You are concerned with function, but don’t ignore aesthetics—if it looks too goofy, people will reject the technology
•	Constantly monitor for reaction to technologies, frustration tolerance, motivation,  perseverance and fatigue
•	Trust, but verify on computer knowledge

Slide 26:Skill Assessment General Guidelines
•	Timing and accuracy can be measured, but validity may be questionable due to learning curve of various technologies
•	Relax and have a good time with the individual!
o	A nervous or hyper evaluator can lead to poor outcomes due to consumer stress, additional tone and reduced focus

Slide 27:Seating
•	Correct seating is foundation for good function
•	Should allow for range of positions
•	Feet flat on the floor
•	Weight divided between thighs and feet

(image of office chair) 

Slide of 28:Seating
•	Adequate room behind knees
•	Armrests as applicable
•	Develop general understanding of wheelchair seating and use experts as needed
•	For more information on seating, attend my class earlier today

Slide 29: Armrests
•	Chair armrests are usually desirable
o	Help get out of chair
o	Add support and stability
o	Reduce load on back
•	Armrests move with the chair and don’t get in the way as table mount support (as much)
•	May need optional armrest with width, angle and pitch adjustment

Slide 30:Arm Supports
•	Provides more specialized support than armrests
•	Articulating (mobile) arm supports can be helpful for those with good shoulder strength and weak lower arm
•	“Butterfly” or fixed forearm supports can be helpful for those with spasticity, control issues or shoulder pain
•	Both of these styles may impede other tasks

(image of two types of arm rests ) 

Slide 31: Workstations
•	Generally, start around elbow height for keyboarding 
o	This rule of thumb quickly breaks down for those with disabilities
•	Factor in adequate room for other tasks, documents
•	Maximize room for movement underneath
•	Set at height of major activity (keyboarding vs. writing) or recommend both

(image of a desk with a computer) 

Slide 32:Computer Access Technologies
•	Keyboard modifications
•	Keyboard alternatives
•	Mouse modifications
•	Mouse alternatives
•	Output options

Slide 33: Keyboard Modifications
•	Hardware modifications
•	Keyguards
•	Moisture guards
•	Tactile cues
•	Oversize letters
•	Color coded keys

(image of IBM keyboard keyguard)
Slide 34:Keyboard Modifications
•	Software modifications
•	Sticky keys
•	Filter keys
•	Toggle keys
•	DVORAK layout
•	Letter by letter feedback

(image of dvorak layout)
Slide 35:Keyboard Trials
•	Can individual use a standard keyboard?
•	Which hands? What fingers?
•	Do they need elbow, forearm, or wrist support?
•	Is the keying height correct?

Slide 36: Keyboard Trials
•	Is the angle correct?
•	Is the keyboard position correct?
•	Can they use standard keyboard with mouthstick,  stylus, headpointer or toes?
•	Can they use standard keyboard with modifications?
•	Do they need an alternative keyboard?

Slide 37:Alternative Keyboards
•	“Ergonomic” keyboards
•	Oversize or expanded keyboards
•	Space saving and mini keyboards
•	One-handed keyboards
•	Other keyboards

Slide 38: Alternative Keyboards
•	On screen keyboards
•	Scanning keyboards
•	Speech recognition
•	Specialty items
•	Morse code
•	Tongue Touch Keypad (TTK)
•	Braille input

Slide 39: Ergonomic Keyboards
•	Typically used for those with repetitive stress injuries
•	Counterproductive for stick, stylus or one finger users
•	Large variety of options available
•	Most use QWERTY layout, so relatively quick learning curve
•	Acceptance varies
Slide 40:Oversize Keyboards
•	Typically used for those with gross motor skills, but limited fine motor
•	Need to determine range of motion
•	Need to determine speed and accuracy with various key size
•	Smaller keys allow for more functions
•	Can often be completely customized
•	Can also be converted to big switches

(image of a child using Intellikeys keyboard)

Slide 41: Space Saving and Mini Keyboards
•	Typically used for those with fine motor skills but limited range of motion or strength
•	Can also be helpful in mouse or mouse alternative placement
•	Reduces sweep area for mouthstick users

(Image of a SpaceSaver Keyboard)

Slide 42: Other Keyboards
•	“Dished” keyboards
o	Better positioning for mouthstick users
•	Left-handed keyboards
o	10 key and arrow keys on left
o	Sometimes helpful for mouse placement

(Image of Single Finger or Head/Mouth Maltron Keyboard )
(image of lefthanded keyboard) 

Slide 43: One-handed Keyboards
•	If used due to a repetitive stress injury, need to consider injury to second hand
•	Range of options available
•	Also consider learning one handed method on standard keyboard
•	Acceptance is an issue

(image of Bat Keyboard)
(image of halfkeyboard )

Slide 44: On Screen Keyboards
•	Useful for those with extremely limited range of motion
•	Used with a mouse or mouse alternative
•	Can be activated by click or dwell
•	Typically customizable
•	Often comes with rate enhancement features
•	Large monitor is helpful due to split screen

Slide 45: On Screen Keyboard

(Images of onscreen keyboards)

