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Physical Disabilities
Physical impairment refers to a reduction in physical mobility or independence, which impacts on an individual’s ability to perform everyday activities, in any environment. Physical impairment can occur for a wide variety of reasons, but Assistive Technology can provide useful solutions to meet a wide range of user requirements including:
- Providing alternative methods of accessing or using a particular item.
- Providing an alternative method of doing a task or achieving a goal.
This section will provide a range of different AT solutions to assist people with a physical impairment to become more independent.
| Name | Age | Occupation | AT used | Impairment | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah |
21 | Studying French and History, to become a teacher. | Uses a Laptop computer with Digitouch and an adapted car | Dysmelia (shortened arms)
|
Belgian |
Roberta |
28 | Applied for Performing Arts Course in Roslyn Park. Awaiting Word re: acceptance. | A Power wheelchair, and a Lightwriter communication aid. | Head Injury | Irish |
Jenny |
21 | Journalist /Wheels Training Programme: NCVA Level 1 | Computer, Lightwriter, Trackball |
Dystonia | Irish |
| Name | Type |
|---|---|
Accessibility Options in Windows |
Software |
Alternative Keyboards |
Hardware |
Alternative Mice |
Hardware |
Connecting Hardware/Ykey |
Hardware |
Eye-Tracking Systems |
Hardware |
Head Controlled Pointers |
Hardware |
Joystick Mice |
Hardware |
| Lightwriter |
Hardware |
Mouse Emulation Software |
Software |
Speech recognition software |
Software |
Switch Input Systems |
Hardware |
Touchpads |
Hardware |
Touchscreens |
Hardware |
| Trackball or Rollerball Mice |
Hardware |
Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs) |
Software/Hardware |
Webcam head controlled pointer |
Hardware |
Word Prediction |
Software |