Assistive Technology and Libraries

Computer-Based Products for Library Users with Impaired Mobility

Libraries aim to offer a wide range of services to the communities they serve. All communities and patrons are unique, and the services they require will be unique as well. Assistive technology allows library services to reach more people within the community, by helping those with disabilities access library information and material.  Janet Hopkins, a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Practitioner, states that “technology may be hardware, software or another device that allows a person with a physical, sensory, communication or learning challenge to work around his area of disability” (2003). There are many different types of Assistive Technology, but this post will focus on a few computer-based products that help patrons with low mobility.

Trackball Controllers 

A trackball mouse requires less pressure on the hands, wrists, and arms, and do not require the user to grip the mouse. Instead, the user can move the cursor by moving a hand over a ball attached to the device.

Touchpad

A touchpad is similar in that it requires less pressure than a standard mouse and does not require the user to grip the mouse. To use a touchpad, the user can brush a finger over a flat surface that translates the movement to the cursor position.

On-screen keyboard

On-screen keyboards can be used by those unable to type with a standard keyboard. With an on-screen keyboard, users will be able to use a mouse, touch-pad, or a touch screen (if available) to type. Windows offers an On-Screen Keyboard tool within the “Ease of Access” section of the Windows Settings (Microsoft).

Speech-to-Text Technologies

Speech-to-text technology allows uses to speak into a microphone to type instead of using a keyboard. Google offers a Speech-To-Text that can help users with quick searches, while Apple products such as a Mac or an iPad have a diction option that can be accessed by tapping the microphone on the screen keyboard.

Works Cited 

Apple. “Use Dictation on Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.” Apple Support, 24 Sept. 2019, support.apple.com/en-us/HT208343.

Hopkins, Janet. “Assistive Technology: 10 THINGS TO KNOW.” Library Media Connection, vol. 25, no. 1, Aug. 2006, pp. 12–14. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=21831531&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Hopkins, Janet. “Assistive Technology for the School Library.” Library Media Connection, vol. 21, no. 6, Mar. 2003, p. 46. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=9351367&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Microsoft. “Use the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) to Type.” Support.microsoft.com, 2 Oct. 2018, support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10762/windows-use-on-screen-keyboard.

Microsoft. “Use Voice Recognition in Windows 10.” Support.microsoft.com, 22 Apr. 2020, support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027176/windows-10-use-voice-recognition.