AT Resource: Adapted Keyboards

There are a variety of adapted keyboards used by students and individuals to enable easier access to the computer. The standard keyboard can be difficult for students with disabilities to use. Depending on the disability and needs of the child the adapted keyboard used may vary. The adapted keyboards found in schools are expanded keyboards which are larger keyboards with larger keys for students with poor fine motor skills. Mini keyboards are smaller keyboards used for students with muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, or motor impairments. There are keyboards available on the computer screens for students to use with control of a mouse. Customized keyboard overlays are layouts placed over a keyboard specifically created for a student’s need. Customizable keyboards can have holes for only specific keys a student will be using. The holes on these keyboards help students press only the key needed without pressing the surrounding keys. In my classroom I would use the customizable keyboards because not all of my students have the same needs. There are specific math games we play that only use the arrow keys, so I would create an overlay with holes for only the arrow keys. 
 

Reference: Dell, A., & Newton, D. (2008). Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.