Working Together: Computers and People with Sensory Impairments.
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| Title: | Working Together: Computers and People with Sensory Impairments. |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Washington Univ., Seattle. |
| Availability: | DO-IT, Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking & Technology, University of Washington, Box 355670, Seattle, WA 98195-5670. Tel: 206-685-DOIT (Voice/TTY); Fax: 206-221-4171; e-mail: doit@u.washington.edu; Web site: http://www.washington.edu/doit. For full text: http://www.washington.edu/doit. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 6 |
| Publication Date: | 2001 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA. Department of Education, Washington, DC. |
| Contract Number: | 9800324 |
| Document Type: | Guides - Non-Classroom |
| Descriptors: | Access to Computers, Accessibility (for Disabled), Adult Education, Assistive Technology, Computer Interfaces, Computer Peripherals, Computer Software, Computers, Elementary Secondary Education, Hearing Impairments, Input Output Devices, Speech Synthesizers, Visual Impairments |
| Geographic Terms: | U.S.; Washington |
| Abstract: | This brief paper considers ways in which people with sensory impairments can benefit from the assistive technology available with computers. Assistive technology practitioners are urged not to focus on the disability, but on the individual's abilities and the tasks to be performed. Explanations of the major sensory disability areas precedes descriptions of computing tools that have been used effectively by this population. For visual impairments, these include enlarged monitor displays, screen enlargement technology plus a scanner (to magnify printed text), speech and/or Braille output systems, screen reader software, refreshable Braille displays, and dedicated Web browsing software that incorporates speech and/or large print. For hearing impairments, computer access is simpler but is complicated by system-generated beeps (which can be changed to visual displays) and the increasing use of streaming media. For individuals with loss of sensitivity in hands and/or fingers due to peripheral neuropathy or other causes, suggestions include speech input software. The paper also lists contact and other information resources associated with Project DO-IT at the University of Washington. (DB) |
| Notes: | The DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) program is also funded by the State of Washington. |
| Journal Code: | RIEJUN2004 |
| Entry Date: | 2004 |
| Accession Number: | ED481297 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This brief paper considers ways in which people with sensory impairments can benefit from the assistive technology available with computers. Assistive technology practitioners are urged not to focus on the disability, but on the individual's abilities and the tasks to be performed. Explanations of the major sensory disability areas precedes descriptions of computing tools that have been used effectively by this population. For visual impairments, these include enlarged monitor displays, screen enlargement technology plus a scanner (to magnify printed text), speech and/or Braille output systems, screen reader software, refreshable Braille displays, and dedicated Web browsing software that incorporates speech and/or large print. For hearing impairments, computer access is simpler but is complicated by system-generated beeps (which can be changed to visual displays) and the increasing use of streaming media. For individuals with loss of sensitivity in hands and/or fingers due to peripheral neuropathy or other causes, suggestions include speech input software. The paper also lists contact and other information resources associated with Project DO-IT at the University of Washington. (DB) |
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