Scenario 4 - Composition

Introduction Faced with a blank sheet, the pupil may be unable to sustain ideas. Sentences may be shortened and simple words used because they can be spelt more easily. The effort of writing has driven away the desire to communicate. Software which incorporates symbols, word banks or predictive word processors act as a stimulus for ideas as well as an on-screen dictionary for those who may be able to read more easily than they can spell.

The trend is towards on-screen software support and this has proved to be most useful when a pupil finds it difficult to shift his gaze from the horizontal keyboard to the vertical screen. However, there are still pupils who find an overlay keyboard easier to use. They may find that the on-screen clutter of a ‘windowed’ environment plus word banks is perceptually too difficult. If they have a visual impairment they may need to use an individualized overlay with larger text, contrasting background and tactile prompts.

Example 1 – Word support through prediction

Abi has used a word processor from the time that he started to learn to write independently. He began by using BigMAC on the Nimbus, accessing the on-screen letter grids and word lists by using the mouse button as a single switch. Now he uses a desk-top PC running a talking word processor and word prediction program.

The word prediction software allowed him to select the initial one or two letters from the on-screen keyboard and then select and enter the appropriate word from the prediction box. The use of the predictor has encouraged Abi to be adventurous with his use of words and his creative writing has improved considerably. At present his ability to access the software via a miniature rollerball is just possible – with a little physical help from a friend or SEN assistant. The predictor was set to offer only words of more than four letters. Also the size of the prediction window and the font size of the words predicted were enlarged.

Key skills and equipment The key skills for the above example are: understand and set up the prediction software to reflect the individual pupil’s physical, visual and cognitive abilities, e.g. speech feedback, size of prediction window, on-screen keyboard, preparation / size of Lexicon load and use a word processor The key equipment is: a word prediction program with on-screen keyboard – Penfriend a miniature rollerball – MicroTrac

Example 2 – Using an overlay

Lanehouse School for the visually impaired has RM Window Box computers in every class. These machines come with Special Access Tools including an overlay maker and several printed overlays designed to support the writing process. From an audit of resources, A4 Universal concept keyboards were rediscovered. As a result of awareness raising by their local ICT Advisor, the staff have realized the value of this resource for pupils who need both an enlarged and high contrast keyboard, and easy access to word banks in order to enhance the writing process.

Key skills and equipment

The key skills for the above example are:

• attach an overlay keyboard
• use an overlay maker, paying attention to the size and style of the font used and the background colour of the paper overlay
• load and use the finished overlay

The key equipment is:

• an overlay keyboard
• overlay making software – e.g. Overlay Maker, Concept
• a talking word processor

Example 3 – Using switches and a keyboard emulator

Frank is fourteen years old and a wheelchair user. He is functionally dependent and has no speech. A bright lad, it has been his physical difficulties that have hindered his equal access to the curriculum. Frank attends special school and has access to a range of professionals including Speech and Language, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy staff. His ICT needs have been supervised by the LEA’s Advisory Service for ICT / SEN. The aim has been to help Frank achieve a reliable movement by which he can actuate a switch. Many switch positions have been tried and switch mountings tailored to his changing physical ability. He is now able to use a head switch to access an on-screen keyboard emulator to compose text. He uses the same switches to access his social communication aid. As he gets older, this switch will also allow him to control his environment and achieve a level of personal independence previously impossible for him.

Key skills and equipment

The key skills for the above example are:

• set up an on-screen keyboard emulator to suit the individual switch user’s cognitive and physical abilities
• fix and adjust switches
• load and use the emulator and the word processor

The key equipment is:

• switches
• keyboard emulator: Windows Switch, Discover Switch, Hands Off
• a talking word processor

Example 4 – An inclusive word and symbol processor

Mrs H. has a class of thirty-two Year-5 pupils. Of these, seven pupils have been identified as having special needs, which include visual and motor impairment, dyslexia and developmental delay. The two pupils with motor difficulties had already been referred to the Authority’s Advisors in ICT and SEN; so Mrs H. had been able to get general advice on suitable software and access devices for the remaining pupils for whom there was no specialist provision.

As a result she was able to put in place a range of access peripherals and a word and symbol processor combined. The software on its own was so popular that all the class wanted to use it. They especially liked being able to add sound files to liven up their stories! Inclusive Writer was chosen because it offers on-screen keyboards, word-lists, picture grids and a spell-checker helped by speech and pictures. For those with visual difficulties there are talking toolbars and menus.

The ICT Advisors showed Mrs H. how to attach the overlay keyboard and switches, and suggested ways in which each of the pupils with an identified SEN could write with an appropriate level of support.

Key skills and equipment

The key skills for the above example are:

• train yourself to use the software
• connect overlay keyboard and switches, and adjust user scan
• connect mouse and / or mouse alternative using Y-mouse dual mouse connector

The key equipment is:

• Inclusive Writer software
• IntelliKeys Board and switches
• mouse or mouse alternative
• Y-mouse dual mouse connector PS/2
• a colour printer

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