Question

describe the features of input and output devices and explain considerations for selecting the devices to meet individual needs

My major is rehabilitation services. the class is assistuve technology. the book is assistive technology for people with disabilities

Answer 1

The input and output devices should be carefull selected based on the particular individual's need and disability taken into consideration. The following are input/output devices that are selected for assistive purposes:

1. Braille Keyboard:

Type - Input Device, Application for: People with blindness to write

Communication is a key challenge for people with disability and when it comes to blindness the use of Braille language for writing and reading does not help to communicate with normal people as majority do not know Braille. Henve, use of a Braille Keyboard to write in language that other people like see ans understand helps immensely. The Braille Keyboard is an input device just like a normally used keyboard but instaed it has the Braille alphabets as the input method which when connected to the computer, transmits the data entered into readable normal data which can be read & interpreted in display by anyone. This helps immensely to people with blindness communicate effectively by using the keyboard as assistive technology input method.

2. Foot Mouse:

Type: input device, Application for: People with disability having high back and limited or no use of upper body and limbs.

Traditional use of computers to communicate and perform tasks involves a dominant use of upper body ans especially limbs/ hands. For people with disability in upper body that is a big challenge to use and perform tasks that are done easily but due to physical limitations become difficult. Hence for such people the use of foot mouse can be extremely helpful as they can use feet as input method using foot mouse as input device to type on the On-Screen keyboard and clicking while using computer and perform normal tasks and activities.

3. Optical Character Recognition/ Screen reader software:

Type: Output device, Application for: Blind and limited vision disability individuals.

For a blind person reading a document is difficult task without vision. Hence the optical character recognition software as an input device when pointed or placed near the OCR/ Screen reader, it translates the information using document scanning-text recognition algorithms and converts the information in terms of sound which can read out the data to the individual with disability. Thus, making reading not only possible but given a sense of independence and dignity to individuals with disability to perform day to day reading tasks.