Assistive Technology for Inclusive Education: A Single-Case Study of a Child with Spastic Tetraplegia, Visual and Motor Disabilities in Ecuador

Abstract

In this research, we designed and developed an adapted keyboard and software for learning to write for an Ecuadorian child with spastic tetraplegia, visual and motor impairment using a computer. The method used in this research was the adaptation of the Human Activity Assistive Technology (HAAT) model. First, functional and non-functional hardware and software requirements were analyzed. Then, the adapted keyboard and software were designed based on the collected requirements. The adapted keyboard consists of ten keys: three circular keys (Esc, Character, Select Character), two rectangular keys (Space, Enter), and five triangular keys (four scroll arrows, Erase). The software is compatible with any screen reader such as JAWS due to the child's visual impairment and allows writing on a computer through an auto-complete of words previously stored in a database. Finally, the keyboard and software were developed based on the previously elaborated designs and considerations of the child with disabilities. Several tests were developed with the JAWS screen reader to corroborate the accessibility and functionality of the adapted keyboard and software. In conclusion, keyboard and software helped to improve the writing learning. The target audience for this article are researchers, families, educators, and students with disabilities.