- 1. So your child can have fun and feel included. All children, able or disabled, share a love of and need for play. Adapted laptops enable children with cerebral palsy to surf the Internet and play games alone or with others.
2. To enable communication. Laptop computers with voice-synthesizer software can help a child who struggles to speak clearly--or even to speak at all--be understood by others.
3. To help your child do schoolwork and integrate into mainstream classrooms. According to the Job Accommodation Network, part of the U.S. Department of Labor, Adaptive laptop computers can assist disabled children to keep up with their peers in school and later at work by using special software. - According to the Research Center on Computing & Society at Southern Connecticut State University, hardware and software manufacturers are now providing helpful applications for disabled people. Some applications adapt keys, such as "sticky keys" which enable input using a single finger, "slow keys" that do not register unless they are held down for a certain amount of time, "mouse keys" that perform the functions of a mouse and "bounce keys" that prevent unintentional keystrokes. Other useful software applications include word prediction programs that type a full word based on a single letter or number, electronic organizers, and digitized books for those who cannot turn pages.
Hardware adaptations include miniature keyboards, adaptable trackballs and mice and input devices that can be used with a stylus. A video camera or specialized switches can translate small movements and operate a computer in response. Touch screens and symbol boards make it easier to operate the computer without using the mouse or keyboard.
Special keyboards that are curved, with keys arranged optimally, can help your child type. Other aids adapt the regular keyboard by fitting key guards to help hold your child's fingers on the right key. - When choosing a laptop computer and adaptive equipment and software for your child with cerebral palsy, take into consideration her physical and mental capabilities. Involving an occupational therapist who is trained in this area will help you tailor the equipment to your child's unique abilities and needs.
In studying factors leading to children's success in using adapted computer laptops, researchers publishing in the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal found two virtually universal success factors. They were the portability of the equipment and teachers' ability to adapt teaching and assignments to use on the laptops. Be sure to consider these important factors when choosing laptop tools and in working with your child's teacher to ensure success.