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Technology To Help People Become Self-Sufficient

 

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With so many technological advances taking place in this day and age it is great to see that some, such as assistive technology devices, can aid people in having a better quality of life. 


Assistive technology devices are implements developed to help individuals with disabilities, whether it be physical or mental difficulties. It allows a person to be more self-sufficient and independent as they can undertake tasks they were not able to do beforehand. Therefore, in some cases, it can also result in being a source of happiness and achievement for many. 


There are many various types of assistive technology devices available today which some of you may not be aware of. For individuals who suffer from being blind, a screen reader is an essential commodity to accompany any computer. The product uses a computerized voice to verbalize, or in other words reads aloud, everything on the screen; whether it be text, menus, or control buttons. In the reverse of this, voice recognition programs allow the person using the computer to speak to it rather than use a mouse or keyboard to enter data or text. The program works merely though using a microphone fixed to the computer. It can be used for a variety of things, such as the creation of e-mails or text documents, browsing the Internet, or simply accessing the computer menus.


In addition to the voice recognition program, there are many divergent gadgets available that allow people to control their computer through alternative products to a typical keyboard. You can buy keyboards that are catered to suit those with only one hand. There are also wands and sticks available, these can be worn on an individual’s head, fastened to their chin, or placed in their mouth and are used to press keys on a keyboard. Other impressive assistive technology devices available in place of a keyboard include sip and puff systems which are operated by a person inhaling and exhaling as well as electronic pointing devices operated by eye movements and nerve signals.


Hearing assistive technology devices help to make life easier for those who are deaf or have severe problems hearing. There are so many different devices we encounter every day that rely on various sounds and noises, and this makes life extremely difficult for those that have trouble hearing - even waking up at a certain time in the morning can prove to be a problem. However, thankfully there are lots of innovative products now available such as alarms that wake an individual up by vibrating the bed or by emitting a powerful light flash. This not only includes alarms for morning wake-up calls, but security systems as well. You may need to monitor your alarm for an added sense of security, but it helps disabled people to feel safer in their own home to know they can have a replacement for the traditional noise-based alarm.


These assistive technology devices mentioned are only a mere selection of those available on the market today. There are many more products for individuals with all types of disabilities. Whether they have a speech impediment or whether you have a child that suffers from autism you can guarantee there will be some sort of technological help that will make day to day life that little bit easier, and relieve stress and frustration people can often feel.

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