Technological Resources for Students with Deaf-Blindness and Severe Disabilities

Abstract

This resource manual provides information on adaptive technology for students with deaf-blindness and severe disabilities. The material is based on a project that sought to identify specific applications that support the acquisition of early communication and social interaction skills. The first section describes 20 computer software programs and adaptations, both commercial and public domain, that can facilitate the use of microcomputers by students with deaf-blindness and severe disabilities. Each review includes: information on the publisher, purposes, possible modifications, and a ranking of the "user-friendly features" of the program; additional rank-ordered information on the range of programs, graphics, options, and reinforcers; and a vignette describing how the program was adapted for and used by a student. The second section consists of resource lists of peripheral equipment and adaptive devices, commercially available software for Apple II computers, public domain software, resources for public domain software, hardware and software warehouses, technology resources, publications, and bulletin boards and user groups. The final section presents annotated bibliographies addressing adaptive technology in general; microcomputer technology in the classroom; technology and augmentative communication; and microcomputers, switch access, and environmental control. (JDD)