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checkpoint 4.2
Optimize access to tools and assistive technologies

Providing a learner with a tool is often not enough. We need to provide the support to use the tool effectively. Many learners need help navigating through their environment (both in terms of physical space and the curriculum), and all learners should be given the opportunity to use tools that might help them meet the goal of full participation in the classroom. However, significant numbers of learners with disabilities have to use Assistive Technologies for navigation, interaction, and composition on a regular basis. It is critical that instructional technologies and curricula do not impose inadvertent barriers to the use of these assistive technologies. An important design consideration, for example, is to ensure that there are keyboard commands for any mouse action so that learners can use common assistive technologies that depend upon those commands. It is also important, however, to ensure that making a lesson physically accessible does not inadvertently remove its challenge to learning.

  • Provide alternate keyboard commands for mouse action
  • Build switch and scanning options for increased independent access and keyboard alternatives
  • Provide access to alternative keyboards
  • Customize overlays for touch screens and keyboards
  • Select software that works seamlessly with keyboard alternatives and alt keys

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