Chapter 2

This presentation covers the following: – Various hardware to help people with physical difficulties use a computer. – Various software to help people with physical difficulties use a computer.

Investigate various hardware devices and software for different types of disability. Create a presentation which looks at each device and software and explains how it is used and how it aids the disabled user.

There are two main types of disability that concern those who use a computer. – Visually Impaired – Motor Impaired

Visually impaired people can suffer from: – Complete loss of sight in one or both eyes – Partial loss of sight There are various devices that can help people who are visually impaired.

Investigate the following devices: – Braille Keyboard – Microphone – Loudspeaker – Braille Printer For each device, explain how it is used and how it benefits the user.

Investigate the following devices: – Mouth Stick – Puff Stick – Tongue activated joystick – Eye-typer – Foot Mouse For each device, explain how it is used and how it benefits the user.

Can you find any other example hardware that can be used by Visually Impaired users of ICT? Can you find any other example hardware that can be used by Motor Impaired users of ICT?

Investigate the following types of software: – Text-to-Speech system – Speech-to-Text system – Auditory Feedback system – Screen magnifier – Predictive text – Sticky Keys For each software, explain how it is used and how it benefits the user. Also, provide an example brand name for the software you find.

A visually impaired university student needs to buy a computer to help her with her essays. Explain what types of hardware and software she could use to help her write her essay.

A person who was involved in a car accident has become paralysed from the neck down. He want to start writing a blog about his experiences and how he has coped with his disability to help other people in a similar position to himself. Explain what types of software and hardware he could use to help him write his blog and publish it online.

Describe how voice recognition works. Devices and software that help physically disabled users interact with ICT can also be used to help elderly people interact with ICT. Discuss this statement.