Assistive Technology Assessment

Cabrillo College offers informal assistive technology assessments through meetings with Cabrillo students in the Assistive Technology Lab, discussing their computer experiences and needs, and trying out technology until we find a good fit. Members of the community who are interested in learning more about assistive technology or assessments can contact the lab at 477-5262.

Self-Assessment

What factors are important to consider when self-assessing assistive technology needs? What follows is a list of items to consider, which may be helpful as you contemplate purchasing equipment or software.

• Input Needs: How do you input information into the computer? Do you need to scan text into the computer to read it electronically? Do you type, and if so, is this working well for you? If not, consider alternative input methods: alternative keyboards, speech recognition software or word prediction software for typing and controlling the computer, and mouse alternatives such as trackballs, head pointers, and other devices. See the Useful Sites link at left for links to vendors.
  
• Output Needs: What kind of output do you need? Output refers to the way information is output from the computer, and it can be visual, auditory or tactile.
  
• Visual: Do you need a large monitor to see visual output more effectively? Do you need screen magnification software to enlarge it even more, or to change the way the information is displayed?  If you are working without sight, then screen reading software can provide alternative access to visual output.
  
• Auditory: Do you want to use a headset or speakers to hear audio output (such as text-to-speech or screen reading), or do you need captions turned on whenever available if hearing is an issue?
  
• Tactile: What about printed material: do you need a standard printer, tactile graphics or a Braille embosser? Some Braille users prefer a refreshable Braille display for output.
• Ergonomics: How your body is positioned while working at a computer is important to assess, because bad ergonomics can cause injury. In general, you want neutral body positioning for maximum comfort. Your arms and hands have specific needs as well, and you should take frequent breaks to rest your hands and refocus your eyes. If you have low vision, you may have special needs in terms of ergonomics to maintain good body positioning and to place the monitor correctly. For good information about ergonomics and computer use, visit this OSHA Ergonomics site.
• Complexity: Complexity refers to how easy or difficult to use a computer component or system is for a particular user, and if it is functional and useful, or overwhelming and frustrating. This is an area which is very subjective, and may require a lot of trial and error. If you have a lot of previous computer experience, you might be able to handle a program which is significantly more complex than a person who has never used a computer before. However, it is important not to make assumptions about your own ability or that of others, as it may unnecessarily limit your options. You may find that something that seems too complex becomes functional for you with some training; or, conversely, something that seemed like it would work just doesn't. So, keep and open mind, and see what works for you.
  

What Technology Is Right for Me?

Matching a person to assistive technology software and hardware is a process of trial and error. Only you will know what works best for you, but we can make suggestions, show you possibilities, and give you ideas for what might be useful for you. To get a better idea of what assistive technology hardware and software is available at Cabrillo College, click on the AT Hardware and Software link.