November 2, 2024

Dragon

Much assistive technology ends up benefitting us all; fax machines and closed captioning are two biggies. Yet another one is making it big: speech-to-text, also known as speech or voice recognition software. Originally designed as an alternative input device specific to the challenges of typing, it now is increasingly used...

Assistive Technology & UD, Part II: Physical

When an able-bodied person thinks about disability, it’s physical disability that comes to mind for most. A whole range of physical limitations blurs into a blue and white symbol of a person in a wheelchair, special parking spaces near entrances, and the odd cavernous feeling bathrooms. This oversimplification misses the...

Assistive Technology & UD, Part III: Hearing Loss

My grandfather, a Russian immigrant, had diminishing hearing as he aged. As a lover of gadgets and an early adopter of technology, he soon fitted himself with a modern (1960’s) electronic hearing aid. He had a microphone concealed as a tie pin, a gizmo in his pocket, and a loudspeaker...

Assistive Technology & UD, Part IV: Vision Loss

“Darn. Where did I leave my eyeglasses now?” This is a familiar cry for many people who use eyeglasses to help with certain tasks such as driving or reading. Eyeglasses are such a simple piece of assistive technology. So simple, we take them for granted. So simple, we even make...

Assistive Technology & UD, Part V: Communication, Intellect & Development

Some disabilities are not readily noticed. It might be a weak heart that limits an otherwise strong person. It might be a learning disability that holds back a high IQ from being fully utilized. In communication, intellect and mental development, a disability more often and more easily escapes notice. It...

Assistive Technology & UD, Part VI: Top-Ten List

How to do a top-ten list for assistive technology? First, I wanted the list to reflect a universal design focus. Next, I wanted the technology to be new and presently available; I considered not just a technology’s use but also its wider social impact (I know, I am missing some...

Infinitec.Org

Topics: Retailers, Shop

“infinate potential through assistive technology” A joint effort of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago and United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc. It brings assistive technology (information, equipment, training and technology) to people with disabilities of all types. Good source of videos....

EnableMart

Topics: Retailers, Shop

“EnableMart was founded over a decade ago to utilize the power of the web to make Assistive Technology easier to find and more affordable. EnableMart became the catalyst to bring together consumers and manufacturers of Assistive Technology products.” “Today EnableMart is the worldwide leader in Assistive Technology distribution with customers...