Dave Stone, University Laboratory High School, Urbana, IL.
Activity 2c, C&I 335, Summer, 1998.
Classroom and Societal Implications of Emerging Accessibility Technologies
Through my in-depth examination of two web sites associated with newly emerging accessibility technologies, Apple Computer's Disability Connection and Microsoft's Accessibility and Disabilities Home Page, it is clear that the need for these technologies is much greater than I had originally thought. Prior to doing this assignment, I had envisioned these technologies largely as a means for significantly handicapped individuals to experience many of the same resources and opportunities available to those of us who are more fortunate.
This activity very significantly broadened my understanding of the impact these technologies will have on everyone. Ranging from small, downloadable magnifications utilities to entire specialized hardware/software set-ups, these technologies will likely be used by everyone who uses computers as part of their professional and private life at some point as they age. This not only brings these issues closer to home, it significantly expands opportunities for major computer companies and third party developers to produce these tools in large quantities and continually work to expand the capabilities of their products. The competitive marketplace, combined with increasing demand, will step up worldwide competition between developers and competition between vendors. Educational institutions will profit dramatically from this competition. Districts will be able to purchase hardware and software at reduced prices, and students will profit immediately. The WWW and on-line means of communication between teachers of students who use these technologies on a daily basis, will allow for sharing of teaching strategies and recommendations regarding the merits of various types of hardware, software and peripherals.
The potential pesonal and societal impact of emerging accessibility technologies is enormous. Students in need of these technologies will experience a number of educational opportunities which were unavailable in the past. They will be able to communicate more effectively within their classrooms and their own schools, as well as communicate broadly with others throughout the world. Online support groups for individuals with various disabilities will aid many as they move toward a more mainstreamed life, as well as provide both personal and professional networking opportunities. Training received using these technologies will allow handicapped individuals to join the workforce in increasing numbers and in a number of different capacities. More broadly, business aspects of accessibility technologies (e.g. development, marketing and distribution) will increase opportunities for many who do not directly use those technologies. Individuals who lose capabilities, or whose capabilities diminish as they age, will be able to work longer, enjoy a higher standard of living and enjoy a number of the technology-based interaction opportunities throughout their lives. The impact of these technologies will be felt by all of us, economically as well as personally, throughout the rest of our lives.
Personal Note 1: I found it quite useful to go through the actual Bobby 2.0 accessibility evaluation of our web pages developed thus far. For me, it reinforced the importance of web page design that allows for accessibility and made clear how easily existing documents can be modified to increase accessibility.
Personal Note 2: For my own purposes, as well as those of others who encounter this document, I've taken the liberty of including a number of links I found useful in examination of issues pertaining to the accessibility, as well as accessibility software and hardware for Macs and PCs.
Macintosh Sites
Apple Computer's Disability Connection
Apple has long stated that the Macintosh is the most accessible personal computer available today. In order to make its hardware more accessible, Apple has a number of downloadable programs:
1. Easy Access 7.2 - a control panel extension which 1) allows all mouse movements to be done via the numeric keypad, 2) allows the user to press one key at a time for any command that requires simultaneously pressing two or more keys and 3) delays the keyboard's acceptance of a key, so if a key is accidentally hit, the keyboard will not recognize it,
2. CloseView 7.1 - a built-in utility which allows the screen to magnify text and images up to 16x and
3. MouseKeys for PowerBook 1.0.1- a small file that emulates the numeric keyboard on the standard PowerBook keyboard
Apple also includes a number of single page summaries of the latest accessibility hardware and software available for the Macintosh. Each page listed below introduces various technologies and their potential applications to various handicaps. Finally, each page provides links to each of the listed products and manufacturers.
Learning and Speaking Disability Solutions
PC Sites
Microsoft's Accessibility and Disabilities Home Page is an excellent site for information dealing with legislation and the economic rationale for the development of technological devices.
Accessibility Aids Catalog is an exceptionally detailed, extensive catalog of software, hardware and peripherals which make computers accessible to handicapped individuals.
Return to Dave Stone's e-Portfolio
Return to C&I 335 Home Page
Last updated on June 17, 1998