Assistive Devices & Technology
Today's technology allows people with just about any disability to use computers and to retain the ability to perform everyday functions. You may be surprised how assistive devices allow blind, deaf and even paralyzed people to use modern computer hardware.
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History
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Humans have used assistive devices to function in day-to-day life for as long as they have lived. Anything can be an assistive device---for example, the elderly often use canes to assist with walking or wheelchairs. People with broken legs use crutches. Apple's MacinTalk, a text-to-speech program, was one of the first assistive technologies for the personal computer.
Universal Design
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Assistive technology is created for use with all types of disabilities. Universal design also prevents companies from having to constantly redesign technology to fit the proportions or needs of people with the same disability. A text-to-speech program, for example, can be used by a visually impaired person but also by an individual with a dyslexic handicap.
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Hardware
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A great deal of assistive hardware increases a disabled person's access to computers. Hardware can be anything that assists with day-to-day functioning---for example, many hearing impaired people wear hearing aids. Typical hardware for computers include braille keyboards and joysticks and trackballs that can be operated with any part of the body.
Software
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Such software as speech-recognition programs are popular with the visually impaired, and even nondisabled adults use speech recognition to speed up their writing. In computers, a combination of assistive hardware and software is needed for the disabled. For example, text-to-speech programs cannot work without microphones.
Potential
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Future assistive technology will likely be able to conform itself to the needs of a disabled person instead of a disabled person working within the confines of the hardware or software. For example, future GPS devices could give real-time directions to a blind person walking around town. "Radio frequency" technology could allow a disabled person to operate switches and appliances with spoken commands.
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References
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Comments
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Hello Jaxson, I was doing research on assistive devices and technology when I looked up and saw your picture. You are such a handsome boy! and such a welcome surprise to by long and busy day! Love ya, Maw Maw.
