Report 3C ICT Meeting Special Needs

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Report 3C: ICT Meeting Special Needs

I have researched Carl Heinberger.

Introduction  

In this report I will address the issue of ICT aiding people with certain disabilities. I will also be evaluating the extent to which the technologies help the needs of the people with disabilities. Carl Heinberger has a few unfortunate disabilities including being deaf, suffering migraines and partial blindness. This hampers the everyday life of Carl, who needs a lot of assistance while accessing equipment he cannot use due to his disabilities. Carl has an everyday job of an administrator for the local Magistrates. This involves using a lot of VDU equipment (or Visual Display Unit e.g. computer), the photocopier and carrying out filing tasks.

Technology 1:

A Braille keyboard is the first technology that Carl uses, as he has impaired eyesight. This particular type of keyboard was first invented to aid blind people and other people with eyesight problems to use the keyboard easily. It uses the Braille alphabet on top of the original keyboard, allowing blind and visually impaired people to use the keyboard as well.

Advantages:

  • The keyboards aren’t that much harder or more expensive or manufacture than the normal keyboard, which results in low pricing costs.
  • This technology allows blind or sight-impaired users to use the keyboard just like any other person would.
  • Portable versions of Braille keyboards are also available, which allow users to utilize them on other screen readers apart from computers.

Disadvantages:

  • The biggest disadvantage with a Braille keyboard is that it cannot really be found in an ordinary electronics shop on the high street. Many online stores sell them though.
  • Some Braille keyboards on the market are too small and therefore provide a problem for many Braille users.
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How the technology helps meets Carl’s needs

Personally:

- It allows Carl to access his computer keyboard while on the computer. When Carl needs to either bank or shop online, he has to use the keyboard and this is where the special Braille keyboard helps him a lot. He cannot leave his house to shop or bank, as it may cause potentially fatal injuries due to his lack of ability.

Evaluation: The Braille keyboard helps Carl to stay safe and remain at the comfort of his own house while banking or shopping online. This leaves him ...

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