What are assistive ICT technologies?
The Technologies
Assistive and adaptive technologies are wide ranging, when applied to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) they are a range of hardware devices, furniture, computer screens and software that enable anyone to work more healthily, effectively and with equal access to the technology regardless of any impairment or disabilities.
There are standard pieces of software, hardware like keyboards and mice, chairs, tables and there are alternatives and setups that are healthier or more effective to use for most people, whether people with or without exisiting impairments or disabilities.
Effective use and application of the technologies
With a positive environment and a progressive attitude to assess peoples' needs, the purchase and support of these technologies will lead to higher levels of inclusion and productivitiy benefiting individuals, organisations and Society as a whole.
Who benefits?
All of us who use technology, like computers to communicate or be creative. As these 'assistive' technologies are about lowering risks of developing impairments like Repedative Strain Injuries (RSI) and other disabilities as well as being assistive to some groups of people to better use the benefits of technology.
People who particularly benefit may fall into these categories;-
- People with learning difficulties or dyslexia.
- People with visual impairments or blindness.
- People with mobility disabilities and impairments.
Current "State of the Art"
Technologies are developing all the time and can be suited to a high level of assistive needs;
- A person can control a computer with voice comands only.
- A person who is blind can fully use a computer.
- A person can 'dictate' verbally to a computer and it will 'type it' as text for you. No keyboard required.
- A person can move the mouse pointer on the screen with there eye movements or head position.
- A person can control a computer and be creative with a blink of their eye or the movement of one muscle.
