Annals of “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati Fascicle I. Economics and Applied Informatics
Years XXI – no2/2015
ISSN-L 1584-0409 ISSN-Online 2344-441X www.eia.feaa.ugal.ro
Assistive Technology for Individuals with Special Seeds
Adrian LUPASC
A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T
Article history: Accepted September Available online September JEL Classification C , ) , J , L , L
Keywords:
Assistive technology, Disabilities, Mobile computer devices, Visual impairment, )T systems
Disabled people face barriers in performing their various activities, including teaching. By using assistive technologies for different activities, people with disabilities may be able to perform a wider range of tasks independently. Fortunately, it helps to reduce many of these barriers, but, unfortunately, disabled people learning, autism or AD(D face a variety of barriers when they want to use software tools or hardware devices. )n this regard, assistive technologies are available to help persons with different types of disabilities, from cognitive problems to physical impairment. (ardware devices and software tools known as adaptive or assistive technologies have been developed to provide functional alternatives for all individuals with disabilities, depending on the type of disability. )n addition, the use of assistive technologies to support them is an effective approach for many persons with disabilities, regardless of the type of disability. Additionally, individuals with disabilities often experience greater success when they are allowed to use their abilities to work around their disabilities the challenges they imply . Moreover, mobile devices are useful for their ability to weave )nternet access and social networking into the daily life. To the people with disabilities, these devices have the potential to unlock unprecedented new possibilities for communication or navigation. )n this context, some actual assistive technology and approaches to use them are described in this paper.
© EA). All rights reserved.
1. Introduction
Assistive technology AT is technology used by the disabled people in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. AT can include mobility devices, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies http://accessibletech.org/assist_articles/policy/AT)T.php .
The relationship between technology and disability is incessant. )t has been argued that the interaction between technology and disability is a philosophical challenge because the nature of the computer adaptations changes the functional limitations caused by the human impairment McCoya Kathleen et al,
.
AT is a term that includes assistive, adaptive and rehabilitative devices and the process used in
selecting, locating, and using them. AT is also a legal term from the Assistive Technology Act of , and
cited in numerous other laws meaning: Any product, device, or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that is used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. This definition also expands the consideration of potential educational applications with its focus on devices used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. As teachers, they try to increase or add new academic and social skills and knowledge to the functional capability of all scholars students .
AT could be a computer, software, an alternative keyboard, or a hand splint if it is used to enhance the functional capabilities of a person with a disability. )t may also include services that support AT
implementation Cook A.M. and (ussey S.M., .
)t is important to find the available or custom developed programs that are suited to the persons with special needs. )n this regard, AT may include:
9 types of watches and electronic calendars with option of voice guidance, for instance or graphic
illustration calendars;
9 common or custom made PDAs personal digital assistants ;
9 iPads and AT devices for calming purposes;
9 Cell phones or smartphones with )nternet access with special user interfaces or applications , can also
be used to support mental functions.
Assistive Technology for Learning ATL represents the devices, media and services used in learning environments to overcome barriers for students with special needs to actively engage in learning and to achieve their learning goals. ATL support students, including those with special needs, in achieving the
learning outcomes of the curriculum or their learning goals. ATL can be as simple as providing a pencil grip for writing or as complex as a computer with screen reading software for reading and learning. (owever it is different from educational or instructional technology. Educational technology is generally used by all students, but ATL is specialized and often more complex technology that allows access to learning for students who have barriers due to their special needs http://www.rockyview.ab.ca/ stC/teaching/assistive-technology .
Depending on the type of disability of a person, research and initiatives in the field of inclusive education should cover both the development of components and equipment, hardware and software tools and utilities that facilitate access to information via communication channels of people with special needs.
2. Assistive Technology solutions
At the level of hardware developers, it is recognized that any device should be developed so as to be accessible to all users, including those with special needs. Thus, many companies focus on the development of specialized equipment for people with special needs.
Most technologies including AT are designed to improve the lives of their intended users, but the software tools provide no benefits if the target users fail to use it. One might even define success of a technology taking into account the product of its potential benefit and its likelihood of being adopted.
