Catering For DisabilitiesICT has enabled disabled people to carry out

many tasks that were only carried out by people with no disabilities.

A list of examplesPeople who are deaf or hard of hearing can

now access information using ICT.Instant messaging or webcams can be used.Fonts can be increased for people who have

eye problems.People can work from home.Touch screens and voice recognition systems

are also used

Some PC features in useSticky keys to avoid having to press two keys

at once.Filter keys for a computer to ignore certain

repeated key presses.Mouse keys- where the number keypad can

be programmed to control the pointer.Changing the appearance of pointers, fonts,

menus etcA mouse pointer can be conifigured to leave a

trail

Some PC features in useOverlay or concept keyboard- This can have

much larger keys that can be read by people with sight problems.

Head pointer which can detect the movement of the head using cameras.

Braille keyboards for the blindPredictive word processors which can be

accompanied by voice software.

Some PC features in useSpeech recognition software using

microphones and word processors.Tracker balls which are used with either

hands or feet.JoysticksTouch screens where images are used to

replace characters.Head wand- this is a wand or rod attached to

a headband. This is used by people with limited or no limp movement.

ShoppingDisabled people find it easier to shop from

than to go for shopping. The use of broadband internet access also means that shopping can be done 24/7.

Special features can make it easier to read product information.

Supermarkets do not at times provide features for the diabled and as a result lose out on a big market.

Challenges for the disabledThere is at times too much animation on

websites.Inconsistent navigationSmall font sizesThe requirement for specialist browsers

BankingOnline banking has helped disabled people

with eye sight problems and those who are not able to move.

People with speech problems/deaf find it easier to bank from home.

Bookings SystemsDisabled people find it easier to make a

booking and choose an appropriate seat.Facilities for the disabled can also be found

online.Font can be enlarged.It also saves time.

Health ServicesOnline consultations with health

professionals can be done.Those who cannot travel or have speech

problems can communicate easily online using text messages

General health information can also be found.

EmploymentThe training of disabled people in ICTs is

helping to create employment for them.ICT has generally improved the efficiency of

business and created employment for everyone including disabled people.

There are many retraining centres dedicated to helping the disabled and employment opportunities have been created for them.

GovernmentSome governments have made it mandatory to have websites that also cater for the disabled.