A hardware solution for access to CAA for students with reduced manual dexterity due to acute neurodisability - A case study

This study was undertaken to assess possible solutions to the issue of acute disability with regard access to Computer Aided Assessment systems. With the vision for the adoption of CAA set out by the Quality and Curriculum Authority approaching reality, it is now increasingly important for inclusion, widening participation and accessibility to be paramount on the agenda of any course team developing assessment strategies. This paper is a review of available solutions for students with extreme mobility differences that can exclude them from mainstream approaches to the control of software interfaces. It describes a bespoke solution utilised in a particular case that has proved to be invaluable in the teaching and assessment of a student with limited manual dexterity due to Cerebral Palsy. The study focuses on editing packages that are used extensively in the assessment of audio media courses, but the solution brokered could be adapted to CAA across many disciplines.