What are some ways that technology and the Internet can be adapted for those who are blind, deaf, or both?

Question

Tomorrow (June 1) is the anniversary of Helen Keller's death, which got me thinking about disabities and the Internet. There are already a number of assistive technology devices to help blind and deaf people use computers and access the Internet, but what do you think the future holds?

Answer 1

Well--as to current technology, I'm typing this using a combinedd magnifiication/voice synthesizer! :)

For persons with visual impairments, there's really two issues. One is compliance. Many websites continue to ignore the laws regarding accessibility--and that makes it difficult for disabled users. The laws are in place--the problem is lackluster enforcement on the part o f the federal agencies.

The other--specifically technical--is portable systems. I don't mean laptops--they work the same as desktops. However, many persons with disabilities (including those with impaired motion as well as vision) cannot use the various cellphones, blackberrys, etc. First of all, they hare two small--and manufacturers are reluctent to market adaptend versions with large keys, readouts, etc. When you add in trying to use such a device w/o being able to see prompts adnd menus, these gadgets are all but worthless.

That's particularly troubling for older persons. Studies have shown that a cellphone can be an invaluable assistive device--and a lifeline--for the aging population. But many are all but denied this option bcause there are no adaptive versions available.

For the hearing impaired, basic access is obviously not a problem. However, as voice input/output become more common, that is beginning to change. One of the more exciting efforts is research that can translate speech into signed English into mages on the computer screen (this may also apply toASL as well, but since it is a completely different language, not an analogue of English, that may take a lot longer).

Another technology--already available--are interpretive software software packages that can read scanned documents (e.g. PDF files) for blind users (this is handy for sightend users as well; such files can be saved as regular text/Word files). This is already becoming a common application among non-disabled users--one of many "crossover" technologies that sttarted as assistive technology and found wider applications.

Answer 2

What people might not know about Helen Keller was that she was a political radical who, early on, advocated on the part of women, minorities, child laborers and the working class. She understood - much better than most of those with all their physical senses intact - that if the United States really cared about freedom and democracy it was necessary to create as egalitarian a society as possible. She was also an early supporter of birth control and was a founding member of the American Civil Liberties Union.

With all this in mind, I'm sure Keller would have simultaneously embraced the promise of future, assistive technology while at the same time campaigning to make sure it was available to all, regardless of income, geography or socio-economic circumstance.

With respect to your specific question, I fear the future holds much of the same sad trend - science and medical technology will continue to advance rapidly, but the beneficiaries will remain the few who can afford it while the masses of people the world over continue to suffer.

"I have visited sweatshops, factories, crowded slums. If I could not see it, I could smell it." - Helen Keller

Answer 3

Screen readers are great. Some simply enlarge the text, so that a partially blind person can read it. Others actually speak the text. I have a friend who is completely blind and she has a screen reader that reads everything on her screen to her - including when she is in the menu bar for any of the applications on her computer. She has a couple other, smaller units that have braille displays. I see this technology as being very adapting to the needs of disabled people, and it doesn't need to come very far at all.

People who are deaf, but not blind wouldn't need screen readers, but there should be a way to indicate when a sound is being played (like the "ALT="something" " tag that can be attached to an image for a person who has image display disabled in their browser).

Answer 4

Some blind people I know have a program and device that speak what they type and read what the text saids wear earphones. Also Braille type printers
For vision impaired with a little sight having clear text on white background if you put two colours close together they may not be able to read it. To be able to change font size to their needs.
The deaf have a tele text phone you type in your conversation.
Visual picture could also help some deaf people.
I am not sure how someone both deaf and blind would use the Internet. What about 3D activated pin that raise to between level 1 to 5 so they can feel the picture. and braille reading section
Vibration could be another method.
emboss printers that emboss braille and pictures

Answer 5

As an Assistive Technology Specialist for a local school district I hope and believe that the future of AT is bright. With an aging population, and growing recognition of people with disabilities, software makers will push the envelope by competing with each other to develop new innovations for accessibility.

We are starting to see the earliest signs of this now. Microsoft has integrated speech recognition with Windows Vista like never before. Apple is making strides with its own operating system. Meanwhile, Linux's Gnome interface comes with an array of options titled "Assistive Technology".

On the hardware front, we will see many new "firsts" but, adoption will take some time. Scientists are learning new ways to interface with our bodies and brains. Cochlear implants are examples of this, but they are just baby steps on a new frontier.

Something to keep in mind is that this research and effort goes far beyond helping those who are disabled. How many of us use spell checkers? How many use an electronic calendar to remember dates? Have you ever used a wheelchair curb ramp while riding your bike or pushing a cart?

Innovations that begin as aids for the disabled will become useful - even necessary - for us all.

Answer 6

I am an deaf person and they are making alot of new stuff for deaf people and know alot of blind people too..
There is a system where deaf people call on the computer to real live people on the phone if you want to try this site go to ..
www.ip-relay.com it a deaf service and it free..
now they are just builting an video phone where deaf people can see each other on the computer and xbox 360 so we can sign through it which is amazing to have..
there many others i can name but if you want more information i would be glad to give it to you just email me
it [e-mail]

Answer 7

Micro chips that can be implanted in ears, eyes, limbs.

Better methods of surgery.

Better and more widespread methods of using natural substances to nourish and heal the body, instead of totally depending on drugs which may cause major side-effects..

Answer 8

If they would vacuum and clean the toilets they would be forever in my debt. I have cats only , as the two species, cats and dogs, do not easily assimilate in an open environment. Since dogs like water more , maybe I should reconsider getting one or two to do the dishes and scrubbing down the shower

Answer 9

as a deaf/blind myself..i too ..like to know, i did recall..something on tv, about me being a middle man..for 10 companies..i believe sources as this..is the golden egg were looking for..

Answer 10

Today Bill Gates brought out the internet table-ish thing, I don't think it has a name yet.
I hope this will help us alot and brail most likely will be put on it!*