Accessibility Opens Up From: Washington Technology - 12/15/2003 By: John McCormick The development and rollout of computer hardware and software tools that disabled people can use is accelerating, and cost is not necessarily a factor. Expensive customized devices may not have to be provided when adaptable ergonomic products available in any office supply catalog may suffice. Also, the Americans with Disabilities Act makes it a legal requirement for employers to provide for disabled employees in many cases. Accessible hardware is usually categorized according to the user's handicap: Many visually impaired workers can use standard keyboards, but some favor Braille-labeled keys, which are available as complete keyboards or stick-on labels. A six-key Braille input device is an easier option for users familiar with Braille devices. Users with limited mobility, which could be the result of repetitive stress injuries or even more severe handicaps, can be accommodated relatively inexpensively. Quadriplegics with minimal head movement, for instance, can use a standard keyboard augmented with voice-recognition software and a head-mounted cursor controller for less than $2,000. Other options for mobility-challenged users include a guarded keyboard or oversized keys for those without fine motor skills, and smaller-than-usual keyboards for people who suffer from a limited range of motion. Customized keyboards, meanwhile, can be a good tool for cognitively impaired workers. http://www.washingtontechnology.com/news/18_18/emerging-tech/22311-1.html