UDL design features that Facilitate Computer Access for Students with Disabilities

    The guidelines that encourage flexibility in use of technology can be seen in how recent operating systems of computers now allow operation of it by with a mouse, keyboard or voice.  Both Mac and Windows systems allow keyboard shortcuts that enable all functions to be made directly via the keyboard.  This is a great option for those with fine motor control challenges or limited range of motion.  Computers can also be controlled by voice; both Mac and Windows systems allow users to speak commands into a microphone.

UDL's guideline to provide flexibility in use for both right  and left-handers.  Microsoft has the two button use and can be switched via a function on the computer.  Mac users can position the one button mouse on either side of the computer.

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Finally the UDL guideline designers consider the variation in precision and accuracy of computer users can be seen in  allowing the speed of the mouse to vary, the size of the icon to increase, and varying the speed of the keyboard repeat rate.

All of these UDL principles help a variety of learners with varying needs be it visual, physical or cognitive disabilities.  All of whom I have had in my classroom so it gives me some more ideas to employ should I see a student struggling in the class.

Source: Dell, A; Newton, G and Petroff, J.  (2012).  Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experience of Students with Disabilities. Pearson Education.