The paper analyzes major microcomputer systems and their use in rehabilitative systems for persons with physical handicaps. Four categories of microcomputers are addressed: systems designed for home or school with emphasis on low cost, recreation, and educational software; general purpose microcomputers with applications in a large number of…

The paper discusses ways in which the Apple II plus and Apple IIe computers can be adapted to become highly effective tools in the education of the physically/multiply handicapped student. The role of word processing programs as communication aids, alternative input and output devices, and innovative software programs is examined. Among the…

Identifies factors to consider when evaluating educational software and describes additional criteria for evaluating software for physically disabled students. Software design which complements school curriculum and is accessible to nondisabled and moderately disabled students is presented as a solution. Sammy Series programs developed to meet…

The paper describes new software and special input devices to allow physically impaired children to utilize the graphic capabilities of personal computers. Special input devices for computer graphics access--the voice recognition card, the single switch, or the mouse emulator--can be used either singly or in combination by the disabled to control…

The two information fact sheets describe (1) available computer options for use with a handicapped individual and (2) available communication techniques or aids for a severely physically handicapped son or daughter. The first fact sheet considers three ways a physically disabled individual can use a microcomputer: using special software designed…

The purpose of the project being reported on here was to develop a "Directory of Microcomputer Software for Special Needs Students." The bulk of this final report consists of a copy of the actual directory. Based on information gathered from commercial software manufacturers and distributors, the directory lists microcomputer software for…

This article shows how even preschool children with significant physical disabilities can use the computer independently to learn social skills if given the correct positioning, appropriate computer peripherals and software, grouping, and instructional strategies. A continuum of computer peripheral adaptation is provided, along with a list of…

The Educational Center for Disabled Students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is designed to improve the academic performance and attitudes toward success of disabled students through computer technology and academic skills training. Adaptive equipment interventions take into account keyboard access and screen and voice output. Non-adaptive…

The book focuses on the use of microcomputer technology in special education. It is intended for users with no programming knowledge. An introductory section provides suggestions for finding software and considers the microcomputer's role in communications and environmental control. The second chapter addresses key elements of microcomputer…

Using manual, hardware, and software adaptations, teachers are able to use computer-based educational programing with learning-disabled students who have physical handicaps. This paper describes such technology as keyguards, alternative keyboards, scanning systems, switches, and spelling and grammar checkers. (JDD)

This paper examines various topics and issues related to the teaching of science to orthopedically handicapped students. It includes: (1) brief descriptions of programs and materials for orthopedically handicapped students in elementary ("Elementary Science Study" and "Science A Process Approach II"), middle ("Science…

Describes the most recent innovations and advancements in computer peripheral devices and enhancements, computer software, captioning and other electronic devices, and computer languages designed to aid communication and learning in physically disabled, learning disabled, visually impaired, and hearing impaired students. (MBR)

This set of information sheets is intended to improve practice in special education through technology, media, and materials. The first information profile introduces NCIP (the National Center to Improve Practice), gives an example of how one special education administrator uses NCIP resources, and offers suggestions for facilitating NCIP…

A computer-based system was developed for physically handicapped students using a learning laboratory to develop prerequisite skills for regular vocational or technical courses. Among criteria developed for the system were that it should not require manual dexterity, should use commercially available and reasonably priced hardware and software,…

This publication contains six presentations on using microcomputers in special education, submitted by special education teachers at informal information sharing sessions. The first is a lesson plan involving pre-computer activities that prepare preschool developmentally delayed children for using a computer keyboard. Finger isolation and…