Assistive Technology:
Assistive technology devices are tools, equipment, or services that are designed to compensate for, or enhance the function of some physical or mental ability that is impaired. Children and adults who have a broad range of disabilities or limitations use assistive technology devices.
- Alternative Keyboards
This offer larger keys, one-handed access, and varied layouts. In addition to meeting physical and visual needs, and alternative keyboard can provide a simpler layout for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
The products available range from keyguards that prevent accidental key activation, to alternative keyboards
with differing layouts, sizes, etc. for people who have special needs, to alternative input systems which require other methods of getting information to transfer to a computer.
2. Voice Recognition System
Voice recognition allows a user to use his/her voice as an input device. Voice recognition may be used to dictate text into the computer or to give commands to the computer
(such as opening application programs, pulling down menus, or saving work).
3. Alternative Mouse device
Mouse keys allow the user to manipulate the cursor on screen using keys on the keyboard. Many of the alternative keyboards have mouse keys built in, so the keys on the keyboard can toggle between text input or mouse
input. Many local computer vendors stock trackballs and the programmable ones are also available from assistive technology vendors. These allow the user to manipulate up to five switches to control the mouse—the more switches the user can control, the faster the mouse can be manipulated. Mouse input can also be given by high-tech pointing devices, which transmit the location of a transmitter or reflective dot on the user’s head to the computer system. Separate switches, or just dwelling on a location, are used for mouse clicks and drags. These are frequently used with on-screen keyboards for text input by people with limited movement due to muscular dystrophy.
4. Speech Synthesizer
An exterior speech synthesizer is a hardware tool used for speech production. Normally, they are used with screen readers or optical character recognition/scanning software programs for people who are blind or visually disabled. Exterior speech synthesizers were used completely before the beginning of sound cards in computers. Now, with multichannel sound cards people who use screen readers or other speech output software can have both the “voice” of the computer and the system sounds audible at the same time. Some people who require the system sounds, or who prefer to leave their sound cards to perform other functions may want to use an external speech synthesizer instead of the internal sound card.
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