I am a big fan of computers and other electronic devices for education and assisted living.  I start children on the computer from about eighteen months but they need help with all of the clicking and dragging required to maneuver in current programs.  I like the use of the Big Track Trackball (there are many different names for this large mouse.)  Basically, the Trackball is a large mouse with 2 over-sized buttons and a large ball in the middle.  It works the same as any mouse but you only move the large ball with your fingers/ palm rather than moving the whole mouse.  I have found that even children with very poor fine motor skills could operate it from about age 2.  

There are many good programs available for young children and I do not think that one needs a program for children with special needs.  Any baby/ toddler program would be suitable, but some are better than others.  Look for programs that are simple and uncluttered.  

When first introduced to the computer, most children will bang the keyboard and push buttons randomly.  They will also move the trackball all over and touch the screen.  This doesn’t usually last too long and is necessary for the child to explore before he can use this medium purposively.  I usually let the child do this exploring unless they get too zealous and destructive.  Once that bit is over, they are ready to learn how to use the mouse.  I start with a paint program and get it set up for them.  I choose a high contrast paint against the background and point to the screen while I move the trackball so that they see the line appearing on the screen.  Young children go through a stage where they do not understand that their actions on the ball cause a reaction on the screen.  Some children are closer to age 2 before they get this link.  Until they make this connection, it is difficult to do much more with the computer.  You can, of course, use it for a slide show of pictures or songs with the child as a passive audience.  I do this at times, but I prefer to support the child to become an active participant as early as possible.  

When the child is moving the trackball while watching the screen it usually means that the connection has been made.  At this time I introduce a simple game where the child has to move something on screen to a pre-destined spot.  Many baby programs include this kind of game where there is a character on screen that has to move to the door or the like.  If a click and drag is required, I click for the child and let them drag.  The dragging is intuitive so it is the place to start.  When they are dragging items well then you can introduce the clicking.  That said, you can introduce clicking on its own.  Many programs ask the child to click on the specified object.  Just start with a single action, whether it be clicking or dragging.  

I find that nearly all children are interested in the computer.  Children with Down syndrome are visual learners so they are very well suited to it.  If you find that your child is not interested over time, consider:
•    Is the program too busy?
•    Is the program not interesting enough?
•    Is the audio too loud/ soft?
•    Is the subject matter developmentally appropriate for my child?
•    Is my child hearing/ seeing well?  

By the age of 4 your child will be explaining to you what can be done with a computer :)

P.S I am linking you to a page that gives you the Irish suppliers.  This is from the Citizens Advisory Board site and you should bookmark it because it provides a lot of really useful information about other assistive technology and suppliers.  Let me know if you have problems.  I also suggest people check out EBay.  I bought 2 trackballs in Ireland from EBay!
http://www.assistireland.ie/eng/Products_Directory/Computers/Hardware/Input_Devices/BIGTrack_Supermouse.html

© Ann Haig Wheeler, DSC 2010

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