Assistive Technologies
Assistive technologies are a set of products or effective system that are made or modified on-demand in order to enhance the scientific and functional efficiency of people with disabilities. Specialists in this field fully agree on the term “educational technologies for people with disabilities” which not only refers to technology only, but also any material […]
Assistive technologies are a set of products or effective system that are made or modified on-demand in order to enhance the scientific and functional efficiency of people with disabilities. Specialists in this field fully agree on the term “educational technologies for people with disabilities” which not only refers to technology only, but also any material used to teach it.
Types of assistive technologies for people with disabilities
Assistive technologies designed for people with disabilities: this type of technology is limited to people with disabilities as it is designed according to the specific requirements of each person with disabilities, and who will be adopting them differently from people who do not face any difficulties.
For example: computer input devices designed for people with disabilities such as control screens for people who use a single hand, or special cars manufactured for them, or electric wheelchairs, or artificial limbs and walkers.
Modified assistive technologies: this type is usually designed to be adopted by normal people, but is modified so that people with disabilities can also use it.
These additions or modifications can be:
– Minor: any person can use it such as software features that change the user interface to suit the visually impaired people. In Windows for example, a user can enlarge the icons and texts on the screen, and some softwares can display captions and sign language for people with hearing impairment.
– Major: Requires the manufacturer or provider of the assistive technology to produce and provide such additions or modifications, for example the computer programs that are developed and installed on computers to assist a blind person by converting the visuals on screen into audible speech. This modified computer can be used by both a normal person and a person with special needs. Another example is the modification of some Internet browsers to meet the needs of dyslexic, autistic, or color-blind people.