Specialized Computer Access Devices aim to offer some accessibility features like: alternative keyboards, adapted mice, refreshable Braille display or touch screens while Specialized Software offers among other things: talking word processors, word prediction software, screen reading software or scan-and-read software.
)n order for AT to be useful, the person usually accompanied by an expert on AT must make an analysis of his or her daily activities with regard to identifying the areas where AT devices can support mental functions in order to improve the range of activities. Thereafter, the AT device has to be adapted individually and the user in question with his or her assistants has to get instruction and training on use. Moreover, there has to be follow up on the functioning of the device in order to make usual adjustments in accordance with the user s familiar activities and this ensures the continued maximum effectiveness of the AT.
2.1. Ai Squared solutions
Ai Squared aimed to develop solutions that make computers and the )nternet accessible: ZoomText
screen magnification and screen reading solution for the visually impaired , Window-Eyes customizable
screen reader and Sitecues, for corporations that want to offer accessibility solutions to all their customers.
ZoomText http://www.aisquared.com/products/zoomtext/ is a screen reading software for the visually
impaired and helps countless persons across the globe stay employed and in touch with the world. There are three versions:
Ö ZoomText Magnifier – will enlarge and enhance everything on your computer screen with perfect clarity,
making all of your applications easy to see and use;
Ö ZoomText Magnifier/Reader – includes all the features of Magnifier, and will additionally read aloud
anything on our computer screen;
Ö ZoomText Fusion – provides the features and benefits of ZoomText Magnifier/Reader plus a complete
screen reader. Fusion is perfect for users persons , who over time want a smooth and safe transition from magnification to full screen reading.
The newest version of ZoomText is . for Windows that contains many new features and
enhancements, allowing for greater productivity and support in the Windows operating system as well as in the latest versions of popular applications.
Unlike other screen magnifiers, ZoomText . for Windows has full xFonts support. Whether we
are on the start screen or using any application that runs within the Windows desktop environment
including the new Microsoft Office suite and )nternet Explorer , we will experience one of the most
sharpest magnified text available today. )t is the only product on the market to offer crystal clear magnified text in Windows .
To support users who need higher magnification levels, especially while using ultra high resolution
displays, ZoomTexts magnification levels have been extended to include x, x, x and x Figure .
There are even included additional fractional levels, allowing for subtle magnification adjustments: there is . x, . x, . x, . x, . x, . x, . x and . x Figure . Also, we will see smooth mouse pointers at every level and transition effects for more comfortable feel when switching between color enhancement options.
Figure 2. ZoomText additional fractional levels
The performance is improved when the user is viewing videos or using hardware accelerated
applications. Moreover, the user can use ZoomText with a touch screen device, such as the tablets, laptops or
touch-enabled desktop monitors.
ZoomText will follow along as you tap and drag our way through all of our applications on our touch
device and we can access key ZoomText features instantly using touch gestures.
Sitecues Figure is a cloud-based SaaS SaaS – Software as a Service is a software distribution model in
which applications are hosted by a service provider and made available over )nternet solution that enables websites
to reach more users. With zoom and speech built right into our site, content is easier to see, hear and use on
every webpage. Sitecues appears to users as just another feature within our website, and is designed to be
easy to use for all audiences. )t initially appears as an in-page badge that fits into the header of your website.
When moussed over, it expands into a panel with two simple controls
http://www.aisquared.com/products/sitecues/.
Figure 3. Sitecues
Every user is different, but the web is presented as though one size fits all. Many website visitors have difficulty reading the content and could benefit from a technology to assist them. (owever, % of these
people do not own an AT. Sitecues overcomes the barriers to access that may deter people from obtaining
assistance. Today, users are forced to go out of their way to seek out and purchase a separate software
package. Practically, Sitecues integrating seamlessly into webpage and users will see an unobtrusive badge on
the webpage which they can use immediately. By placing their mouse over this badge, a panel expands and provides them with simple controls to assist their navigation and interaction with the webpage.
