IT for children's special needs

Computers have revolutionised the classroom. Image-editing, spreadsheets, email, the internet and the rest have hugely enriched the learning process; the web alone opens a global encyclopaedia for kids to dip in to.

For pupils with special educational needs though, the barriers to this world can seem daunting. What use is the internet to a child whose limited dexterity makes it tough to hit a key or click a mouse?

Learning through computer games is great but what if your visual impairment means you can't make out what's happening on-screen?

The great thing is that there is a huge range of adaptive technology and special software, making computers accessible to everyone. We can only scratch the surface here but there's a list of useful contacts at the end of this piece.

Before you buy anything or adapt your PC, first look at your child's work environment. Check they can see the screen without being distracted by reflections or intrusive lighting and remember to check the workstation from your child's eye view as it can make a big difference.

There's a good deal of help within Windows itself. Go to Start menu/Settings/Control Panel then Accessibility Options. You can choose various colour combinations or a high-contrast white-on-black screen as different settings can lessen problems for dyslexic users; you can increase font sizes or make the on-screen pointer much bigger.

Sound Sentry generates visual warnings when your system makes a sound. You can also use it to tell your programs to display captions for sounds they make.

Those with hand mobility problems can set StickyKeys. This lets you make multiple key presses by pressing one at a time - useful for Ctrl, Shift and Alt.

FilterKeys enables Windows to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes and MouseKeys lets you use the numeric keypad to control your pointer.

Many sight problems go beyond the reach of screen enhancement. A screen reader, such as Inclusive Technology's TextHelp Read & Write, can help.

It reads aloud as you type and also reads menus and icons, informing you when you've made a typing error.

For those with mobility problems there are lots of alternatives to the keyboard and mouse combination, such as mouth sticks, head pointers, rollerballs and joysticks.

Switches offer a different approach as some children may find navigating menus and mice too confusing.

While the standard keyboard may be a problem, there are alternatives. QED makes miniature keyboards that demand less stretching. Expanded keyboards, from the likes of Maltron, have big keys that are easier to hit.

On the software side, meanwhile, Granada-Semerc offers a range of programs designed to increase access for all students.

There are less tangible benefits to ICT use for children with special educational needs. Children with autism, who find social interaction difficult, may find a focus and means of expression through working with the computer.

There's a huge range of personal situations - the key is to think how the computer can fit the child rather than vice versa.

SUPPLIERS' DETAILS
Maltron, 020 8398 3265
Inclusive Technology, 01457 819790
Granada-Semerc, 0161 827 1927
AbilityNet, 0800 269545
QED, 0870 787 8850

WEB RESOURCES
Inclusive Technology manufactures peripherals and software to enable people with special educational needs to make the most of the PC.

AbilityNet details the huge range of techniques and adaptations that can make computers useable and friendly for those with special educational needs.

The British Educational Communications and Technology Agency has a raft of excellent online information sheets here. Click on the 'Using ICT in special needs education' link for files on legislation, dyslexia, speech and language difficulties (and dozens more) and how adaptive technology and IT can help.

Information from the Department for Education and Skills includes frequently asked questions about SEN.

There is also a free catalogue of resources for teaching professionals, learners, parents and carers from the National Grid for Learning.

Closing the Gap is a US site but contains lots of useful information on the latest assistive technology products.

The Oxford ACE Centre's website contains lots of links to organisations working in the fields of alternative and assistive technology.

DEFINITIONS

• A child is defined as having special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty that needs special teaching. A learning difficulty means the child has significantly greater difficulty in learning than most children of the same age.
• That's not just kids with obvious learning difficulties such as those who are physically disabled, deaf or blind. They could be slow learners or emotionally vulnerable.
• The government estimates that up to 20 per cent of schoolchildren may need special educational help at some stage in their school life.
• The DfES Code of Practice states how pupils with special educational needs can be best helped in schools and there are specific sections on the uses of IT.
• The crucial thing is that clever use of inclusive, adaptive hardware and software can open up learning. Visit here for examples of the IT-specific demands the Code makes of schools.