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How Can Cerebral Palsy Kids Use a Computer?

Modern technology is making it easier than ever for children with cerebral palsy, or CP, to communicate and be in touch with the world. Computers are a wonderful resource for this. An ever increasing array of hardware and software is making disabilities caused by CP less and less of an obstacle. There is adaptive technology available to accommodate children with CP at just about any disability level which will let them play and learn on a computer.

  1. Windows Accessibility Programs

    • There is already installed software in any PC with Windows or in an Apple computer that gives greater accessibility to any computer. Microsoft Windows Accessibility Wizard will help you set up programs according to your needs. Magnifier changes text size and reverses colors (black to white) to make it easier to read. Narrator is a program that reads text aloud and allows you to adjust speed, volume and pitch. On-Screen Keyboard lets you type by using your mouse to click on letters on a keyboard displayed on your monitor. Sticky Keys and Filter Keys help minimize common problems for the disabled that can occur while typing.

    Other Programs and Software

    • Apple accessibility programs include Close View and Text-to-Speech, which are like Windows programs Magnifier and Narrator, as well as Sticky Keys and Slow Keys. Apple also has Speech Recognition, which recognizes voice commands, and Mouse Keys, which let you operate the mouse using keys on the numeric pad. There is a large variety of software available for computers that go beyond these basics. Programs like Dragon Naturally Speaking takes voice recognition to a more sophisticated level. Kurzweil software reads not only programmed material aloud, but scanned material as well.

    Hardware

    • Hardware that adapts computers for use by children with CP includes one-handed keyboards, keyboards with large keys, touch screen monitors, and "switches." A switch or button is used to control the computer and the mouse, which is easier for children with severe CP symptoms. There are even touch-free switches that activate a mouse using a video camera and movement, adapting to the child's individual movements.

    Computers for CP Patients

    • A major advance in computing for those with CP is the MyTobii P10, an eye-controlled computer that combines a 15-inch monitor, computer and eye-controlled device into one portable unit. It can be mounted anywhere and can use a power wheelchair, battery or wall socket for a power source. It can be used by those with eyeglasses or contacts and works in any kind of lighting. Uncontrolled head movements do not affect its eye-tracking ability. It is very easy to set up--just follow a dot for 10 seconds and the system reads and adjusts for your movement. This system is not inexpensive, but may be covered by Medicare or insurance. Children with severe CP who would never have been able to use a computer before can experience a whole new world with MyTobii P10.

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