assistive technology for physically disabled by: erika ichihara lis 670 april 27, 2010
TRANSCRIPT
Assistive Technology for Physically Disabled
By: Erika Ichihara
LIS 670
April 27, 2010
Agenda
Laws Who would use it? Why is it important? What kind of A.T. is out there? How can our hand-held devices be turned
into A.T.?
Important Laws to Remember
Rehabilitation Act 1973 Section 504 Section 508
Americans with Disability Act of 1990 (ADA)
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act 1973
“No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States…shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance…” (U.S. Code, Section 794)
Section 508
Establishes requirements for electronic and information technology by the Federal government
Done through accessibility-related software or peripheral devices
Americans with Disability Act
Gives people with disabilities equal rights and prohibits discrimination by the local and federal government, employers, and private services based on disabilities
Supports and extends Section 504
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Guarantees children with disabilities a right to
a free appropriate education Each student is provided with free education
that prepares them for further education, employment and independent living
Who needs A.T.?
According to 2000 U.S. Census, 8.2% were physically disabled In Hawaii, the percentage is 7.2%
Neuromotor Impairments (cerebral palsy, Multiple sclerosis, spinal cord disorders)
Muscular/Skeletal Conditions (arthritis, limb deficiencies= missing limbs)
Elderly people Wounded soldiers
Why is A.T. so Important?
Restricted social life Allows them to participate in society and
interact with others Learn in the best way they can Use computer with more ease Why should it be important to us as
librarians?
Some A.T. that’s out there
Speech and Voice Recognition Tracker (Infrared pointer) No Hands mouse Joystick Trackball Switches Intellikeys Keyboard Wheelchair
Joystick
Ideal for those who struggle with the mouse Designed to have a removable guard to
protect buttons from accidental pressing Has 6 buttons (left click, right click, X/Y lock,
double click, drag lock, motion speed adjustment)
Can use different handles to provide a better grip for user
Trackball
An alternate tool used as a mouse Uses the ball to move the cursor, then lift up
finger to click Does not require
fine finger control
Switches
Used with applications, and with other A.T. devices
Ideal for people who struggle with motor control issues
Easy to activate
Intellikeys Keyboard
Alternative keyboard that plugs into any computer
Allows user to change response rate and repeat rate
Support an endless variety of overlays Easy to use, portable, and switch between
different users
Wheelchair
Mobility device Manual or electric-powered
Video: Miller Twins
Two girls, Mariya and Michelle, have spinal muscular atrophy.
The parents and family friend built mobility chairs for the twins
It allows them to move like average kids
Currently….
We have the Digital Revolution Enable us to chat with our friends and family Reduce barriers of communication
iPod Touch, iPad, iPhone
Allows kids to be like theirpeers
Proloquo2Go (App) Communication system Bigger buttons to press
Texthelp Systems Other Useful Apps
Kindle
Displays E-books andother digital materials
Can support simplePDF files
Includes dictionaries Read Alouds
Conclusion
Connect to the world Become less isolated
Participate and feel more welcome Tools to internet and accessing it can allow
people with disabilities to become powerful Even if there are problems to make it
accessible, it does not mean is should be an obstacle to make it accessible.
Any questions?
Thank you!