Electronic Assistive Technology
Document Actions
This site is speicifically concerned with Assistive Technology Software, which falls under the umbrella of 'Electronic Assistive Technology'.
This is an attempt at an overview of the existing categories of AT software - bear in mind, this is a very general whistlestop tour!
Communication Aids
Some people are unable to express themselves verbally and this be because
of a wide range of reasons that may have other associated difficulties.
Communication Aids (VOCAs; AAC devices; SGD). Consider someone with cerebral
palsy - a condition that causes motor co-ordination problems - the same
motor problems that mean someone is unable to speak could also mean that
they may not be able to use a keyboard, in fact, it may mean that they can
only use a single switch.
Text Entry
If using a conventional keyboard is a problem then we need to consider
alternative ways that someone can type (enter text). This can be a subset of
communication (i.e. text entry then produces a synthesised voice).
Computer Access
Using a computer is an essential part of many people's lives, however the
standard keyoard and mouse can be very disabling. How does a user access the
full power of a PC if they can not see or if they have motor problems,
reduced strength or a tremor?Variants
- EAT