Information Computer Technology Helping people overcome disabilities By Gemma Hough

These will be discussed during the presentation. Introduction Approximately ten percent of people have a disability in Britain alone. Technology can remove the physical barriers to a disabled person to enhance their quality of life. The new technology has offered a wide range of opportunities for the disabled. These will be discussed during the presentation.

The Possibilities By using a personal computer it is possible to use software so that the computers can talk, listen, communicate, teach and translate. This is very helpful for a person with a disability. These possibilities shown below will be discussed throughout the presentation. Possible software to help disabled Voice Recognition Special Pointing devices Vision systems Implanted computerised devices Verbal Output

Voice Recognition For those individuals who’s hearing is impaired voice recognition is a suitable option. The software and equipment enables the person to input speech using a microphone, and then it is converted into printed or displayed text output.

Special Pointing Devices Individuals with physical disabilities have the opportunities to interact with computers using custom hardware. These can include: Concept keyboard, tracker ball, touch sensitive pad, joystick, touch screen, light pen.

Vision Systems Special glasses can be produced for partially sighted people, or those with other eye disabilities. The glasses contain built in sensors which can detect the movement of other people.

Implanted Computerised Devices With the help of implanted computerised devices it allows physically disabled people to become more mobile, an example of these are electronic wheel chairs.

Verbal Output Some software’s can convert printed text into actual verbal output for the visually impaired, with the help of a scanner. Braille Keyboards are also an option for blind people.

Conclusion New technology has made many advances in employment for the disabled, and supports their independence. An example of the success of computers for the disabled can be related to a man named Stephen Hawking. Stephen Hawking’s has said to be one of the most intelligent people alive. However, he has progressed through his life confined to a wheelchair, brought on by the progressive neurological disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Continued

Without the use of the devices mentioned before we would not have progressed in to space travel as much as we have today, as most of the information we have gained is due to the intelligence and dedication of Stephen Hawkings’. Due to computers, we have uncovered one of the most valuable minds to help the progression of our technology.