posted
by Anonymous -
Tue, 24/07/2012 - 12:13
Assistive
technologies of varied range have the potential of bridging the gap and
bringing down barriers which were earlier seen as inevitable for the
differently abled population. BiGTech
explores several assistive technologies provided by Barrierbreak Technologies- an enterprise that is a leading
assistive technology provider and finds out what it has to offer to the people
with special needs.
Shilpi Kapoor, who heads
Barrierbreak, talks about the products range that can benefit the visually
impaired, mobility impaired, hearing impaired and learning impaired. Here is
what she has to say about assistive technology and its impact in the life of
people with disabilities.
Given the right environment, people with disabilities can be
as productive as those without disabilities. How does Assistive technology help
in boosting an inclusive environment?
Assistive
technology solutions can range from the simple to the complex, but they all
have one thing in common – they assist people with a wide range of disabilities
and impairments to overcome their limitations and achieve greater independence.
These are technologies that help the blind to perform activities that typically
require ‘seeing’, the deaf to do things that would typically require them to
‘hear’ and the non-verbal to accomplish tasks that would typically need
‘speech’.
A
person with cognitive or learning impairment who has difficulties reading,
writing and spelling or has dyslexia can use literacy software solutions like
the Dolphin Easy Tutor. It includes Optical
Character Recognition (OCR) and converts scan printed pages into electronic
text, Dolphin EasyReader - the
digital talking book player allows the user to read and listen to content
through a combination of text, audio and images. A hearing impaired person can
use the hearing aid compatible and large key phone for assistance.
Computer
aids such as the Dolphin Supernova
Screen Reader & Magnifier, adaptive keyboards and ClearView desktop magnifiers can have a major impact in the
education of persons with disability.
What is the main problem that people with disabilities face
as far as assistive technology is concerned?
The
primary problem that needs to be addressed is the limited access to technology
for people with disabilities. In education and day-today life, assistive
technology is not available to the persons with disabilities. This hampers them
in their education and growth. Many people are not even aware of available
assistive technologies and thus the use of these technologies is minimal in our
country.
How can a person/organization procure Assistive Technology
from Barrierbreak and what is the support provided on procurement?
Barrierbreak
offers a wide range of assistive technology products that cater to the needs of
people with different types of disabilities. Be it for a person with visual
impairment, hearing impairment, mobility impairment or learning impairment -
You will find a product that would suit the person according to his
disabilities!
You
can write to us at info(at)barrierbreak.com or visit www.barrierbreak.com for information on
various assistive technology products pan disability. You can call Barrierbreak
for a demo on the product you wish to procure or you also have the option to
view videos or download demo of various products on our website.
We
also provide customized training on the product purchased by the person or
organization so that the users can get accustomed with the technology
accommodating to their needs.
A
number of NGO’s have been our clients for assistive technology products; to
name a few - National Association for Blind (NAB), SPJ Sadhana School, Xavier's
Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC), Forum of Autism, Arth
Astha, Able Disable All People Together (ADAPT), Asha Army School etc.
What are the steps taken by Barrierbreak in the space of Assistive
Technology?
We
have initiated Techshare India - A program with RNIB to promote accessibility
and assistive technology. It has a pan disability conference, where 40 plus
exhibitors showcase their products and services for people with disability.
Besides, our Abilities Unlimited program is a format to spread awareness among
organizations around the needs of persons with disabilities.
The
BarrierBreak Accessibility Lab has numerous assistive technologies that can be
used by people with disabilities. You can call us at +91-22-2686 0485/6 or
email us and drop in to experience our accessibility lab.
In
addition, we would also be calling NGO’s to participate in a pilot study to
know the impact of assistive technology in the lives of people. The NGO’s
selected by the Barrierbreak team would get an opportunity to use a product for
30 days on a trail basis for free. This would help them explore the product before
investing on them.
Microsoft donates more than 200 of its products — including Windows 7 Professional and Enterprise Upgrades — to eligible nonprofits through BiGTech. Organizations that join BiGTech, register an organization, and qualify can request and receive donations of Microsoft products and many more products from other BiGTech donor partners.
