Autism+and+Zac+Browser

It is no secret that people with autism can be easily overstimulated, by seemingly regular things. Therefore, it is important to find tools to help alleviate some of the stimuli.

I became aware of the ZAC Browser while doing the diigo tagging assignment. What caught my attention was the fact that this 'browser' is geared towards students with autism. I was so intrigued that I did some research and downloaded the browser to test it out for myself. Here is what I discovered.

According to the blog article //How People With Autism Use the Computer// by Even Grounds Accessibility Consulting, it is apparent that people with autism benefit from the use of computers. "Computers are perfect for people with autism because of the predictability of its responses and its capability to conduct communication through symbols and synthesized speech."

From my experience, the previous statement is 100% accurate. However, traditional computers and traditional web browsers can be a bit overwhelming. For example, when an autistic student can not find or access the page, video, picture, etc. they want unwanted behaviors can occur. Mostly because the traditional computer browser is chalk full of stuff the student doesn't want, and they struggle to weed it out. The ZAC Browser changes this in a dramatic way. An Associated Press review of the browser states that "the ZAC Browser greatly simplifies the web. It seals off most adult-oriented sites...".

During my own investigation of the browser, I noticed how easily and quickly the navigation was. Games, learning apps, books, videos, music, and may other items are readily available. The need for searching through traditional web pages is eliminated. The layout is predictable and consistent, similar to an organized iPad screen. The frustration of a traditional web browser is reduced and the student will be more successful overall. Thus, the ZAC Browser is helping to create positive experiences with the computer.

Overall, this is an excellent alternative to the traditional web browser when working with students on the autism spectrum.

Resources: Even Grounds Accessibility Consulting: http://evengrounds.com/blog/how-people-with-autism-use-the-computer Associated Press: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJGncJatGUg  It is no secret that people with autism can be easily overstimulated, by seemingly regular things. Therefore, it is important to find tools to help alleviate some of the stimuli.

I became aware of the ZAC Browser while doing the diigo tagging assignment. What caught my attention was the fact that this 'browser' is geared towards students with autism. I was so intrigued that I did some research and downloaded the browser to test it out for myself. Here is what I discovered.

According to the blog article How People With Autism Use the Computer by Even Grounds Accessibility Consulting, it is apparent that people with autism benefit from the use of computers. "Computers are perfect for people with autism because of the predictability of its responses and its capability to conduct communication through symbols and synthesized speech."

From my experience, the previous statement is 100% accurate. However, traditional computers and traditional web browsers can be a bit overwhelming. For example, when an autistic student can not find or access the page, video, picture, etc. they want unwanted behaviors can occur. Mostly because the traditional computer browser is chalk full of stuff the student doesn't want, and they struggle to weed it out. The ZAC Browser changes this in a dramatic way. An Associated Press review of the browser states that "the ZAC Browser greatly simplifies the web. It seals off most adult-oriented sites...".

During my own investigation of the browser, I noticed how easily and quickly the navigation was. Games, learning apps, books, videos, music, and may other items are readily available. The need for searching through traditional web pages is eliminated. The layout is predictable and consistent, similar to an organized iPad screen.

Overall, this is an excellent alternative to the traditional web browser when working with students on the autism spectrum. Resources:

Even Grounds Accessibility Consulting http://evengrounds.com/blog/how-people-with-autism-use-the-computer

Associated Press https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJGncJatGUg