Benefits:
It can successfully scan texts from books and magazines and change it into information the computer can recognize in to a bigger size as well needed for the visually impaired, it is very reliable, OCR has a superior recognition rate, and takes less than a minute to scan the page.
Disadvantages:
OCR Can’t scan and interpret hand written text, it is extremely expensive, scanning is not always successful as some times the computer can’t recognize the data, users need to have some basic scanning and reading knowledge, it has multiple sequential steps which can be problematic for some users, and it cannot hand PDF.
How it meets the users needs:
OCR meets user’s needs by allowing them to scan pages on the computer and changing the text to bigger and so person can read it, it is quick when scanning and so can be done quickly, and although it is expensive it is very useful.
Consequences of not having ICT access:
It will not work as it needs to be scanned onto a screen, the scanner is needed which requires ICT, and work being scanned cannot be viewed as there is no screen.
Hearing Impaired People:
Door Beacon:
The door beacon flashes when someone rings the doorbell so person will know that someone has rung the door bell.
Benefits:
Some door beacons can use batteries so it’s easy to carry around, and it is very good for deaf people as it flashes when doorbell is rung so they will know someone’s at the door.
Disadvantages:
Users must be near the beacon to see it flash, and some need wires and so they can’t be taken around with you or plugged anywhere.
How it meets the users needs:
It meets user’s needs as it is easy to carry around as batteries can be used and so will always be in sight to see whether it flashes or not.
Allows deaf people to know when the door rings as the beacon flashes.
Consequences of not having ICT access:
People with hearing impairment can miss door bell very easily as they are not using the door beacon and less technology will be used by person and so they will not be able to do many things which being hearing impaired had prevented them from doing.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones can also be used by hearing impaired people for texting people and so they can communicate with them easily. It also will be good for the person as it features camera as well
Benefits:
Allows hearing impaired people to communicate with friends in a way which is usually used and so they will not be left out.
Speech impaired people
Text to speech technology
Text-to-Speech software is used to convert words from a computer document (e.g. word processor document, web page) into audible speech spoken through the computer speaker. This would be helpful to people who need or want aural verification of what they are seeing in print
Benefits:
It allows people who cannot speak to talk to people as what they want to say can be interpreted into speech, can convert words from a computer document into audible speech spoken through the computer speaker, and it benefits the speech impaired person massively as he/she can communicate with people through talking to them.
Disadvantages:
It may not be compatible with some users computer platform, the voice that reads out may not be clear and so person who the speech impaired person is talking to may not understand, it may not be supported by all file formats, it might not be able to save to .wav or .mp3 formats, and cant be used if person is also deaf.
How it meets the users needs:
Allows speech impaired people to communicate with other people by speaking. And it helps speech impaired people get more involved with people.
Consequences of not having ICT access:
It will not be able to convert text from web pages, and text from word processor document will not be able to be converted into audible speech as ICT can not be accessed so the computer will not be available to them to use a word processing document.
Physically Impaired people:
Ergonomic keyboards
Ergonomic keyboards are designed for physically impaired people who find it hard to type as they can’t move. And so the keyboard is hanged to reduce pain when typing. In some cases the whole shape and layout of the keyboard may be radically altered
Benefits:
It Reduces strains, movements, twists and tensions, Reduces the pain and effort of typing, and allows physically impaired people in some cases to be able to use the computer and type using the key board.
Disadvantages:
It cannot be used by all physically impaired people e.g. some one who can not use their arms at all can not use the keyboard, sometimes improper set up can lead to poor ergonomic alignment, and it is extremely difficult to set up to gain full benefit- special training may be required.
How it meets the users needs:
Ergonomic keyboards meets users needs by allowing them to use keyboards for various reasons from the shape of how it is made depending on how the user is physically impaired. It will allow the user to do work on computers, play on computers and even email people, allowing users to do things that may have never thought to be possible and allowing them to have fun and do normal things.
Consequences of not having ICT access:
Users will not be able to use Ergonomic keyboard on computer and so won’t be able to do work or play games on computer.