The Industrial Revolution for the Disabled :: Essays Papers

The Industrial Revolution for the Disabled In this new age of Internet and the World Wide Web, everything is accessible. If you needed up to date news, research, or entertainment; just go online. Everyday people take this choice for granted, maybe by ignorance or by stupidity, but a small, ever-growing population don't have these choices. The disabled have overcome many pregitouses and were once regarded as mentally and physically retarded. But recently, a number of organizations have recognized the need for the disabled to achieve ultimate web accessibility. Of course, ultimate won't be achieved for a long time, but some accessiblility is better than none. The Americans with Disabilities Act has already come up with accessibility requirements that the Federal Government has adopted. (Applicability of... 2000) Aol has changed it's format due to a law suit by the National Federation for the blind. (Applicability of... 2000) Not only are public sectors changing their websites, but many private sectors are as well (Applicability of... 2000) "To ensure individuals with disabilities have full and equal enjoyment of the facilities they provide when the provision of such access is measureable. (Applicability of... 2000) Assistive Technology "Assistive Technology is any device, piece of equipment, of software that is used to help a person with a disability or impairment, reach full functional capacity. Some examples of high-tech assistive technology include voice recognition systems, voice synthesis, large print display, braille embossing, and alternative computer input devices." (University of Iowa) Some statistics on the widespread concern of developers for accessible websites include:"50 million people in the U.S. have some kind of functional limitation. 15% of those cannot use a computer without some form of assistive technology and about 8% of those who use the Web have disabilities." (McKeefy 1998) As research shows the internet is bringing a world of information to users with disabilities, but adversely, it is difficult for vision impaired people to access a multimedia-rich site. (McKeefy 1998) New equipment for the sight-impaired are now available, but one might think it is only available to people with money. According to Greg Meise, President of Lenexa (a Kansas based reseller), "'Declining technology prices now have made these products available to a wider audience. Affordability has changed the market.'" (McKeefy 1998) The prices of these special technologies have dropped and impaired users have an option of mixed technologies. (McKeefy 1998) Awareness The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) has set up requirements for the internet to make web sites accessible for people with disabilities.