ICT and access to the curriculum

48. "In reviewing existing contracts and, if necessary, negotiating new ones, a commissioning body should ensure that:

• specialised items of hardware and software, such as an alternative keyboard, mouse or switches can be added easily;

• software needed by pupils with disabilities, such as speech output or screen magnification, can be installed;

• the full range of accessibility options within the operating system can be utilised, for example, to slow down mouse speed or keyboard repeat rate, or to enlarge screen fonts or reduce screen clutter;

• equipment can be placed in accessible locations, for example, so that wheelchair users can reach the keyboard and see the screen;

• access privileges are flexible enough to enable staff to make necessary changes to afford access (for example, to adjust control panels or save individual settings for specific programs)."