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 their peers Proloquo2Go (App) Communication system Bigger buttons to press Texthelp Systems Other Useful Apps

Kindle Displays E-books and other digital materials Can support simple PDF 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!