In human-computer interaction, computer accessibility (also known as Accessible computing) refers to the accessibility of a computer system to all people, regardless of disability or severity of impairment. It is largely a software concern; when software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software, is used to enable use of a computer by a person with a disability or impairment, this is known as Assistive Technology.
Nordic Guidelines for Computer Accessibility provides public and private procurers wi th accessibility requirements to be included in or referred to in calls-for-proposal for personal computer systems and similar systems. It also serves as a guidance to ICT strategists, ICT designers and ICT standardisation groups.
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As capabilities, preferences and needs of people with disabilities are unique, personalization of ICT-based Assistive Technology (AT) tools is a key factor for their applicability. We developed a set of open source tools for Component-Based Engineering which allows an efficient prototyping, parameterization and application of user-driven AT. These tools include the AsTeRICS framework for creation of AT-applications from functional components via visual programming and the FlipMouse universal input system for finger- or mouth control of computers, tablets and smart phones.
Computer Access Technology (CAT) allows people who have trouble using a standard computer keyboard, mouse or monitor to access the computer. CAT includes relatively inexpensive devices like trackballs and small-footprint keyboards as well as sophisticated technologies like automatic speech recognition, eyegaze tracking, and brain-computer interfaces.
Koester Performance Research works to enhance computer access for people with disabilities, particularly for people who are not well-served by the typical keyboard and mouse. Our tagline sums up our approach: Clear Evidence, Better Solutions. Through research, development, and education, we support evidence-based practice in the design and delivery of assistive technology.
Modern computers, in standard configuration, are effectively locked to people who can only type with one finger or have visual and motor deficits. Luckily, buried deep inside Windows 95™ are some features that can allow just about anyone, with a single finger and lots of patience, to fully utilize their Windows 95™ PC without any specialized hardware or software. Disabled users may not be able use the mouse or multi-key commands (such as the famous used to reboot a computer). Some users might also have difficulty with the auto-repeat feature of the keyboard.
The Apple iOS operating system found on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch is the most accessible operating system out of the box for switch users. In 2013, Apple introduced a powerful new feature called Switch Control for iOS 7. Shortly after Switch Control was introduced, we put together our first comprehensive guide, Switch Control – The Missing User Guide, to help everyone understand the power of Switch Control and provide step-by-step instructions on how to get it set up. Since then we have released several updated guides for each version of iOS.
The purpose of this HOWTO is to introduce the tools, applications, and configuration utilities that are available to Linux users who are disabled.
Gnu/Linux distributions provide great advantages over proprietary alternatives for people with disabilities. In this article, I'll discuss some of the advantages, as well as areas that need improvement. Because I use Fedora, my article is written based on my experience with that Linux distribution.
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