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!