In the past few years the technology to assist people with special needs has increased dramatically. Now people can enjoy the same things as people who don't need special needs.
My friend called Calvin Liu is visually impaired. There are things that can help them to be more independent, things such as mobile phones and speech recognition for computers.
Mp3 Players
These are very handy because it’s a form of entertainment, rather than TV. Mp3 players are also light weight, so if he wants to go out and listen to it at the same time it would be good. At the same time he can use his walking sticks. Compared to CD players it is less bulky and it can carry more songs than a CD player.
Most Mp3 players use a digital signal processor (DSP) which transfers and decodes all the Mp3 files. The heart of any Mp3 player is its digital signal processor. The DSP handles data transfers, controls the device's interface, and decodes the file for playback. The DSP does just a few things but does them quickly, and uses little power in the process (an especially beneficial property for portable players).
The process begins when you create or download a digital music file using your PC. When you create a file in the MP3 format (or in the competing WMA and AAC formats), the software that creates the file takes out bits of data to make the file smaller this process is called compression.
In Conclusion Mp3 players are almost perfect. The Advantages are that they are very compact so it will not obstruct the visually impaired, for example they would not have to hold the Mp3 player and the Guide dog or the stick. However the disadvantage is that it can run out of battery quick because they use AAA batteries; so replacing the battery could be difficult. The better alternative to a normal Mp3 player is an Ipod. It has a lot memory therefore it can hold more songs, also it is similar size and rechargeable so this is a good point of the Ipod.
Special Needs Person Using Technology
School
At school Calvin has something called the Portico Computer. This computer has many functions for Calvin, this is what it has:
- Talking Typing Teacher makes keyboarding skills easier to learn with a prerecorded, interactive computer voice this helps Calvin a lot with his work as he has a low vision. And the ability to create customized lessons makes it an invaluable teaching tool.
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A Talking Toolbox combines a talking word processor, address manager, phone dialer, calculator, and alarm clock to make sure everything gets done on time and an Ultimate Talking Dictionary defines in audio, this again helps Calvin with his work in English lessons Math’s lessons etc.
And not forgetting to mention the computer has Braille input and output devices which helps Calvin when he is struggling and also bigger keys.
Special Needs Person Using Technology
Socially
In social time to help Calvin and others who are visually impaired there are things like the clicking sound at traffic lights when it is safe to cross the roads.
