What is adaptive software and hardware?

People with disabilities meet barriers of all types. Computers, however, are helping to lower many of these barriers. Although people with disabilities face a variety of challenges in terms of providing computer input, interpreting output and reading documentation, adaptive hardware and software have been developed to provide functional alternatives to standard operations. Equipment tat provides flexibility in the positioning of monitors, keyboards, documentation and table tops is useful for many individuals with special needs. Some adaptive hardware and software assist individuals with little or no use of their hands in using a standard keyboard. Individuals who have use of one finger, the mouth or head stick, or some other pointing device, can control the computer by pressing keys with the pointing device. For those with more severe mobility impairments, keyboard emulation is available, including scanning and Morse code input. Voice input provides another option for individuals ...  more