Computing For The Handicapped

ABSTRACT

The United Nations has designated 1981 the International Year for Disabled Persons. It is therefore appropriate that Computer is dedicating its first issue of the year to computing and the handicapped. The evolution of low cost computing technology promises an unprecedented spectrum of opportunities for the developmentally disabled. From aids to independent living to flexible tools that can greatly increase the variety and quality of job opportunities, the rapidly evolving field of computing is pregnant with possibilities. To help turn these possibilities to reality, Johns Hopkins University is conducting a national search/contest in applications of computers for the handicapped. The field is as active as mainstream computing, and a multitude of products has entered the market at about the same time. This is especially gratifying to the handicapped user, who, as recently as a few months ago had virtually nothing with which to enhance his quality of life, or increase his potential for earning a livelihood.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

CERTIFICATION PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

1.0INTRODUCTION

1.1STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

1.2PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

1.3IMPORTANCE / SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

1.4DEFINITION OF TERMS

1.5ASSUMPTION OF THE STUDY

CHAPTER TWO

2.0LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1MAJOR FACTORS OF HANDICAP COMPUTING

CHAPTER THREE

3.0ERGONOMIC STUDY

3.1PRACTICAL NEEDS

3.2CURRENT POSSIBILITIES FOR INPUT AND OUTPUT INFORMATION

3.3DEAF, HARD-OF-HEARING, HEARING-IMPAIRED

3.4BLIND, VISUALLY-IMPAIRED, LOW-VISION

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0HOW DO DISABLED PEOPLE USE COMPUTERS

4.1MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT

4.2HEARING IMPAIRMENT

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0CONCLUSION

REFERENCES