Imagine … you are right-handed and you just broke your right wrist. You're a programmer: how in the world will you get any work done?
People with Disabilities
British scientists have paired video game console cameras with a pair of ordinary glasses to create an eye control device that will allow the severely disabled to use a computer. The device costs just $65.
The Presidential Campaign 2012: Issues for Americans with Disabilities panel discussion will take place at the National Press Club on on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at noon. The focus of the disscussion will be on the issues of importance to people with disabilities, their loved ones and caretakers.
- Obama Campaign Representative - Jonathan M. Young, PhD, JD
Partner and General Counsel, FoxKiser
- Romney Campaign Representative – Open Invitation
- Judy Woodruff, co-anchor, PBS NewsHour
- Peter Wallsten, Political Reporter, Washington Post
Patti Giglio, NPC Newsmakers Committee/Host
Dragon Naturally Speaking is a speech recognition software that makes it easier for anyone to use a computer and allows users to communicate comfortably in a way that works for them.
The Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure project envisions people with disabilities having a profile in the cloud that stores their accessibility technology requirements allowing people with disabilities to access online devices already set with their preferences for accessibility characteristics. For more information, read the FedInsider.com article “The Next Accessibility Wave Is In The Cloud”
As the Federal election approaches, disability advocates are asking for accessible voting. A Federal Court Judge will hear testimony about how to make city polling sites more accessible for people who use wheelchairs or have vision impairments. Read more about the challenges that people with disabilities face when voting.
In a study conducted by Google in 2008, it was found that there are more deaf and hard of hearing users with access needs in the US than all of the Internet users in Spain!
How would the loss of your hearing affect you on the Internet?
There are three types of auditory impairments, any of which can be caused by accident, illness, environment, heredity, aging:
Pull up your favorite website, close your eyes, and imagine trying to use it. Yes, that is extreme, but users users with disabilities face serious challenges trying to use inaccessible websites. Vision disabilities affect website users in different ways depending on the type and severity of the disability. The good news is that we can make it significantly easier for users by following some accessibility guidelines.