Test Your Connection
Speed Now
Home > High Speed Internet > Special Needs > Technology for Special Needs

Technology for Special Needs

Special Needs Technology

Special needs technology covers a wide field of software, hardware, machines and other devices. They might be most easily learned about if divided by the disability they apply to. Special needs technology is an exciting and constantly evolving field. Check the Internet frequently for interesting updates and developments! 

Blind/Low Vision Aides

These include computer-assisted technology like screen readers, refreshable Braille displays, and screen magnifiers. Screen readers "read" the text on the computer screen and then produce an audio rendering of the letters and words.

Refreshable Braille displays enable the blind and the visually impaired to use their hands to "read" what’s on the computer screen. Tiny electronically controlled pins are associated with each letter on the computer screen, and they are raised and lowered as the letters and words are read.

Screen magnifiers use zoom technology to make the letters and images on a computer screen larger and easier to read.  

Additionally, special programs can be used to make higher contrasts between the background and text as well as play around with the font size. Keyboard navigation tools are also very popular and widely used.  

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Aides

Those who are deaf or hard of hearing oftentimes use captioning that is synchronized, or shown at the same time as the multimedia being presented. There is also much greater volume control flexibility technology available.

There is legislation in place that encourages the continued development of these technologies, because webmasters are required to design their Web sites so that users with special needs can use the sites with ease. For example, all images and tables must be labeled, and sites must be arranged with easily-understood links. These links are sometimes placed on a second page so that the user can have the computer "read" through the links and tell the user where each page goes.

Mobility Aides

For those who have trouble getting around on their own, even moving parts of their body, there are many technologies available to help. These include one-handed keyboards, head and mouth sticks, and eye tracking.

Special keyboard navigation software can be used such as "sticky keys," which helps users navigate a keyboard if they have trouble controlling the movements of their hands. Voice recognition software technologies are also in use that can be used to navigate a Web site. Users can control a mouse simply by the sound of their voice.