Computer Technology and the Physically Challenged :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

Computer Technology and the Physically Challenged Computer technology has positively affected the physically challenged. Computer technology brings new techniques for the blind, deaf, and people with movement disabilities. New programs are making it easier for the disabled. Some schools and states are helping the disabled by setting up computer labs and computer recycling programs. Computer technology has really helped the blind and the deaf. It has brought Braille keys to a regular keyboard. The blind can print out their documents as a Braille copy or a regular copy. If a blind person does not know Braille, then they can use speech synthesizers. Speech synthesizers can speak the words on the screen aloud. A 62-year-old professor uses a portable speech synthesizer. Computer technology has helped make life easier for the deaf because they can read the computer screen easier than before. A center called Adaptive Technology Resource Centre (ATRC) is making it easier for the disabled to access information technology. The new ATRC program, at the University of Toronto, designed to access information. Another program, called MathML, was intended to put math on the web. ATRC worked with MathML to make it accessible to people. The ATRC has also added haptics, the sense of touch and audio, to interactive programs. In an article I read, one example given was a periodic table that showed the relative elements and weight. Another example given was of a pendulum model that showed the properties of a pendulum. ATRC is also exploring the use of captioning and video description. People can look up a word they do not know using one of these methods. ATRC, along with three other companies, has come up with the smart card system. The smart card sets up the computer to the individuals’ preference. Another program that was set up to help disabled people is called Equal Access to Software and Information (EASI). EASI is like ATRC; it provides access to information and guidance to the physically challenged. Through a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, EASI had developed several projects. At the Georgia Institute of Technology, they are trying to make science labs more accessible to students with disabilities. They also take an interest in distant learning by having two online workshops to assist in understanding the Internet and computers. Other schools are starting to help the disabled; whether it is by setting up a new computer lab or recycling used computers.