Meeting the needs of adults with learning disabilities

BusyOT
BusyOT Online Community Member Posts: 76 Listener
edited July 2024 in Housing and independent living
This discussion was created from comments split from: Hi, I'm Chris, I am an Adaptive Technology Specialist.

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  • BusyOT
    BusyOT Online Community Member Posts: 76 Listener
    Hi Chris
    Great to meet you on here! We use loads of technology with clients but struggle to find decent software that is age appropriate and meets the needs of adults with learning disabilities. Gaming technology is pretty much OK (Wii, X-box etc) but PC software is a bit more difficult to get right. Do you have any links or recommendations? Arlene
  • Chris2
    Chris2 Online Community Member Posts: 35 Listener
    Hi Arlene, thanks for your question!

    It is very difficult to find age appropriate software, especially for switch users and those with complex access issues.
    It sounds like you are OK with the gaming side of things, so I won't go into too much detail with that.
    If it is computer control and more functional computer use you are looking at, then I would recommend something like The Grid 2. The software allows switch users to have more independent access to the internet and control of a computer with one or two switches or eye gaze hardware. I also find it a great piece of software for those who can use a mouse or similar device but may have visual difficulties or find it difficult to sequence tasks. It also works very well on a touch screen device such as the RM Slate for those who prefer to use direct access and are looking to have an integrated computer/ communication device. For someone to use The Grid 2 with switches, they do need to have a fairly good understanding of switch scanning and may benefit from computer activities focusing on developing their switching skills first. Clicker 5, although designed for education and younger people can be a great tool for creating more age appropriate resources and activities and/or making existing resources such as books accessible to people with physical and learning difficulties.

    I hope this was the sort of thing you were looking for, please feel free to keep posting if you would like more specific advice or help in using any of the software I have mentioned.

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