Living in an age of technological advancements has spoiled many of us – just a few decades ago it didn’t seem possible that we would be able to pay our bills and shop online, find information on nearly any subject without leaving our homes or be able to communicate with friends and family anywhere in the world easily and affordably.
Perhaps we have become so used to these modern-day conveniences that we have begun to take them for granted. For some, this is not the case: Many computer users have physical or developmental disabilities that require extra accessories and assistive devices for them to be able to accomplish everything they want to with their computers.
Fortunately, there are many innovative products on the market that strive to make the computer accessible to all. Here is just a small list:
Eye and Breath Controlled Computers
Users with severe disabilities can forgo having to use hands thanks to these new technologies that follow and interpret commands based on eye movement and allow users to control the computer with their breath.
Voice Recognition Software
Programs such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking integrate with office software and allow users to convert their spoken words to text.
Screen Readers
This software is useful to blind or visually impaired users, and also users with learning disabilities. Screen Readers scan what’s on the computer monitor and convert it to speech or even Braille.
LOMAK
An acronym for “light operated mouse and keyboard,” LOMAK devices are perfect for those who can’t use a traditional keyboard and mouse, featuring light pointers that can be moved with either hand or head.
