Our assignment is a fairly simple one, to outline how computers can be used, without using the.... traditonal imput methods due to handicaps and alike.
This is a circumstance I can relate to as my now infamous computer won't connect to the world wide web I've compensated with my phone. Boom, ICT Solutions for you.
However, in all seriousness there are some incredibly clever and varied input methods for those without a sense or two, and I shall list them here:
For the hard of hearing.
This is quite an unintrusive hinderance to computing in most ways as you can still type and see the screen and receive textile feedback, however, say someone rings you. You pick up, who do you say hello to if you can't hear their voice? Oooh, that's where Ofcom comes into it, they're making it obligatory for phone companies to provide low rate video calls for the deaf, so they can communicate in their prefered medium; Sign Language. Brilliant.
For the blind: The main source of innovation comes through either shifting Braille reading pads and keyboards or software such as Jaws, which reads out the screen content. Those whom are just visually challenged however there are a few other tricks that will magnify the screen for just make things bigger such as plain ol' Magnifier to Windows Eye.
The greatest innovations are given to the paralysed, with devices such as Electromyography Implulse System, will convert the faintest brain command and convert it to a click. There's the Eyegaze, which'll track eye movement allowing for typing on am onscreen keyboard and last but by no means least; I present the Jouse2. With tongue oriented mouth movement and a simple sip or puff to create a click. That is some serious innovation, just pray their lungs are smoke free.
Being disabled is becoming less and less of a hinderance to life with so much originality orbiting within the industry virtually every kind of handicap is catered for. Boom, ICT Solutions for you.
Josh this is another great post. You write very well and keep the reader engaged (I can't wait till you get use to this and it becomes more of a habit than a request).
ReplyDeleteI can see that you have researched this unit very well and some of the devices you have mentioned are new to me (we're all learning :-)
I would like to offer two pieces of advise..
1) Break your posts up into paragraphs with line space between each (easier to read).
2) Hyperlink to sources, I would like to have clicked on Ofcom to read more about their initiative for the deaf.
Keep up the hard work.