14 Tech Tools That Enhance Computing for the Disabled
By Nadel, Brian; Computerworld,Publication Date: February 15, 2010
Article features computer interfaces that enable access for people with disabilities. Brief descriptions are provided of the following devices: (1) the Impulse system, which allows cursor control via a device attached to the user’s skin that transmits electrical impulses sent from the brain to the muscle; (2) Eyegaze Edge, which translates eye motion into on-screen action with the use of an infrared camera; (3) Jouse2, a “sip and puff” input system which can be mounted on a desk or wheelchair and allows adjustment of input settings such as cursor speed and sip-puff sensitivity; (4) SmartNav 4, which enables input by means of head movements, through the use of a small reflective dot placed on the forehead; (5) Camera Mouse 2010, a free application that tracks the user’s head movements with a standard webcam; (6) Lomak, a light operated mouse and keyboard which uses a head mounted device that shoots a laser beam to a keyboard replacement; (7) the NoHands Mouse, operated via foot pedals that sense 360 degrees of movement and varying amounts of pressure; (8)the BigKeys LX keyboard, for users with low vision, featuring keys that are four times the size of those on a standard keyboard; (9) the ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, which can blow up text up to 32 times and also has a read-aloud feature; (10) the InfoScan TS Elite, a pen that scans and stores printed material and reads it back; (11) the Intel Reader, featuring enlarged text on its screen and a synthesized voice; (12) Braille+ Mobile Manager and (13) the larger BrailleNote Apex, both of which are lightweight, portable Braille notetakers; and (14) soundAMP, an audio-processing application for hearing-impaired users of the iPhone or iPod Touch.
Assistive Products Discussed: INFOSCAN
JOUSE2
BIGKEYS LX
NOHANDS MOUSE
EYEGAZE EDGE
BRAILLENOTE MPOWER BT 32
BRAILLENOTE MPOWER BT 18
BRAILLENOTE PK
ZOOMTEXT MAGNIFIER / SCREEN READER
LOMAK
CAMERA MOUSE
SMARTNAV 4 AT
BRAILLENOTE APEX (MODEL BT 18)
BRAILLENOTE APEX (MODEL BT 32)
BRAILLENOTE APEX (MODEL QT 18)
BRAILLENOTE APEX (MODEL QT 32)
INTEL READER
Published by: Computerworld Inc.
Link to text: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9149058/
