assistive devices for PCs to help individuals with visual impairment:
Any adaptive device or service that increases participation, achievement or independence for a
student with a disability may be considered assistive technology (AT). Assistive technology helps
students who are visually impaired (with and without additional disabilities) increase their access to
the general curriculum and improve their academic performance. It is important to thoughtfully
consider what devices, tools and technologies will be appropriate to meet the student's individual.
there are apps in various categories which helps the disabled and they include
note taking apps: AccessNote, Evernote, speakit, etc.
identification apps: Audiolabels, barcode scanner, aid colors.
vision skill apps: photo splash, color play, color splurge
examples of other products and ideas that are emerging that could help lessen the global digital divide.32.
The OLPC (One Laptop per Child) project is one of the methods used to lessen the digital divide. The
goal of OLPC is that OLPC ensures that every child in the world between the ages of 6 and 12 has immediate access to a personal laptop computer by 2015. This helps them to have access to new channels of learning, sharing, and self-expression.
Other products and ideas emerging to lessen the global digital divide .32 include:
a. Closing the digital gap to lessen the global digital divide. The community organizations and education institutions, work together to provide programming and special projects to close the digital gap. They initiate the project by creating and launching neighborhood web portals accessible through public stalls across the communities.
b. The Digital Divide Initiative Minneapolis (DDI) has a mission to provide technological skills and knowledge to participants to help them be successful in an increasingly digital world. The goal of the initiative is to promote technological literacy within underserved populations. Their programs included The Computer Exchange Program to distribute renovated computers to individuals and families through the Computer Take Home Workshop.
The EPA estimates that the e-waste generated by digital device produces more than 2.5 million tons every year. Research and post “green” initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce the amount of e-waste.
The EPA today plays an active role not only by providing energy effective methods, but also cost effective methods for the consumers. The “green” initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce the amount of e-waste include:
a. Use of “Green computing” that is the environmentally responsible and eco-friendly use of computers and their resources. The goal of Green computing is to reduce the use of hazardous materials, maximize energy efficiency during the life time of the product, and promote recyclability of non-functioning products and factory waste.
b. One concern is paper waste. The solution for the future (electronic paper) is by the use of Green Print and PrintWhatYouLike.com, that is designed to reduce paper consumption.
c. Use of some organizations, such as Green Disk can be used to recycle the computer components such as CDs, DVDs, USB flash drives, and hard drives.
d. Recycling programs specifically designed for discarded mobile phones. These programs renovate and sell the phones. Simple steps are taken to save Water.
