This adaptive technology can be used for those with:› Physical disabilities› Cognitive disabilities› Visual Impairments

(Synapse Adaptive)

Without this special keyboard, people affected by these disabilities may have difficulty:› typing with a regular keyboard› entering numbers and functions› working with on-screen displays and

menus

(Synapse Adaptive; Sacco, 2002)

Enlarged Keyboard

› Large and colorful keys

› Keys are easily altered with interchangeable keyboard overlays

Keyboard overlays are used to cover the keyboard

Different overlays have different functions(Synapse

Adaptive)

http://flickr.com/photos/15609206@N03/1696196978/

Plug the USB cord into the keyboard port

Choose which overlay to use

(Champion, 1993)

Keys are easier to see

Keys are better spaced apart

Can still have access to regular keyboard and

mouse, if desired

Can have multiple users

Settings can be saved for each user

(Synapse

Adaptive)

Whole words instead of individual letters, if desired, can be used, depending on the overlay

(Erickson, 2004)

Customizable keyboard response and repeat rate› Allows administrator to set how long a key

must be held down before the key functions› Good for those who have poor motor abilities

(Synapse Adaptive)

Can be used at anytime

Practically anywhere› Work› Home› School

(Synapse Adaptive)

IntelliKeys USB®

is compatible with any computer that has:› Windows: Win 98, ME, 2000, or XP

OR › Macintosh: OS 8.6, 9.x, 10.1 or higher via a

USB cord.

(Synapse Adaptive; Champion, 1993)

IntelliKeys USB®

can be purchased online directly from Cambium Learning Technologies Company at:

http://www.intellitools.com/

The suggested retail price is $395

(Champion, 1993; Sacco, 2002; Synapse Adaptive)

This price includes: The IntelliKeys keyboard, 4 keyboard overlays, a USB cord, carrying case, and Overlay Maker 3 Trial version.

Additional keyboard overlays and software can be purchased, as well.

(Champion, 1993; Synapse Adaptive)

Champion, J. (1993). Smart keyboards for kids. Compute!, 15 (6), 42.

Erickson, V. (2004). Spotlight on assistive technology. Media & Methods, 40 (5), 4.

Sacco, J. (2002). Special-needs solutions. Instructor, 112 (4), 16.

IntelliKeys USB. Retrieved October 15, 2008, from Synapse Adaptive Access & Productivity Tools Web site: http://www.Synapseadaptive.com/intellitools/new/IntelliKeys_USB.html.