Computer Access For People With Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities that impede their range of motion often have difficulty accessing technologies. With the use of computer-based assistive technology; devices, tools, and services can be used to maintain and improve the functional capabilities of motor disabilities. Assistive Technologies and Computer Access for Motor Disabilities investigates solutions to the difficulties of impaired technology access by highlighting the principles, methods, and advanced technological solutions for those with motor impairments. This reference source is beneficial to academia, industry, and various professionals in disciplines such as rehabilitation science, occupational therapy, human-computer interface development, ergonomics, and teaching in inclusive and special education. This publication is integrated with its pair book Disability Informatics and Web Accessibility for Motor Limitations.

The revolution in accessible computer technology was fueled by disability activism, the interactive nature of personal computers, and changing public policy. In 1974, not long after developing the first universal optical character recognition technology, Raymond Kurzweil struck up a conversation with a blind man on a flight. Kurzweil explained that he was searching for a use for his new software. The blind man expressed interest: One of the frustrating obstacles that blind people grappled with, he said, was that no computer program could translate text into speech. Inspired by this chance meeting, Kurzweil decided that he must put his new innovation to work to “overcome this principal handicap of blindness.” By 1976, he had built a working prototype, which he dubbed the Kurzweil Reading Machine. This type of innovation demonstrated the possibilities of computers to dramatically improve the lives of people living with disabilities. In Making Computers Accessible, Elizabeth R. Petrick tells the compelling story of how computer engineers and corporations gradually became aware of the need to make computers accessible for all people. Motivated by user feedback and prompted by legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, which offered the promise of equal rights via technological accommodation, companies developed sophisticated computerized devices and software to bridge the accessibility gap. People with disabilities, Petrick argues, are paradigmatic computer users, demonstrating the personal computer’s potential to augment human abilities and provide for new forms of social, professional, and political participation. Bridging the history of technology, science and technology studies, and disability studies, this book traces the psychological, cultural, and economic evolution of a consumer culture aimed at individuals with disabilities, who increasingly rely on personal computers to make their lives richer and more interconnected.

Tells how to use the computer technology that now exists to overcome orinimize physical problems with speech, learning impairments, paralysis, andther disabilities.

Current computer hardware and software can give people with any kind of disability new ways to interact with the world. In this book, The Alliance for Technology Access brings together user-friendly support, information, and up-to-date answers to all your questions including how to make use of conventional, assistive, and information technologies; real-life stories about people of all ages and disabilities who are using technology successfully; a "toolbox" section with the latest computer technology, including screen enhancements, speech synthesizers, and customized keyboards; and a full list of support organizations, vendors, publications, and online resources to contact for more information. This second edition includes hundreds of new and updated listings in the resource section.

This newly expanded book describes how to make use of conventional and assistive technologies, and explains how to determine needs. An indispensable resource guide, it lists funding sources, government programs, publications, and technology vendors.

Incorporating Compass Computer Access Assessment software, Computer Access for People with Disabilities: A Human Factors Approach provides the information clinicians need to know in order to provide effective alternative computer access solutions to individuals with disabilities. Originally developed for a masters-level course on computer access for rehabilitation engineers and rehabilitation counselors, it provides practical guidance on how to provide computer access services and sufficient background knowledge to allow the reader to interpret the research literature. Presents technology for individuals with physical, cognitive, and sensory impairments, and for older adults Covers text entry devices, pointing devices, switch access, automatic speech recognition, and web accessibility Emphasizes fundamental concepts and principles that remain true regardless of which specific operating system or product is being used Draws on research from the fields of rehabilitation engineering, occupational therapy, and human-computer interaction (HCI)

This report provides an overview of multimedia access barriers and solutions for people with sensory disabilities, including recommended public policy interventions. A letter of transmittal to the President and both houses of Congress precedes the main body of the report. An executive summary groups recommendations under the following categories: establishment and tasks of a National Advisory Task Force on Multimedia Access; legislative/regulatory policies (at both federal and state levels); and research, education, and collaboration. The report's main body is divided into five sections which address: (1) use and importance of multimedia; (2) barriers to accessing multimedia; (3) solutions for making multimedia products accessible; (4) voluntary efforts to improve access to multimedia; and (5) recommendations for further action. Seven appendices provide information on a framework of multimedia categories; statistics on the number of people who are visually or hearing impaired in the United States; results of a survey of educators of people with visual impairments working with multimedia products; results of a questionnaire for educators of people who are blind or visually impaired; questions for educators and media specialists working with people with hearing impairments; a listing of current multimedia projects focusing on accessibility; and the mission statement of the National Council on Disability. A glossary is included. (Contains 90 references.) (DB)