Adaptive Technology
The term adaptive technology is a synonym for assistive technology but they are two different terms. Assistive technology refers to any item, equipment, or product that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of disabled people. Adaptive technology is an item that is specifically designed for people with disabilities and would rarely be used by non-disabled people. Adaptive technology often refers specifically to electronic and information technology access.
Adaptive technology improve Computer Accesibility
- Screen Reader Software - describes information on a computer screen in speech format for people who are blind or have low vision. EX: WindowEyes.
- Screen Magnification Software - magnifies information on a computer screen for people with low vision. Ex: ZoomText.
- Stand-alone Scanning and Reading devices - print-to-speech systems that have large tactile buttons that make them easy to use for first-time users.
- Braille Translation software - translates digital text into digital Braille(a form of written language for blind people, in which characters are represented by patterns of raised dots that are felt with the fingertips). Ex: Duxbury.
- Speech Recognition: software converts spoken language into digital text. Ex: Dragon Naturally Speaking.
- Low-tech adaptive technology - adhesive tactile dots on a keyboard give users who are blind or have low vision a way to navigate around the keyboard. Wide felt-tip markers make handwriting accessible to users with low vision.
- Typing Training software - lets blind or low vision learn touch typing. Ex: Talking Typer.
- Accessible Portable AudioBook Players - portable devices that allow the user to listen to digital audio books in various formats. Ex: Victor Reader Stream and BookSense
- Handheld Digital Photo and Reading Device -portable reading device that takes a photo of printed text and reads it back to the user.
- Augmentative communication device - a communication board that let users communicate by entering various labeled buttons
- Alternative Keyboards - with large print keys, larger key size or alternative key arrangement. Ex: Zoomtext Keyboard and BigKeys.
- Text- to-Speech – a software that is able to speak the text on the screen in a computerized voice.