Universal design and assistive technology

Universal Design is a concept that, in a perfect world, would allow students with a disability to enter a room and immediately have EQUAL ACCESS to all information. With Universal Design, assistive technology can be used so that class lessons can be easily completed by everyone, including people with disabilities who use assistive technology.

The following adaptations are everyday examples of Universal Design: automatic sliding doors, large bathroom stalls and entrances, adjustable tables, curb cuts, text messages, motion lights, lever handles, and e-books. Each of these examples makes life easier for everyone, not just someone with a disability.

• Assistive technology for the deaf and hard of hearing

For the deaf or hard of hearing, a Sorenson service uses remote interpreters through a videophone. Videophones are free with the Sorenson service. People can be in one place and the interpreter can be in another state. Some schools have CART reports available for deaf and hard of hearing students. The CART reporter sits outside a class and listens through headphones to make an accurate transcript of the lecture like a court reporter. FM systems are also available for the hearing impaired. FM systems will amplify sound from room to room. One person uses a small device with a transmitter and the other person uses a receiver. The person with the receiver can hear what the other person is saying as if they were next to each other. Assistive technology, such as FM systems, should be available to anyone visiting a museum or enjoying a performance in an auditorium or movie theater.

• Braille / tactile diagrams

For someone who is blind, Braille technology is available in personal computers called PacMates that allow people to take their own notes using a Braille keyboard. Tactile diagrams for science are also available for human anatomy models, cross sections of the head, brain, nose, mouth, throat, respiratory tract, heart, digestive system, etc. Tactile maps are also available to anyone taking a geography class or studying the world. Textbooks and tests at school can be produced in Braille for anyone requesting such services.

• Electronic text

Electronic text is now available through many textbooks and nonacademic publishers. Students who have disabilities may qualify for free copies of their Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic textbooks. The University of Virginia also has thousands of e-books available to students. Kent State University has a non-commercial repository for e-book research, and Project Gutenberg has many e-books that are free. Google has more than 500,000 free access e-books. Most publishers want a “proof of purchase” for college textbooks before providing an alternative electronic text version of the book. Kindle, The Nook, and Sony have e-readers for thousands of books, but interested individuals should also look for text-to-speech software that allows them to listen to and read the book.

• Physical disabilities / wheelchair users

Wheelchair technology and additional systems are available for recreational activities such as bowling and soccer. Paralympic athletes compete in international Paralympic sporting events. Additionally, specialized wheelchair carts with balloon tires are an option for traveling on sandy beaches. For those with limited upper body movement, computer access can be achieved using large trackballs, a standing mouse, sucking and puffing devices, and a head-controlled mouse. Electric eyes can be provided that allow access and control of the computer through limited head movement and even blinking.

• Screen magnifiers

All personal computers have accessibility options, including a zoom feature for the visually impaired. You can find access in the Control Panel function of your PC. Zoom Text expands printing for someone with low vision, and Zoom Text with voice also includes a screen reader. Kurzweil and Freedom Scientific products also provide screen readers and magnifiers. Magnifying glasses for the home are not only good for students, but technology will help those who do a good job with their hands. Your hands can be magnified on a monitor so that people can see your weaving, writing, or fine-detail repairs. Camera technology also makes life more accessible for people with low vision. There are a variety of text-enlarging products for someone with low vision that can be used on a desk, are portable, or can be worn on the head for someone with mobility disabilities. For example, Flipper uses a camera to project information from the classroom board onto a personal computer. Jordy is a product that is worn on the head. Small pocket electronic magnifiers are useful when trying to read fine print during purchase because the user can press a button and freeze the image for easier access to enlarged print. These products are available on low vision websites. Also, you can get a microscope that is digital. The user connects it through a computer with special software. The computer then connects to a projector and enlarges the slide on a wall or table for everyone to see at once. Mathematical calculators are available that use a ceiling to project onto the wall.

• Dictation to text

Someone with poor eyesight or restricted hand movement can use a speech-to-text product like Dragon Naturally Speaking, one of Nuance’s speech control products. Nuance voice controls will allow users to use voice commands to dictate emails to Blackberry, add appointments and search the web. The Sony ICD-SX46 digital voice recorder can be used with Dragon NaturallySpeaking software. Tablet PCs have a responsive screen designed to interact with a companion pen. You can use the stylus directly on the screen as a mouse to select, drag and open files and can be used instead of a keyboard to write notes by hand. Tablet PCs must also have speech-to-text technology. The Nexus 1 smartphone also has a speech-to-text feature.

• Text to speech

Screen readers are also available for free or by purchase, depending on the product. ReadPlease is a free home screen reader that reads text that has been cut and pasted to the screen reader on a computer. Blind students can use JAWS to listen to everything on their computer. Zoom Text and Magic also have text readers built into their software. Electronic pens are also available that can read notes aloud, scan and store text, transfer information to PDAs, smartphones, and personal computers. Some of these pens can also translate from English to other languages. Pulse, Live Scribe’s Smartpen allows the user to record notes and then play back the written words by tapping the notes. Notes can be saved to your computer and shared as Flash videos, PDF files, or audio files.

Regardless of the disability you face, today’s technology will help you overcome the challenges of everyday life.