CAN AND ABLE

Now, assistive technology can help people with disabilities lead normal lives

In a country where people with disabilities PWD are often left behind in the race for survival, sensitivity has only just begun to dawn about their special needs. So even as the world devices technology and sofware to help such people keep pace with normality, India is starting to recognise, develop and access assistive technology. Thanks to such tech, visually or physically impaired people can use a computer and browse the Internet, even access the entire content of a Web site. However, such technologies remain very expensive and often are not available in India. Here are some that can radically alter lives.

On-screen content magnifier
You have to be blessed to have a perfect eye-sight. From those who have suffer partial visual impairment to senior citizens or those who have had their eyes fatigued from frequent computer use, all feel the need for the perfect adjustment of brightness, size and colour of the screen.
You can already do it through the accessibility options in your computer, but it is not the most efficient method. You8217;d be better off to buy the magnifier software that will enable you to resize the on-screen content, change the background or text colour, increase or reduce the brightness of the screen, and locate or follow more easily the mouse cursor. Such assistive technology is available in India and you can get the Lunar screen magnifier software for 395 Rs 15,640 from Dehradun-based Sparsh Products.
For those who are looking to read newspapers in the metro or simply look at the prices on products at the supermarket, you have the option of the portable electronic magnifier. It has similar functions and will help you in most everyday situations.You can get it for 795 Rs 31,480 on the Optelec Web site.

Dynamic Braille display
Screen-readers of any kind can never replace the pleasure of reading on-screen data. Now visually impaired and blind people can have a Braille display keyboard, which instantly translates information that appears on screen into Braille. MNC WWW Consortium W3C explains that the dynamic Braille display raises or lowers dot patterns on command from an electronic device. 8220;The result is a line of Braille that can change from moment to moment,8221; claims their Web site. Mumbai-based Karishma Enterprises proposes a PACmate portable display that you can plug into the USB port of any computer for Rs 68,000 20 cells or Rs 1 lakh 48,000 40 cells.
You can also connect some portable Braille displays to your mobile phone via Bluetooth so that the information screened on your mobile can be translated into Braille.

Screen-reader in Hindi
Jaws is probably the most popular screen-reader software among the visually impaired and blind community. It enables those who can8217;t read properly or at all to access any content or information on the screen by translating it into the spoken word. This software works in English, not in Hindi.
To overcome this, Barrier Break Technology, a Mumbai-based company, will launch a Hindi screen-reader in collaboration with Dolphin Computer Access Ltd. Available in India in two weeks, it will ensure compatibility with Windows XP Hindi version. According to Shilpi Kedia, Barrier Break MD, it will cost Rs 12,000-Rs 20,000. In the latter, you will get the screen reader and magnifier. After having tested the Hindi market, Barrier Break will probably launch screen-readers in other Indian languages.

Trackball mouse
The mouse is undoubtedly a smart innovation, but for people who are physically challenged, spastics or those who suffer from cerebral palsy cannot switch buttons. To be able to browse properly, they need either the keyboard to replace the mouse or the mouse to be more accessible. The trackball mouse is a very helpful device for those who can afford it. Instead of buttons, this disabled-friendly mouse has been designed with a large ball that can be turned easily to browse. Unfortunately, it8217;s not available in India yet but you can import it from China, South Korea or the US for about Rs 2,000.