OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


Overview of Computer and Tablet Access

Overview of Computer and Tablet Access
Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
September 11, 2015
Share:

Introduction

Occupational therapists often work with clients needing computer or tablet access.  There are a number of things to consider.  First, there is the physical access of actually controlling the keyboard and mouse.  There is the visual aspect of being able to see the display, track the cursor on the screen, and coordination of eye-hand movements between the mouse and the cursor on the display.  There is also a cognitive aspect of understanding whatever my application might be, whether it is a software program on the computer or mobile app on a tablet or even a smart phone.  Finally, there is the functional context.  This is something that is very critical that we, as occupational therapists, can bring to the table. “What is the goal?”  Why is the client using a computer or tablet?  It is easy to think of the tablet as the goal, but it is not.  It is what we are doing functionally with that device.  It is very important for us to keep in mind the functional context; what is the goal of us using this technology? 

Computer Access Hierarchy

Going through our computer access options, we are going to follow somewhat of hierarchy.  There is a written version of this computer access hierarchy that is listed in our resources at the end of this course.  In following that hierarchy, we are going to start with standard computer access methods, and that means the standard keyboard.  The first question we need ask ourselves is, "Can the client physically access that standard computer keyboard?"  If so, great; we are done.  If not, we need to look at other options.

Operating Systems

Our first step is to look at the accessibility features within the computer operating system.  Every computer has an operating system.  PC computers use Windows operating system.  Those continue to change.  We are at Windows 8 right now.  Apple or Mac computers use IOS operating system.  Each of these operating systems has a variety of accessibility settings.  These settings not only vary from operating system to operating system, from Windows to IOS, but also vary with the version.  For example, the accessibility settings in Windows 7 might be different than those in Windows 8. 

 

michelle lange

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Michelle Lange is an occupational therapist with over 35 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the co-editor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: a clinical resource guide. She is the former NRRTS Continuing Education Curriculum Coordinator and Clinical Editor of NRRTS Directions magazine. Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and member of the Clinician Task Force. Michelle is a RESNA-certified ATP and SMS.



Related Courses

Positioning the Head
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #3703Level: Intermediate2 Hours
This course will discuss various strategies to optimize head position. First, we will explore strategies beyond the head support, including specific positioning interventions and addressing visual issues. Second, we will explore posterior head supports in depth, matching specific features to client needs. Third, we will explore other options which may be required if posterior support alone is inadequate, including anterior head support.

Wheelchair Positioning: Postural Care
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #4050Level: Advanced1 Hour
The goals of wheelchair seating include managing posture and pressure as well as providing stability for function. Postural care addresses positioning outside of the wheelchair, particularly during sleep, and can be used to improve the quality and duration of sleep, promote health and maintain safety during sleep, as well as to minimize, prevent and even reverse orthopedic changes.

Wheelchair Positioning: Pressure
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #4052Level: Advanced1 Hour
A main goal of wheelchair seating is pressure management, specifically to prevent development of pressure injuries. This course will present pressure injury definitions, staging, etiology and specific seating interventions.

Matching Products to Seating Needs
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #5091Level: Introductory1 Hour
Once the wheelchair seating assessment has been completed and seating interventions considered, it is time to match specific client needs to product interventions. This course presents various categories of seating systems. Seating systems, whether linear, contoured, or molded, are comprised of primary support surfaces, secondary support components, and materials.

This course is part of the Wheelchair Seating Back To The Basics Topic.

Let’s Talk Augmentative And Alternative Communication: Preparing For The ATP Exam
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #5633Level: Intermediate1 Hour
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in the context of preparing for the ATP examination is presented in this course. The course will address terminology as well as the HAAT model to explore key features including access, display layout, optimizing access, programming, mounting, and integration of systems.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.