BIG KEYS LX

Description:  Standard size keyboard with 60, 1" square, black on white keys. Also available in white on black keys. Has most of the characters found on a regular keyboard. Built in switch allows for choice of ABC or QWERTY layout. PC platform only. Simpler version (Big Keys Plus, with 48 keys), available in MAC or PC.

To Operate: Choose desired layout (ABC or QWERTY) and move keys if necessary.  Plug into keyboard port on computer. No installation software required.

Application: Keys are much larger than standard keys on a keyboard. Great for individuals with limited hand use, as well as limited vision.  ABC layout may be easier for those with limited memory/organization. Built in Assist Mode eliminates the need to press two keys simultaneously for certain keyboard functions. Accessories such as a keyguard are available.

Vendor(s): Infogrip; Technology for Education     Approximate Cost:  $185.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

KIDTRAC TRACKBALL

Description:  Rugged three-colored-button programmable trackball. The large ball is fixed into the unit.  Available for PC. PS2 or USB connection.  Switch adapted model (Inclusive KidTRAC) also available.

To Operate: No installation software required; simply plug in and use.  Program the buttons for drag-lock, double click, etc.

Application: Great alternative to a mouse for those with limited hand use or memory/organization who are unable to manipulate a  traditional mouse or other pointing device. The unit can be mounted in any position, useful for those with limited reaching/lifting and mobility/balance.

Vendor(s):  Inclusive Technology  Approximate Cost:  $75.00
Inclusive KidTRAC available from Inclusive Technology ($160.00)
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

LEARN MORE THRU GAMES

Description:  Software program containing four great games and activities: Jigsaw puzzles, memory (concentration) games, coloring books and building blocks. Uses high quality images, sounds and animation appropriate for all ages.  A tools program allows you to design your own jigsaw puzzles and memory games. Memory game can also be played using the space/enter keys on the keyboard. Operates on WIN; CD ROM.

To Operate: Adjust each game according to the skill level needed. Memory game choose from 4, 6, or 10 pairs to match; Jigsaw puzzles- choose from 6, 12, 20 or 30 pieces and with/without guide lines; Building blocks- choose from 3 different sizes of blocks.

Application:  Games are presented in a simple, non distracting, easy to follow format, great for those with limited memory/organization and hearing. There are many built in features to help all users, including those with limited vision.  For example, when the cursor is moved over an object, such as a puzzle piece, it is highlighted, helping to orient the user to the location of the cursor. Features such as non-intricate line drawings in the coloring book that fill in with color with one mouse click, and puzzle pieces that fit into place when placed closely but “not exactly” in the right space, are extremely helpful for those with limited hand use.

Vendor(s):   Inclusive Technology; Technology for Education   Approximate Cost:  $80.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

MAKING SENSE WITH NUMBERS

Description:  Software program containing nine activities that focus on early number learning (numbers 1-9), encouraging number sequencing, counting and matching. Activities include dot to dot, a memory counting game and painting by numbers. Uses high quality images, sounds and animation appropriate for all ages. Alternative access is available using the space and enter keys on the keyboard or through scanning using an enabling switch. Operates on WIN; CD ROM.

To Operate: Choose the activity desired and the level of difficulty based on the user’s skill level. Choose the method of access ― mouse, keyboard (space/enter keys) or enabling switch/scanning mode.

Application:  The activities use bold, large print letters and words, have high contrasting colors and use large target areas, beneficial for those with limited vision and hand use. Each activity is easy to follow without the need of verbal instructions, helpful for those with limited memory/organization and hearing. Using the space/enter keys on the keyboard to operate the games can be helpful for those unable to use a traditional mouse or trackball, due to limited hand use. Simple line drawings in the painting by numbers activity that fill in with color with one mouse click is beneficial for all users.

Vendor(s):   Inclusive Technology   Approximate Cost:  $80.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

SAMMY'S SCIENCE HOUSE

Description:  Software program with 5 engaging activities to help individuals practice sorting, sequencing, observing, predicting and constructing.  Activities include Make-A-Movie, where you arrange pictures in sequence to make a movie; Weather Machine, where you manipulate weather variables, listen to the weather report and watch an animation of the weather you created; and Workshop, where you follow a blueprint to construct and then paint toys and machines.  Most activities have an Explore and Discover mode as well as a Question and Answer mode. Spoken instructions assist non-readers. Includes built-in scanning for single switch users. WIN/MAC; CD ROM.

To Operate: Choose an activity and mode of play. Some activities have difficulty levels to choose from as well. 

Application:  Activities are presented in an easy to follow, non distracting format, which is helpful for those with limited memory/organization. The built in scanning feature is useful for those with very limited hand use.

Vendor(s):  Edmark/Riverdeep; Educational Resources; Inclusive Technology   Approximate Cost:  $50.00
School Edition contains 2 CDs.
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

SWITCH ADAPTED MOUSE

Description:  Standard mouse whose left click button has been modified so that you can use an enabling switch for activation.

To Operate: Plug an enabling switch into the 1/8" jack and use it with any single switch software. Mouse can also be used in the standard manner without a switch.

Application: This is an inexpensive interface which allows enabling switch users to access the computer, despite limited hand use. Single switch programs are available with special built in scanning features which teach early learning skills such as cause and effect as well as reading, writing and game playing. Using single switch software can be helpful for some individuals with poor memory/organization.

Vendor(s): Infogrip     Approximate Cost:  $70.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

SWITCH BASICS 

Description:  Software program designed to teach different types of switch use: Cause & effect, press & hold, step scanning, and row & column scanning.  Graphics, animation and real life photos are appropriate for all ages with accompanying music. Nine different activities offer many learning experiences.  Operates on WIN/MAC; CD ROM.

To Operate: There are a variety of options to customize the program for each user including choice of music, number of switch hits for a result and one or two players.  Each activity can be operated using an enabling switch, touch screen, Intellikeys or mouse.

Application:  Engaging activities and music provide a great introduction to computer use for all ages.  The many ways to customize an activity, such as changing the scanning speed, are great for those with limited hand use.  The clear, "not busy" animation and graphics and the option to use audible prompts to hit the switch are helpful for those with limited memory/organization and limited vision.  There is also a visual prompt to hit the switch, useful for those with limited or no hearing.

Vendor(s):  Infogrip, Technology for Education   Approximate Cost:  $99.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library

SWITCH ON TRAVEL

Description:  Software program that uses vehicles, with animation and realistic sounds, to develop awareness of cause and effect, develop switch usage and teach early language skills.  Activities include picture matching, matching a picture to the spoken word, and building a picture and then animating it.  Operates on WIN/MAC;  Floppy disk.

To Operate: Variety of options are available to customize the program for each user, including the choice of vehicles presented and changing the background color.  Can be operated with a mouse, the spacebar, an enabling switch or a touch screen.

Application:  Exciting but simple animation and sound engage users.  Changing the background color is very useful for those with limited vision.  Provides multi switch options useful for those with limited hand use. Clear, "not busy" animation is helpful for those who are distractible, have limited memory/organization or have limited or no hearing.

Vendor(s): Infogrip, Technology for Education   Approximate Cost:  $59.00
Available to borrow from the Adapted Activities Library