The ZoomSlieder revolutionizes screen magnification by making it not only helpful, but also easy and
enjoyable. Current zooming technologies require the user to pan and scroll around the page in order to read
all the content, which quickly becomes an annoyance. With Sitecues, simply hitting the space bar enables the
user to enlarge a specific area of the page, while highlighting text and darkening the background. This makes it simple for the user to focus on any part of the webpage, without worrying about the hassle of screen navigation. Users also have the option of a text-to-speech function, which reads aloud any text on the webpage in a natural voice.
)n this context, ) appreciate that Sitecues is an intuitive tool that is designed to help any person with
special needs and hear the web with ease, no matter what their specific needs may be.
2.2. Camera Mouse Project
Camera Mouse Project helps peoples with physical disabilities who cannot speak and can move only
their eyes or head to develop and be educated to their fullest by enabling them to access the computer. )ts background in business technology and education brings a unique perspective to the special
needs community. )nnovative technology of Camera Mouse allows controlling a computer mouse simply with
the movement of their eyes Figure . The eye-controlled computer mouse makes using a computer possible for users individuals unable to properly use their hands for standard use. )t is a unique device that serves a specific demographic of persons who experience limited dexterity or complete paralysis and to a lack of purposeful head movement. Because of its unique technology, it is a device that will work for many persons
when other devices have failed http://utahatprogram.blogspot.ro/ /
/free-online-webinar-eagleeyes-eye_ .html .
The main purpose of Camera Mouse is to improve the quality of life for peoples with severe special needs
through recreation, communication and specially education.
9 Camera Mouse – which allows people to control the computer by moving only their eyes and works
through five electrodes placed on the person s head.
Camera Mouse – that has five electrodes which are placed on the face: an electrode is placed an inch
above the right eye and another an inch below the right eye. Electrodes are placed at the temples, an inch to the left and the right of the eyes. A fifth electrode is placed on the user s forehead or ear to serve as a reference ground Figure . )t actually picks up the signal that the eye creates when it rotates. Besides, there is a fifth electrode that is placed on the forehead as a ground reference signal for all the electrodes
to work together. The electrodes are then run through the Camera Mouse unit the console and then that
goes through a USB cable to the software on the computer which then turns it on the mouse movement on the screen.
Figure 4. Camera Mouse Assistive Technology
9 Camera Mouse is a mouse replacement system that can be used on anything on the computer. Regarding
its limitations, we mention that it can only do a single mouse click therefore it cannot click and drag, and the user cannot do double click. To create a mouse click, it uses the so-called dual time. The user has to focus on a certain object or icon for a specific amount of time and then creates the click. The dual time is set by the facilitators that will set time and that can be increased or decreased depending on the activity that the user doing.
Among the main effects we can mention that it simulates visual cortex and wakes up the mind, teaches users to focus and improve eye movement, challenges user and creates awareness of self, allows for the first from of independence, can reveal the user s intelligence or teaches user to become engaged and calm.
9 Camera Mouse – allows people to control the computer by moving their head and works through a
standard webcam connected to the computer. This AT uses a video camera to track head movements and
then control the mouse pointer accordingly. )t is easier than Camera Mouse for people to use, but they
must have voluntary head control Gips Amy et al, .
Camera Mouse works as a mouse replacement system for Windows computers so it should work with just
about any application program. For example, people can use it with entertainment programs, education programs, communication programs, web browsers, and so on. Also, it works best with application programs that require only a mouse and a left click and that do not have tiny targets. The latest version is
Camera Mouse version . released in July , .
Both access technologies function as standard mouse replacements in Windows systems and work
with standard commercial applications software. Camera Mouse Project team also have developed a number
of application programs for example on-screen keyboard programs and games that work well with Camera
Mouse and Camera Mouse http://www.bc.edu/schools/csom/eagleeyes/.
