IntelliKeys - Instant Access Overlays
by Gerry Kennedy
For PC Compatible and Apple Macintosh Computers
The Instant Access overlays provide students with the opportunity to interact with and use a variety of off-the-shelf software from leading education software designers. Many students cannot use a mouse or a standard keyboard. They have been excluded in the past in inclusive settings using mainstream software or had to observe and be a passive participant in computer lessons. At home, their needs could not be adequately catered to when using the computer with their siblings. Using IntelliKeys, switch and enlarged keyboard users can be fully accommodated and enjoy these fun titles with their peers.
Instant Access to Living Books
The Instant Access Overlays are available for the captivating Living Books series. You can now purchase all Instant Access Overlays on the one CD-ROM. (Please note that you need to purchase the Living Books CD-ROMs separately – as the Instant Access Overlays software simply provides access to the Living Book titles for students with physical difficulty in using the mouse to operate the program.) Living Books, are multimedia-based interactive books that are usually mouse driven. When the student clicks on an area of the screen display, an event occurs (such as an animation, sound effect, voiced instruction, page turn action). The versions are multi platform and can be used with either Macintosh or PC Compatible computers. As all Living Books are available on CD ROM disks, the overlays consistently correspond to both platform versions. This is a real bonus to schools. It caters to those that possess both Apple Macintosh and PC Compatible computers.
You choose the set that corresponds to the Living Book titles that you currently use or wish to purchase. Simply install the IntelliTools Instant Access software titles onto your hard disk. Then, the students use them by loading their Living Book CD-ROM program. You place the appropriate overlay on IntelliKeys or plug your switch(es) into IntelliKeys. That’s the set up! It’s so easy to provide students with their preferred input method. They can begin work straightaway. To change programs, remove the overlay (if required), re-load another Living Book title, and once more you’re ready to go.
If your computer can run a Living Book title, you can operate IntelliKeys with Instant Access Overlays. The inherent power of IntelliKeys is that the overlay “logic” is sent to the board’s memory. Corresponding files are stored on your hard disk for each activity or screen and are sent automatically to IntelliKeys.
The days or frustrating programming, searching for software drivers and connecting cumbersome devices are long since gone. IntelliTools understands the needs of busy classrooms. They have addressed the needs of children with special needs and recognised the fundamental desire of students to use the same software as their friends and classmates. Teachers also require ease of use. For specialised adaptive devices and software to be successfully implemented, devices must be practical, appropriate and easy to use.
IntelliTools overlays for IntelliKeys solve many of today’s software access problems. The solutions are cost effective, providing students with powerful outcomes. All students can enjoy their software together, with teachers and parents comfortable in the knowledge that children with special needs can learn at their own pace.