DISABILITIES

The five areas of human functioning are seeing, hearing, mobility, speech and learning. When operating a computer, the areas causing the most difficulty are vision, hearing and mobility (physical impairments). Below are descriptions of different devices that are essential to the use of the computer. Problems arise when disabled people desire to use the computer. Hopefully, the descriptions below will contribute to soloving some of the problems disabled people have when operating a computer. Connected to this page is another page that will offer some solutions for some of the problems. Also outside resources have been provided to help you locate help and devices to fit your needs. We hope that this information will prove helpful.

What are the problem areas for the disabled when using the computer?

Diskdrive

The individual does not have enough mobility to turn the computer off or on.
The individual does not have the strength or finger dexterity to handle diskettes.

Keyboard

Individuals with mobility difficulties or difficulties with fine motor control, cannot use the standard keyboard.

Uncontrolled or involuntary hand movements can cause typing errors.
Some individuals do not have enough strength to press the keys.
Limited range of the motion can cause the inability to reach the keys on the keyboard.

Visual challenges require the use of alternative keyboards or adaptations.

Mouse

Standard two or three button mice make it difficult for those who have sight loss or visual challenges to follow or see the pointer.
Clicking, pointing, and dragging are difficult for individuals who do not have enough fine motor control and strength to use the mouse.
Strength and range of motion is needed to position and use the mouse on the desktop and mouse pad.

Monitor and Screen

Visually Challenged

Blind users or individuals with limited vision cannot use the screen display.

The individual may need text-to speech alternatives.

Magnification for low vision can also be an alternative.

Auditorially Challenged

A monitor can be read, but message errors that require hearing need to be converted to text.

Physically Challenged

Physically challenged individuals need alternate input devices in order to use specific devices. Listed below are some common alternate input devices that could easily offer simple solutions for the disabled.

Alternate input devices:
Mice
Trackball
Drawing Tablets
Braille Embossers
Switches, Scanners, and Optical Characters Recognition Software--Software options can include full screen, single line, ruler view, dual view, zooming glass, magnifying glass, and inversion of screen display.

Back to Top

[Home] [Computer Store] [FAQ] [History]
[Hardware] [Operating Systems] [Software] [Adaptive Technology]

Mail comments to Josh and Patrick