3. Mobile Apps as Assistive Technology
AT applications are available through Apple, Android, Windows Mobile & Blackberry app stores. The AT marketplace has completely transformed in the last few decades thanks to emerging mobile technology. AT equipment is more affordable and more mainstream than ever before. People with disabilities can use equipment that has been designed for conventional purposes, at a fraction of the cost of traditional AT devices. For example, just a few years ago, people who were blind or visually impaired used multiple devices to see for them. Today, people who are blind can use a mobile device to do all of these things and more with the touch of a finger. )n this regard, there are devices that people who are blind or visually impaired may have
used on a regular basis http://www.kinvey.com/blog/ /mobile-apps-as-assistive-technology .
(uman–computer-interaction-based research is increasingly exploring the possibility of supporting truly eyes-free interaction methods for smartphones and other handheld devices. Although much of this research has been motivated by the need to preserve users' personal safety when in environments where they cannot devote their visual resource to interacting with the device, the innovations themselves are of
obvious benefit to persons with impaired vision (akobyan Lilit et al, .
beneath his/her fingertips. When we wish to write an email or send a text message VoiceOver will echo every letter us select and then speak it again to confirm it. With Voice Control we can easily call or play music by speaking the name of the person or artist you would like to hear. The iPhone and GS understands different
languages http://www.idaga.org/Downloads/AssistiveTechnologyForDyslexicStudents.pdf .
ZoomReader Figure is a portable Optical Character Recognition OCR application for iOS devices
that allows us to take a picture of printed material and have it read back to us aloud, being available on iPad , iPad Mini, New iPod Touch, as well as iPhone , iPhone S or iPhone . )n combination with our iOS device s
built-in camera, the ZoomReader application enables us to magnify and read text, first taking a picture of an
object like a book or menu and then converting the image into text using state of the art OCR technology.
ZoomReader will then read the text back to us using a natural sounding voice.
Figure 5 – Processing document with ZoomReader
Along with supporting these new platforms, we will see improved speeds with the iPad and iPhone , with complete document recognition in less than five seconds.
4. Conclusions
Using the appropriate AT creates new horizons of information and communication for people with disabilities. )n recent years, AT has evolved significantly so that today they are able to provide support including education, too to many categories of persons with special needs. These technologies have been designed according to the specific type of disability of each person. Given that mobile devices are increasingly used by all categories of people, including those with special needs, it became clear that AT turned to them. Thus, today there are many software tools that have been specifically-designed for mobile devices. )n this regard, the main objectives envisaged in this work were related to the presentation and understanding of the concept of AT. The current research also provides several examples helpful to people with special needs. Moreover, AT has opened many educational doors to students or scholars with disabilities. Alternative solutions from the world of technology are accommodating physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments in many ways.
References
1. Cook A.M., Hussey S.M., Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice, 2nd, St. Louis, USA, Mosby Inc., 2002.
2. Gips Amy, DiMattia A. Philip, Gips James, The Effect of Assistive Technology on Educational Costs: Two Case Studies, The International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs (ICCHP 2004), Paris, July 2004 (http://www.comp.dit.ie/dgordon/Courses/CaseStudies/CaseStudy4.pdf).
3. Hakobyan Lilit, Lumsden Jo, O’Sullivan Dympna, Bartlett Hannah, Mobile assistive technologies for the visually impaired, Elsevier, Survey of Ophthalmology, Volume 58, Issue 6, November–December 2013, Pages 513–528.
4. McCoya Kathleen, Arnottb John, Ferresc Leo, Fried-Okend Melanie, Roarke Brian, Speech and Language processing as assistive technologies, Elsevier, Computer Speech & Language, Volume 27, Issue 6, September 2013, Pages 1143–1146.
5. http://accessibletech.org/assist_articles/policy/ATIT.php
6. http://utahatprogram.blogspot.ro/2014/09/free-online-webinar-Camera Mouse-eye_25.html 7. http://www.aisquared.com/products/
8. http://www.atechnews.com/productinfo.html 9. http://www.bc.edu/schools/csom/Camera Mouse/
10. http://www.idaga.org/Downloads/AssistiveTechnologyForDyslexicStudents.pdf 11. http://www.kinvey.com/blog/1048/mobile-apps-as-assistive-technology 12. http://www.ldonline.org/article/6380/
