Adaptive Computer Equipment
Computers can make everyday life easier and help to simplify tasks. However, if you have a disability that affects the use of your hands or arms, or if you have sight loss, you will be unable to use a standard computer. These days, there are many adaptive devices that can be added to the computer you already own or will purchase, to put its full functionality at your command.
Significance
Adaptive computer equipment can help people with disabiliites communicate and lead more independent lives. There are some standard devices available, or equipment can be tailor-made. Having adaptive computer equipment can allow someone with a disability to continue to be gainfully employed and make use of all of the computer programs and services that are available.
Identification
Adaptive devices can involve minor modifications for people who have some use of their arms and hands, but may have difficulty using a standard computer mouse or keyboard. Some companies make special desks and workstations that are lower and set up for easy access if you use a wheelchair. In cases where the disability is more challenging, adaptive computer equipment can be quite sophisticated, allowing the user to control functions by moving his head or using a mouthpiece. In addition, there is also equipment for people who are living with sight or hearing loss. No matter what your disability, there are devices and specialized equipment to accommodate your needs.
Types
Some types of adaptive computer equipment allow the user to control the computer by wearing a device on her head. Through head and/or eye movements, she can control the computer functions just as if she were using a mouse or keyboard. The picture here shows a small device that is attached to the top of the monitor. The user then attaches a reflective device on her head (a hat or glasses). Movements of the head (in less than 1-inch increments) are translated into typical actions she would perform with a mouse.
Also pictured is a device that uses eye movement. In addition, there are mouth-operated joysticks (such as the one shown at the top of the page) that help the user control the computer functions. By blowing or puffing into the device, he can mimic typical functions performed with a mouse.
Features
People with sight loss can buy special TVs that are connected to the monitor to help enlarge text. There are also keyboards that display large print. The blind can get keyboards in braille. If the computer user has hearing loss, there is sound-amplification equipment, as well as screen readers and text-to-speech equipment that will read the information on the screen. This equipment can interpret and read information from a web page or email program. In addition, there are programs that can translate the information on the screen into sign language. Speech-to-text programs can do the reverse. With the proper software and a good-quality microphone, a user can control the computer by speaking commands like "Open email" or "Close program." These programs also allow the user to have her words typed into a Word document as she says them.
Considerations
Some of the more advanced technology--such as head- or mouth-controlled devices, or equipment to translate your information into braille--can be very expensive. Many of these devices run into the thousands of dollars. This is a concern, as some people who are living with a significant disability may also be on a fixed income. The very technology that can help them improve the quality of their lives may be financially out of reach. To help, you can try contacting the national agency of the condition you are living with. For example, the National Association for the Blind has programs that can offer financial assistance to clients who need equipment. If the equipment is needed for gainful employment, your health insurance company may cover some of the cost. If, due to your disability, you need to change careers or be retrained, check with your local unemployment office. They have divisions especially geared to retraining people with physical challenges and working with local businesses to place them in jobs. They will often have information on obtain equipment.
