Clickers

A clicker is used on game shows that add up the audiences answers. A way to use this in the classroom is that the students will take a poll using this device, then the teacher plugs it into the USB port on the computer to tally up the results. This is good for debates or presentations the students are doing.

Website:

http://news.plu.edu/node/1065

USB

The USB is a device where you can save items on there and transport it to different computers. You are able to save pictures or data on their for a back up as well as download programs to upload on other computers.

Website;

http://www.usb.org/home

Switches

Switches are a common solution for users with mobility disabilities, such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerbral palsy, spinal cord injuriesm and head injuries, who need to use coputers or other electronic devices but have difficulty with the physical part. Instead of using the keyboard or a joystick (which they are unable to use) they are able to use this switch to be able to monuver the computer. It can be set up by a single button, a few buttons, a sensory plate or another type.

Website;

http://www.w3.org/QA/2003/03/web-kit

Screen Magnifiers

This is used by people with visual disablitities to get information on a computer screen. This software enlarges the information on the screen. It's software that interfaces with a computer's graphical output to present enlarged screen content. The simplest way of magnification is to present an enlarged protion of the original screen content, the focus, so that it covers some or all of the full screen. this enlarged portion should include the content of interest to the user and the pointer or cursor, alsoo suitably enlarged,

Website;

http://www.456bereastreet.com/archive/200707/introduction_to_screen_readers_and_screen_magnifiers/

Speech Synthesizers

Speech Synthesizers is a hardware device used for speech output. This is used with screen readers or optical character recognition/scanning software programs for people who are blind or visually disabled. It is capable of translating any text, predefined input, or controlled nonverbal body movement into audible speech.

Website;

http://www.answers.com/topic/speech-synthesizer

Alternative Mouse Devices

This is used to replace the mouse. The keyboard keypad can function as a mouse using mousekeys. his lets the user manage the cursor on screen using kes on the keyboard. The moust keys are built into the keyboard so the user can toggle between text input or mouse input.

Website;

http://atrc.utoronto.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=9

Alternative Keyboards

This type of keyboard is designed to help people who have difficulty with the regular keyboards. This includes keyguards that prevent accidental key activation, to alternative keyboards with different layouts, sizes, etc. for people who have specific needs, to alternative input systems with require other means/methods of getting information into a computer.

Website:

http://www.tifaq.org/keyboards.html