Consumers who are somewhat computer literate are able to surf the Internet. Two clients love anything to do with weather, so their "job" is to look up weather forecasts and alert the rest of us of upcoming temperatures and inclement weather. Several others enjoy looking up their favorite music artists and watching their videos on-line.

Every consumer who wishes to do so can have his/her own e-mail address. With staff’s help, it is easy to stay in touch with friends and family. We have software called WYNN READER for email and/or selected Internet site to be read aloud to those who cannot read. Another way to keep in touch is by making computer generated greeting cards. Several cards a day are made and given to people who are special to the consumers. They also get great practice either typing or writing their names on the cards before mailing them.

We have been fortunate enough to be able to purchase some wonderful software from Attainment and Intellikeys. These programs are designed to give the user more independence while working on the computer. For instance, one activity is pre-programmed by staff. Let’s say Christmas has just passed and we know that consumers will want to talk about their Christmas traditions and recent activities. Staff can program in several pictures that are obvious clues to a specific action. There might be a picture of someone decorating a tree. Just by clicking on that picture, the computer will automatically type, “I helped decorate my Christmas tree.” There might also be several emotion- filled faces to choose from. The consumer could click on one that is smiling, and the computer would type, “I had a lot of fun doing this.” When they finish, someone can have "typed" an entire letter to someone without having the capability of reading or writing!

For those consumers with the ability to read and write, we have several educational programs which work on increasing or at least maintaining those skills. One such program is called “Show Me Spelling.” A picture is displayed on the screen, and the user is asked to spell the word the picture represents. As letters are typed, they appear under the word. If an incorrect letter is clicked, nothing happens. If someone does not actually know how to spell the word, “HINT” can be clicked. The required letter appears and then fades away. The user can then use matching skills to find the correct letter on the keyboard.

We have lots of games/programs that encourage one- touch switch use. If someone is unable to manipulate a mouse, the programs allow the user to simply touch a switch, and the picture changes. Most of these programs teach cause and effect. One gentleman in the adult program does not have the upper body mobility necessary to even touch a switch with his hands. We found a device that could possibly work for him, but the cost was outrageous. We eventually purchased the inside of a welding helmet and partnered with Hillyard Technical Center. Their welding class welded a very long knitting needle to the front of the helmet and now this man types and maneuvers through computer programs using his head….literally!

Technology is wonderful . . . especially when it bridges the gap that limits computer use for some! Come by sometime. We’d love to show off for you!

For more information about Computer Lab, please contact UCP at (816) 364-3836 or send an e-mail.