Assistive Technology for Computing Essay

This technology includes voice amplifiers, wheelchair software, and other computing software to assist learning for those with a disabilities. The technology used is high tech especially in the wheelchair software. If the system was to fail it could lead to potential distress or harm of the individual in the wheelchair. In addition, staff must be properly trained so they are capable of carrying out the software

Microsoft Corporation in their endeavors to enhance everyone’s life with the aid of computing software has developed output hardware for the blind or visually challenged. Windows also offers a function such as video narrator, that provides audio descriptions of videos (http://Windows.Microsoft.com).

With new technology comes new ways to let disabilied people use more items. An example is, voice recognition screen readers can help peole who are blind. For instance, eye-tracking programs can make using computers simple for people who can´t move their hands.

Each day we find ourselves more and more reliant on technology. Our dependence on computers and smart phones has naturally produced some major advancement in technology. Though both exciting and liberating, major advancements in technology have also produced some unforeseen consequences. People with disabilities, for example, have increasingly faced barriers to access and enjoy the same technology we often take for granted every day. In 1998, the US Congress sought to alleviate this problem by amending the Rehabilitation Act. Specifically, Congress enacted Section 508, requiring Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities.

Websites are used by people with all abilities; a visit to the Royal National Institute for the blind (RNIB) gives an insight into people with visual

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) assists Ontarians by “developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards in order to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities…”. This act creates a standard that must be met through all facets of society. Whether it be in an in-store customer experience, in the workplace or online, AODA lays a framework that will assist in the day-to-day lives of Ontarians with disabilities. This act greatly impacts the IT field, in that it changes the way IT professionals utilize technology, in order to assist and accommodate disabled citizens. Disabled Ontarians occupy a significant population within all of Ontario, “15.5% of Ontario’s population has a disability and this

In the United States there are about 5.6 million people that suffer from paralysis. In addition, 1.2 million people have spinal cord injuries (u2fp.org, n.d.). Although some people suffer from these disabilities, they don’t let it hinder them from expressing themselves. With the assistive technology devices that Tobii Dynavox has to offer, people with disabilities can communicate their thoughts effectively. Imagine a loved one or friend or even yourself, which due to an accident, lost all mobility from the neck down. How would you interact with the world around you given the circumstances? How could they utilize programs that Microsoft Office has to offer?

In this artifact, I researched for alternative technological tool(see Assistive technology.doc) for students with disabilities to represent how technology could be a great assistance for them. This assignment represents how technology could be used by all students no matter what they need. Therefore, in this assignment, I looked for tools and ways to implement access to technology resources for students who have neuromuscular difficulties, and/or difficulties of counting with her finger to show that there are varieties of technological tool for all the needs.

Living and learning with assistive technologies (AT) for disabled people is allowing them to lead virtually normal lives. Assistive technology in action videos I have recently watched introduced me to 3 people who are being assisted by this cutting edge technology.

This may be harder than it looks. For many people the internet may be their only way of communicating, working, and everything else they may not be able to do like the rest of the world. I would even say that peoples with disabilities may depend on the internet more than people without disabilities. On top of that, many government agencies have switched to a paperless, virtual environment. This saves both money and time. With that said, that can make it even harder for peoples with disabilities to take care of their day to day business. Joseph J. Lynett and John A. Snyder for the American Bar Association (2013) write, "As it appears the DOJ is preparing to issue standards governing web accessibility under the ADA, covered entities should assess with their IT professionals and attorneys whether their websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities and whether doing so would as a legal matter pose an undue hardship or fundamentally alter the nature of the goods or services provided. Based on the assessment and any accessibility barrier discovered, covered entities should map out a plan to make their websites accessible even in advance of the looming regulatory action from the DOJ. Covered entities whose websites are inaccessible to individuals with disabilities may be the targets of lawsuits filed; therefore, it behooves employers to review the accessibility features of their websites and Internet-based services consistent with the accessibility issues outlined above." (para

Stephen Hawking is one of the smartest people alive today, but he can’t talk and has minimal movement in his body. Some might have said that he wouldn’t be able to communicate any more, but they were wrong. Our technology has evolved to the point where he can use a speaking aid. As you can see, this is a very extreme case of assistive technology. But what about the other side of the spectrum, where people need help but not to that extreme, like people with ADHD, ADD, or autism? I think Microsoft needs to begin researching and innovating to create assistive technology for those individuals.

It’s the 21st century and the world is experiencing an all time high in innovations in technology. These innovations in technology have helped the world break many communication barriers. Cellular phones make it easy to call anyone around the world with the press of a few buttons. Webcams and computers are used to help one video chat and send emails all in the matter of a few minuets. Due to these innovations many people with disabilities find it easier to communicate as well. This new technology has led to a greater acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities in society. For example, deaf people can use Facetime to call each other and sign through there. There also have been many applications developed for our hand held devices to

Even with the legislative measures taken to assist those who are blind, those with significant visual impairments still face oppression. According to Iris Marion Young, oppression “designates the disadvantage and injustice some people suffer not because a tyrannical power coerces them, but because of the everyday practices of a well-intentioned liberal society” (Adams, p 36). People who are blind face oppression when navigating the internet. There are many programs that aid those with vision issues- Braille keyboards and audio and text converters. However, these programs do not always work with websites. At the moment, no government standards exist in the United States (Williams). This is a problem because the internet is a very large part of society. The internet holds the keys to financial needs, educational advancement, and social interactions. Therefore, legislation needs to be passed to make the digital world as

The use of technology in educating children with special needs has widely grown in the past few decades. Individuals with special needs are unique and all have different areas in which they need assistance. Due to the advancements in assistive technology, computer programs, software, and other technology tools, it has become much easier for people to find useful and easier ways to become educated. Because of this, “technology has changed the way people with disabilities live, work, and learn.” (Winzer,98)

Individuals with sight problems can adjust color and brightness to assist them in viewing programs. Children with hearing problems can adjust volume controls and replace noise commands with visual commands. For example, if a child clicks on a program that is unable to open, they can program the computer to respond with a verbal message informing them of the inaccessible program, as opposed to the usual noise response. “Laptop computers can provide high-tech tools for note taking because of their mobility”(Barfield, 2003, p. 1). Customized computers also offer many different options for individuals depending on their needs. Touch screens, and touch pads enable an individual to use a computer by simply touching a screen or pad with his/her finger. “This often allows students who have fine motor problems, inaccurate keyboard skills, or problems with spelling to complete programs without frustration (Olson, 2000, p. 344). Voice activated computers allow students to use a microphone to enter information into the computer. Positions of buttons and switches can also be changed to accommodate an individuals certain needs. Other parts of the computer can also be altered to aid an individual with special needs. For example, individuals with limited motor control often use a key guard. “A keyguard is a keyboard overlay with holes positioned over each key. This assists in stabilization of finger, hand, or stick movement (Ray, 1995, p.