Computers for People with Disabilities

2008-02-11 15:44:58

( Computers )



The Lowdown on People with Disabilities

A disability refers to not being able to use certain parts of your body to function in a useful way, specifically in terms of vision, hearing, speech, learning and body movements.

Currently, there is an estimated fifty million disabled people in America. About half of the people with disabilities are within employable age, that is, between 16-64 years old.

Unfortunately, about 70% of these people are unemployed only because many companies lack the proper technology to accommodate the disabled. Most jobs in the country require some form of computer usage and knowledge, and hiring standards require that people using computers must be able to see and hear adequately as well as be able to use their hands and fingers on the keyboard and mouse.

As the law mandates that employers must not discriminate against people with disabilities, companies need to modify their computers and other equipment to address certain disabilities.

Adaptive Computer Technology

Modern technology has developed adaptive computers for people with disabilities. Depending on the type of disability you want to address, you can attach special accessories or devices in your office computers.

For instance, you can provide audio screen readers and keyboards with Braille raised dots for the vision impaired. Or they can use computers that have built-in voice recognition devices instead of keyboards for inputting data.

People with a missing arm or fingers can use adaptive computer mice especially adapted to their condition. Or they can use touch-screen technology that will enable them to use the computer without need of a mouse.

People with severe motor skill impairments will appreciate computers that can be switched on with sound or by a tiny movement from a usable part of the body.

Word prediction software allows the disabled to input only a part of a word to reduce input demands. You can also create macros that can expand abbreviation rules and enable more keyboard shortcuts than what a regular computer software can do.

Weighing the Cost of Computers for People with Disabilities

The various methods used for helping to bridge the gap between disabled people and computers are not as costly as perceived. Many of the adaptive computer technological devices cost only about a few hundred dollars at the most.

Noted computer hardware manufacturers have recognized the need to provide the right computers for people with special needs, so you shouldn't have a difficult time shopping around for the devices.

The benefits of hiring the disabled will definitely outweigh the costs. You will also feel good in knowing that you have given these people a chance to have gainful employment and useful, productive lives.


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