Adapted Keyboard

Adapted keyboards serve as aids for people facing dexterity or communication challenges that hinder them from completing crucial job tasks by using standard keyboards. They enable individuals to customize the tilt, angle, height, and support of their keyboards, facilitating their engagement in computer-related responsibilities.

AT Category: Sensory
- Tactile
AT Category: Academic
- Writing

Mid Tech

Considerations

Take the following considerations into account when selecting and implementing AT to ensure that the chosen tools are well-suited to the student’s needs, align with their goals, and seamlessly integrate into their educational journey. By embracing a collaborative approach and considering the specific skills, tasks, and implementation context, educators can provide students with the necessary support to thrive academically and functionally, promoting inclusivity and fostering their overall success.

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Occupational Therapist (OT): An OT may be a member of the multidisciplinary team that evaluates or reevaluates students suspected of having a disability, including dysgraphia, and participates as an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee member in writing the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), drafting annual goals, and recommending assistive technology services and/or the related services of occupational therapy. An OT may provide services that are academic and/or functional in nature. Examples are graphomotor skills needed for handwriting; fine motor skills which include small, finely coordinated hand movements; visual perceptual skills which include the ability to understand and interpret what is seen; visual motor skills which include the ability to coordinate visual and motor skills; and/or self-care skills which include feeding, dressing, hygiene, and toileting skills for increasing independence in necessary life skills. The OT may be a member of the Local Education Agency (LEA) assistive technology (AT) team.
Physical Therapist (PT): A PT may be a member of the multidisciplinary team that evaluates or reevaluates students suspected of having a disability and participates as an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee member in writing the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), drafting annual goals, and recommending assistive technology services and/or the related service of physical therapy. A PT may provide services that are academic and/or functional in nature depending on the age or grade-level of the student's curriculum. Physical therapy in schools primarily addresses gross motor skills of students, and may include exercises designed to develop strength and endurance, range of motion, and flexibility. The PT may be a member of the LEA assistive technology (AT) team.
Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI): A TVI is a licensed teacher who has received specialized training and certification in meeting the educational needs of students who have visual impairments ages birth to 21 years. This role may involve adapting teaching methods and materials to accommodate the unique needs of students with varying degrees of vision loss. They are skilled in using and teaching students to use assistive technologies such as screen readers, braille displays, and audio books.

Skills and Tasks What skills or tasks will the student utilize this tool for? What areas, functional or academic, does this tool support?

Fine motor skills
Isolated use of fingers
Bilateral coordination

Implementation Context In what activities, classes, or environments will the student utilize this tool?

Common keyboard adaptations include:

Large key keyboards: These keyboards have larger keys than standard keyboards, which can be easier for individuals with limited dexterity or vision impairments to use.
Miniature keyboards: Conversely, some adapted keyboards have smaller keys, which may be more suitable for users with limited reach or smaller hands.
One-handed keyboards: These keyboards are designed for individuals who can only type with one hand. They typically feature a modified layout that allows the user to access all the necessary keys with just one hand.
Split keyboards: Split keyboards are divided into two separate halves, allowing users to position each half in a way that is most comfortable and ergonomic for them. This can help reduce strain and fatigue, especially for individuals with specific physical conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
On-screen keyboards: Instead of physical keys, on-screen keyboards are displayed on a screen or monitor, and users can type by selecting keys using a mouse, trackball, joystick, or other pointing device. This can be particularly useful for individuals who cannot use a standard keyboard due to mobility impairments.
Customizable keyboards: Some adapted keyboards allow users to customize key layouts, key sizes, and other features to meet their specific needs and preferences.
Keyguards: Keyguards are physical barriers placed over a keyboard to prevent accidental key presses and help users with motor control issues target specific keys more accurately.
High contrast keyboards: High visibility keyboards typically feature larger, high-contrast keys and can be beneficial for individuals with a range of visual impairments, including those with low vision, cataracts, glaucoma, or other eye conditions that affect their ability to see small print or low-contrast text.