Slide 46: Scanning Keyboards
•	Typically used for single or dual switch users
•	It is very slow, avoid if possible
•	Timing must be finely adjusted for optimal use
•	Often customizable

Slide 47: Speech Recognition
•	Suggested by everyone
•	Limitations generally not emphasized
•	95-98% accuracy for non-dysarthric speech

Slide 48 :  Speech Recognition
(image of screen capture of speech recognition) 

Slide 49: Speech Recognition
•	Microphone type and quality is important
•	User needs
o	6th grade reading skills (approximate)
o	Strong decoding skills
o	Strong motivation, frustration tolerance and perseverance
o	Significant training and support
•	Need to consider backup and mice

Slide 50: Specialty Items
•	Morse Code
o	fastest potential single, dual or triple switch use
o	requires good timing ability
•	Tongue Touch Keypad
o	needs excellent tongue control
o	needs to be custom fit to roof of mouth
o	sophisticated technology
•	Braille keyboard
o	portable solution for existing Braille user

(Image of VoiceNote BT)

Slide 51: Switch Considerations
•	Positioning
•	Activation motion
•	Target size
•	Force requirements

(images of different types of switches)

Slide 52: Switch Considerations
•	Accuracy in timing
•	Repeatability
•	Durability
•	Fatigue
•	Ease of setup for support team

Slide 53: Mouse Trials
•	Is the mouse at the proper height and position?
•	Does the user need wrist or arm support?
•	Can they point, click and drag with accuracy?
•	Does it work in harmony with keyboard or do their spaces overlap?

Slide 54: Mouse Modifications
•	Wide range of available mice
•	Speed and acceleration adjustments
•	Button arrangement
•	Switch adapted mouse

(Image of RollerJoystick)

Slide 55: Mouse Alternatives
•	Ergonomic mice
o	Possibly better positioning
•	Trackballs
o	Typically uses finger and wrist motion, minimizes shoulder movement
•	Joystick
o	Can use power wheelchair control knowledge
•	Foot mice
o	May create static load condition
(Image of vertical mouse)
(image of Contour RollerMouse PRO2)
Slide 56: Mouse Alternatives
•	Mousekeys
•	Trackpad/Trackpoint
o	Sometimes difficult to adjust to pad
o	Very small range of motion required
•	Touch screen
o	Direct relationship with cursor movement
o	Good positioning is important
•	Don’t neglect keyboard shortcuts

Slide 57: Mouse Alternatives
•	Hands free head mounted mouse
o	Good neck control required
o	Need sticker or device to be head mounted	
•	Mouth joystick
o	Good mouth and tongue control required
o	Needs to have finely tuned positioning
•	Other mice alternative
•	Scanning mice software
•	Morse code

(image of headmouse dot)
(Image of headmouse extreme)
(image of Jouse2)
Slide 58: Rate Enhancers
•	Abbreviation expansion
o	Requires motivation, pattern in typing is helpful
•	Word completion
o	Despite keystroke savings, not always time savings (>3 wpm?)
o	May be helpful for fatigue or learning disability more than physical access issue

(Image of Screen Shot of example of word completion software)

Slide 59: Rate Enhancers
•	Macro software
o	Allows for many options for configuration
o	More helpful in business than school settings
•	Macro keyboard
o	Dedicated keys can help high reuse items

Slide 60: Output Options
•	Positioning monitor
•	Consider bifocal vision
•	Oversize monitor
•	Glare screens

Slide 61: Output Options
Text enlargement feature
Screen enlarger
Screen reader
Text highlighter with reading
Braille 

(Image of woman using zoomtext )
(image screen shot of kurzweil 3000)

Slide 62: Case Studies

(image of child in sherlock holmes costume) 

Slide 63: Case Study 1 

Person using computer with mouthstick and speech recognition

Slide 64: Case Study 2 

Person using computer with jouse and speech recognition

Slide 65: Case Study 3 

Person using big keys keyboard

Slide 66: Assistive Technology Products
•	Know your product categories, not just products
•	Try them all yourself at trade shows
•	Is it functional, or does it just look cool?
•	“Ergonomic” chair (or several) and (quickly) adjustable height workstation are important

Slide 67: Assistive Technology Products
•	Specific products to buy for assessments are based on consumer population
•	Start simple and work your way up
•	For big ticket items, how often will it be used?
o	Are you better off with loaner?
o	Buying and saving receipt?
•	Less funding requires more creativity in assessment
o	May require mock-up session, then loaner session

Slide 68: Resources
•	Great Lakes ADA Center
http://www.adagreatlakes.org/
•	Job Accommodation Network
http://askjan.org/ 
•	Catalogs i.e Alimed
•	Conferences: RESNA, Closing the Gap, ATIA
•	Websites
•	Professional Organizations
•	Listserves
Thanks for your time!

Slide 69: Thank you

Please Evaluate the session at 
ada-conferences.November92010.sgizmo.com 

Next Session is January 11th 2011 
Social Networking to Your Advantage with Speaker Tom Wlodkowski, Director of Accessibility at AOL