What is the importance of technology for people with disabilities?

In recent decades, the world has witnessed significant leaps in the integration of technology into nearly every aspect of daily life. It is almost impossible to find someone without a smartphone or a company not utilizing technology to enhance its products. Technology has become an integral part of our lives, playing a substantial role in simplifying complex processes that once consumed significant time and resources.
 

How Technology Serves All Members of Society

One of the most notable aspects of technology is its ability to assist all members of society without discrimination. For example, various technologies help children in educational processes and other fields, while numerous advancements provide optimal health care and protection for the elderly. However, what role does technology play in aiding individuals with disabilities in our communities? Has it significantly impacted their daily lives? What types of technology are specifically designed for this group, and what obstacles hinder their efforts to benefit from these technologies? This article aims to address all questions related to how technology helps people with disabilities.
 

The Role of Technology for People with Disabilities

In December of last year, a report by the “XVAR” Foundation discussed the importance of technology in assisting visually impaired individuals. Titled "Technology for Good," the report highlighted the crucial role technology plays in supporting "visually impaired people" and listed key technologies that specifically aid this group.

People with disabilities encompass various categories, including those with visual impairments, mobility challenges, cognitive disabilities, and other conditions that fall under the term "special needs." Consequently, their technological needs vary according to the type of disability they have.
 

Types of Assistive Technology

Assistive technologies differ depending on the type of disability. They can take the form of wearable devices, equipment, or software, all designed to help people with disabilities live more independently in their work or daily lives. Examples of assistive technology include screen readers, Braille language applications, and screen magnifiers. It also includes devices like mobility aids and wheelchairs, with internet-accessible devices being some of the most commonly used by people with disabilities.
 

Adaptive Keyboards

Adaptive keyboards are designed for individuals who have difficulty accessing standard keyboards. There are various types of adaptive keyboards to assist with different accessibility needs.
 

Reduced Mobility

For those with reduced mobility, like individuals with cerebral palsy, the "Maltron" keyboard provides a spacious layout, making it easier to use. Some keyboards have recessed keys, unlike traditional keyboards, allowing users to find the correct key without accidentally pressing others.
 

Visual Impairment

Keyboards designed for visually impaired users help differentiate keys more easily. Adaptive keyboards often come with auto-complete software that speeds up typing and reduces keystrokes.
 

Alternatives to Traditional Input Devices

Traditionally, a mouse and keyboard are used to operate a computer. However, the challenge lies in assisting individuals with disabilities in inputting data, especially those with severe disabilities who may be unable to move their fingers or use any part of their body.

To address this, technology offers numerous options that allow people to use computers in ways that best suit them. This might include using their feet, mouth, eyes, breath, or a single finger, or employing signals from nerves, muscles, eye tracking, or even brain activity. Here are some examples of alternative input devices:

• - **Head Pointers:** A head-mounted device that enables the wearer to interact with the computer interface.
• - **Single-Switch Devices:** A switch that performs an action when pressed, sending a signal to the computer. Users can customize the switch to perform any desired action, and some individuals use multiple switches for different functions.
• - **Foot Switches:** Operate similarly to car pedals and can be customized to perform various tasks on demand.
• - **Sip-and-Puff Switches:** A device that allows users to control a computer by inhaling and exhaling small breaths of air. This device is connected to a computer interface, enabling the user to focus on the screen area they want to interact with and then select the region by inhaling or exhaling, depending on the device's configuration.
• - **Eye Tracking:** Devices linked to eye-tracking software allow users to navigate web pages and type on a designated screen using eye movements.

Assistive Software

According to "InclusiveCityMaker," a company specializing in helping people with disabilities, 84% of individuals with disabilities use smartphones. Therefore, assistive technology in phones is crucial through applications that help users navigate independently.

Some apps use QR codes to guide blind and visually impaired users by following tactile navigation paths and scanning QR codes with a smartphone camera for navigation instructions. Many cities worldwide are being equipped to be compatible with these apps.

Other apps assist wheelchair users by providing navigation systems that help avoid obstacles and offer step-by-step directions through a screen reader.

Various web browsing apps are specifically designed to help people with disabilities access the internet more easily. These might include a screen reader that reads the phone screen with a single tap and performs the required action with a double tap, depending on the user's settings. Additionally, there are devices that use Braille language to assist users.
 

Challenges in Using Technology for People with Disabilities

Several challenges hinder the optimal use of technology to assist people with disabilities. Among the most significant obstacles is the slow development of assistive software, making these applications unable to keep up with the latest global technologies and depriving users of the latest advancements and updates.

Additionally, the high cost of adaptive technological devices and tools tailored to specific disabilities poses another challenge. These specialized devices are often expensive, and many users may not be able to afford them.
 

Improving the Lives of People with Disabilities

In the end, it can be said that technology has played a significant role in assisting people with disabilities at various levels. It has provided them with greater opportunities for learning, communication, mobility, and daily work. Technology has also helped them access healthcare, education, employment, and entertainment services more effectively.

Thanks to technology, people with mobility, visual, and hearing impairments can benefit from tools and applications that help them communicate with others and participate more fully in daily life. Furthermore, technology helps reduce social isolation for people with disabilities and enables them to engage more fully in society.

However, it's important to recognize that technology is not the sole solution to all challenges faced by people with disabilities. They also need support from society, government, and institutions to achieve justice, equality, and equal opportunities for all.

The effective use of technology depends on access to the right technology, identifying individual needs, and providing the necessary training and support to fully benefit from it. Therefore, we must all work together to promote its sustainable and inclusive use to help people with disabilities.