Computer and Adaptive Aids
In these modern times Computers are an essential piece of equipment for most people, but they are even more important Assistive Devices for persons with disabilities, including persons with Mobility Impairments. With the advent of the Internet and the multitude of businesses supported online, one’s imagination is the only limit. You can do just about anything from your home computer, including operating a business, doing research, socializing, listening to music, watching TV, movies, playing games, reading books, purchasing products, doing banking and taking part in discussions. Therapeutic treatments and support groups are even available on-line through your computer.
Many persons with Mobility Impairments turn to computers to assist them in the tasks mentioned above and there are a number of Assistive Devices & adaptions available to purchase which make almost any computer accessible for anyone to use.
The availability of this computer equipment and Assistive Devices is increasing thanks to various Organizations and Companies such as Edit Microsystems who have made concerted efforts to make sure that this equipment is easily available for persons with disabilities in South Africa.
To find out more about these Computers, Electronic Aids and Assistive Devices and the companies or organizations that provide them, please read the article below OR click on the shortcut links provided alongside.
What Are You Looking For?
1. Choosing A Computer: Desktop vs Laptop vs Tablets
2. Monitors
3. Keyboards and Alternatives
i) Types of Keyboards
ii) Typing Without a Keyboard
– On Screen Keyboard
– Switch Input Buttons
– Eye and Head Tracking Systems
iii) Voice Recognition Software
4. Other Software
5. Mouse Alternatives
6. Touchpads
7. Joysticks
8. Pen Mice, Graphics Tablets and Foot Mouse
9. Accessibility Tools and Resources
– Disability Answer Desk
– Keyboard Shortcuts
– Mouse Keys
8. Typing Sticks, Mouth Sticks and Head Pointers
Finding the Right Computer Aid for You: Who can Help?
These companies specialise in providing products for people with Physical Impairments and should be able to advise you on the best type of Computer Aid or Software for you. They can also help set it up and operate correctly as well as service and repair the products that they sell should the need arise.
Edit Microsystems (Pty) Ltd is an award-winning company that is devoted to finding alternative and state-of-the-art technical solutions to improve curriculum delivery in educational institutions and effective communication in business with a focus on high-speed functional connectivity and on-going support.
They have a proud tradition of innovation and are on the cutting edge of technological advances in education. Many of their products are designed to enhance interactivity in a classroom or lecture theatre. Edit Microsystems are also a leader in finding and providing specially adapted hardware and software for Learners with Special Educational Needs throughout South Africa.
Contact: 086 111 3973
Head Office: 13 Boy De Goede Circle, Table View, Cape Town, 7441.
They also have branches in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng.
Website at: www.editmicro.co.za
Email them at: info@editmicro.co.za
QASA is a non-profit organisation (NPO 000-881) of Quadriplegics and Paraplegics in South Africa. QASA’s mission is “to improve lives by securing resources to advocate, educate, capacitate, support and mobilize”. QASA’s vision is that “all quadriplegics and paraplegics will live their lives to their full potential”. QASA develops products, programmes and services for quadriplegic and paraplegic members to build their capacity and ensure opportunities for societal integration and empowerment.
These projects include but are not limited to the Provision of Mobility & Assistive Devices:
Access to assistive devices is essential for persons with Mobility Impairments to improve independence and enhance quality of life for persons who have mobility impairments. QASA provides various assistive devices to Quadriplegics and Paraplegics to help them to operate their computers, including Speech/Voice Recognition Software, Typing Sticks and Mouth Sticks.
Speech/Voice Recognition Software is used to operate a device, perform commands, or write without having to use a keyboard, mouse, or press any buttons. Typing Sticks assists people with limited hand function to accurately type. It can be safely used on any type of keyboard without harming the keys, while a Mouth Stick is an assistive device that enables a person to perform activities like typing, pressing buttons, turning pages and even drawing with their mouth.
Read More: https://qasa.co.za/provision-of-mobility/
Click on the link above to find out more about the “Provision of Mobility & Assistive Devices” and how QASA assists persons with mobility impairments to acquire assistive devices such as “Voice Recognition Software” and “Typing Sticks”, or visit our Organizations – QASA Page to find out more about QASA and the other Projects and Services that they provide, or their website at www.qasa.co.za.
1. Choosing the right type of Computer
Before purchasing a computer, you will need to decide whether you would require a Desktop, Laptop or Tablet. Each have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your lifestyle, what they will be used for, type of impairment that you have; assistive devices that you will require to work the computer.
You would firstly need to look at the reason for purchasing a computer and then the advantages and benefits of both Desktops, Laptops and Tablet, which would then determine which one would suit your needs.
If you are struggling to decide which would be best suited for you, take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of these options below, to help you decide which to purchase, or find out more via the: Edit Microsystems Computer Buying Guide
1. Benefits of Desktops
Desktop computers offer a variety of benefits, in that they are easier, and less expensive, to upgrade and are generally less expensive overall, so offer better overall value. They also offer more storage and memory at a lower price than laptops. They are highly upgradeable, allowing easy expansion of RAM, storage, graphics, and peripherals to extend lifespan and adapt to changing needs.
Click Here to Find out more about the benefits of Desktops.
2. Benefits of Laptops
Laptops offer portability and flexibility, allowing people with physical impairments to work, learn, or communicate from different environments without being tied to a fixed setup.
Built-in accessibility features, lightweight designs, and compatibility with adaptive devices, laptops support greater independence and convenience.
Click Here to Find out more about the benefits of Desktops.
3. Benefits of Tablets
Tablets offer greater portability and ease of use, with touch-based interfaces that reduce the need for fine motor control compared to keyboards and mice.
Their lightweight design, adjustable mounting options, and accessibility features make them ideal for hands-free use and on-the-go independence for people with physical disabilities.
Click Here Find out more about the benefits of Tablets.
Desktop Computers
Desktop computers offer a variety of benefits, they not as portable as a laptops, but can be a more affordable and powerful option, with more features than Laptop computers, therefor ideal for a classroom, office or organisation. There are also a variety of other advantages that Desktops have over Laptop, which include:
– Desktop computers are easier, and less expensive, to upgrade.
– Desktop computers are generally less expensive overall and offer a better overall value.
– Desktop computers generally have larger monitors, which can also be connected to Laptops.
– Desktop computers have a lower risk of theft.
– Desktop computers have a more comfortable keyboard and a much easier to use mouse.
It should be noted that an aftermarket large, comfortable Keyboard and Mouse or Trackball, are also possible.
There are a variety of different types of Desktops available from various companies but there are advantages to purchasing your machine from companies like Edit Microsytems