What are Alternative Computer Accessories?
Before we can talk about alternatives, we need to define the usual. Most folks use a keyboard, screen, and mouse or trackpad to access the computer. An alternative computer accessory is something that also accesses the computer, but is better suited to an individual’s unique needs.
Alternative computer accessories include, but are not, limited to the following:
- Sip & puff systems.
- Head pointers.
- Braille displays.
- Magnifiers.
- Trackballs.
- Switches.
- Joysticks.
- Game Controllers.
- Voice Input.
There are many unique technologies, and new ones are being developed as more people get their needs addressed. Alternative computer accessories, whether for input or output, help more people access the resources everyone else already has.
Referring to Alternative Computer Accessories and Their Users
Generally, these devices are divided into two categories: alternative input devices and alternative output devices. Some do cross the category lines. As long as there’s no slur or derogatory term involved, calling them by their specific names is also an option.
Anyone may use an alternative computer accessory for any number of reasons, from a lifelong disability to a broken bone. For others, these devices make more sense. Options like alternative device user do exist, but asking the person in question is usually a better option if it’s important enough to be addressed directly.
Creating an Accessible Environment for Alternative Computer Accessory Use
Embrace the Technology
As Star Trek fans, we’re pretty used to seeing incredible technologies. Alternative computer accessories should be no different. By allowing people to bring whatever they want to the computer table and not judging new things, everyone feels welcome.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if a setup makes sense to you or me. It just has to work for the person using it.
Use the Internet First
While it’s exciting to see new ways of using the computer, oftentimes, you’re one of a herd who wants the setup and the reason behind it explained to them. You can google the accessory, watch videos or read websites, and typically gain a pretty quick understanding without asking a ton of questions.
This way, you’re not asking someone to explain their tech for the fifth time today or invading their privacy by asking exactly why they need this configuration. You can still ask questions later, but you’ve taken some of the burden.
Foster Digital Spaces
Often, alternative computer accessories are a fact of life for people. If there’s something that can be done digitally rather than in-person, especially if it’s on the computer anyway, then the possibility should be explored. It’s more inclusive for a broad variety of groups and means less packing for everyone.
STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. uses both Facebook and Discord officially. Both have options to play games together, hold meetings, and more, so we should use those capabilities to complement our activities.
Encourage Knowledge Sharing
If someone uses a unique setup and they want to share their knowledge or story, we should also be willing to facilitate that. Whether it’s a quick lesson during a chapter meeting or a whole event, new knowledge is good knowledge. The key is to only ask this type of presentation of folks who are willing.
Feel like this guide is missing something? Let us know at sfcoa@sfi.org.
Want to know more about accessible communication? Check out Accessible Communication 101.