Assistive Technologies
It's important to know that there are many hardware and software solutions - collectively known as assistive technologies - that can help disabled people effectively use information and communication technology, by reducing or removing barriers. These may allow control of the computer in alternative ways, or convert information from an inaccessible (e.g. visual) format into an alternative accessible format (e.g. sound). Assistive technologies can vary significantly both in cost and functionality, and while some may be extremely powerful, it can't necessarily be assumed that all users will be using the latest version of an assistive technology.
For e-learning developers and producers, the task is to design resources in such a way as to give these assistive technologies the best possible chance of operating effectively.
Category Listing
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Alternative input devices
A generic term for any input device other than the conventional keyboard and mouse set-up. Find out more about some of the devices available to support computer use by people who have great difficulty using, or are unable to use a mouse or keyboard.
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Alternative output devices
People with severly reduced vision or no functional vision may find a monitor effectively useless as a way of presenting digital media content. People who have extreme difficulty in reading and processing on-screen content, for example as a result of dyslexia, may also require that content to be presented to the by alternative means. For both groups, technologies that output content in audio or tactile format may be essential for enabling computer access and use.
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Technology to adjust visual output
For people with reduced visual capability, and for people who may struggle to read and process on-screen content, assistive technologies that alter the visual appearance of on-screen content can be very effective in enabling or improving computer access.