The wiki has been created by AbilityNet, the UK's largest provider of advice and information on all aspects of Access to technology. The wiki is moderated and all comments and opinions are those of the individual contributor not necessarily that of AbilityNet. The purpose of the wiki is to provide live and up to date information on all aspects of Assistive Technology. Anyone who is a registered user can enter information. The wiki is in constant development and we welcome comments, thoughts and contributions.

SiteMap
To Aid Navigation

Guidance for Creators and Writers

Accessibility Help

If you need to amend the settings of this wiki to meet your needs - or if you use assistive technologies this page will help you maximise your use of the wiki

What is a Wiki ?

Wiki is a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. Wiki supports hyperlinks and has a simple text syntax for creating new pages and crosslinks between internal pages on the fly.

What is Assistive Technology ?

Assistive technologies are those tools that disabled people use to get round the barriers of modern technologies. These products can be divided into a range of categories.

A review of the history and definitions of Assistive Technology from ATTrain.

Got 5 minutes to spare ? Then watch this short video about assistive technology.

TechDis Box of Assistive Technology - AT showcase

Adapting and Adjusting your computer

OS Tweaks

Things you can do to adjust settings from within your operating system or main applications to make the computer more accessible and matched to your needs

Hardware

Different input and output devices, i.e. Keyboards, Mice, Voice Recognition software, eye and head track systems, that make it easier for you to put information into a computer and get information out.

Software

Additional software solutions that make accessing information and comunicating on a computer easier, i.e. Word Prediction, Magnification, Communication, Voice Recognition, Screenreaders.

Other Platforms

Mobile Phones

The rapidly changing field of mobile phones creates a range of issues for disabled users. This area explores models of phone with high levels of accessibility and how phones canbe optimised for individual needs

Digital TV

Access to Digital Tv is an increasingly significant issue as The UK along with other EC countries seeks to turn off its analogue signal. This section looks at how disabled people are accessing asnd using DTV

PDA's

PDA's or Personal Digital Assistants descibe those portable or handheld computers that are used to carry information and resources with the user. examples include the HP Ipaq or the PalmPilot series

Communication Aids

Augmentative Alternative Communication aids (AAC), for people who have lost the power of speech through disability. It includes the use of eye pointing, gesture, signing, symbols, word boards, or a speech output device. Augmenting communication involves speech and writing. In some cases, it also involves technology relating to teaching and learning, mobility, environmental control and employment.

Settings and Locations

Some technologies are used in some settings but less so in others.

Education

Employment

Home

Working with different needs

Vision

How a person with a vision impairment access a computer - bigger fonts, magnification, screen reading software and braille devices.

Physical Needs

Some disabilities will require to consider an alternative to the standard keyboard and mouse which comes with a computer. In this section you will find a range of keyboard and mouse alternatives, including on-screen keyboards, eye pointing and head tracking technology.

Language and Communication

AT to assist giving the user a voice - augmenting or offering speech. AT to assist with giving the user improved access to written communication as a reader or writer.

Learning Disability

People with learning disabilities have difficulty taking information in through the senses and processing the information with accuracy. This may lead to difficulty learning and performing in school and work. Most learning disabilities are manifested in poor reading, writing and math which subsequently affect a broad range of functions and skills.

Hearing

People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can configure Windows to use visual cues in place of sounds, or increase the volume level of program and system sounds.

Case studies


The experience and impact of AT is illustrated through case studies

Web Accessibility


The issues and solutions to designing websites to meet the needs of people with a disability

Sources of Support


Including Advice and Information, Online Training, Technical Support and Access to Work


Latest Assistive Technology News

Weekly news of AT Developments from Axsistive.com





This Wiki is supported by the Information Technologists Company