New media and access for the disabled - boon or bust

From Baruchnewmedia

[[Linlink titlek title]]== Introduction ==

Technology can help lower many barriers for the disabled

• there are different disabilities
• kinds of disabilities
• technology used to encourage the user

How technology helps the user

• impairments: visual, hearing, speech[[Media:Image:Example.ogg]]
• computer devices
• speech input
• hardware/software tools (programs)

How is it beneficial

Is it easily accessible

New media is a concern in our communities

• community service providers
• organizations

Is it a waste of time and money?

How will new media work in the future for people with disabilties

• schools: students with physical/learning disability
• disabled in the workplace
• homes (for those who take care of themselves)

In this paper I would like to discuss how new technology helps lower many barriers for people with disabilities. There are several types of disabilities such as mobility impairments, blindness, hearing impairments, speech impairments as well as specific learning disabilities. The new technology today helps the users to communicate with others, search for information, read or listen to or for required information. Some equipments that are used are some hardware/software tools that allow the user to be able to function while using the product. Others may need to position monitors, keyboards, documents and table tops for their comfort. Then there are speech input devices which allows speech recognition from the users in which they will be able to control the computer. These types of devices can be accessed through/at schools, libraries, disability facilities or in your own home. Although it can be found at these locations is there a need to create more facilities that are close to some of our disabled or economically challenged. It is very beneficial because it allows people to function on a daily basis and it makes it easier for those who may have difficulty in operating equipment. IT is recognized in our communities but I think it needs to be dispersed/advertised more throughout every level and every background. I believe this is a good investment in time and money because we all should be allowed to benefit from using this technology which allows you to accomplish so much. As time goes by there will be more development in the way we use computers for general public as well as disabled. We would just probably need to find a way to make it affordable for all.