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=__INPUT and OUTPUT devices for physically challenged ones__ =

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A New Invention
Engineers have invented a tongue device which can help disabled people to control a wheelchair, operate a computer or interact with the external environments by using only the tip of their tongue.



When the users move their tongues, the movement of the magnetic tracer on the tongues will be detected by an array of magnetic field sensors present on a headset outside the mouth or on an orthodontic brace inside the mouth. The sensor output signals are wirelessly transmitted to a computer, which can be carried on the user’s clothing or wheelchair. The sensor output signals are processed to determine the relative motion of the magnet with respect to the array of sensors in real-time. This information is then used to control the movements of a cursor on the computer screen or to substitute for the joystick function in a powered wheelchair.

With this invention, such people can live more independently and productively. They can have better control over external environments and communicate better with others.

**Blindness**

Input Most individuals who are blind use standard keyboards, however Braille input devices are available. Braille key labels assist with keyboard use. Output Voice output can be used to read screen text to blind computer users. Special software programs "read" computer screens and speech synthesizers "speak" the text. Earphones can also be used. Braille displays allow line-by-line translation of the screen into Braille on a display area where vertical pins move into Braille configurations as screen text is scanned. Braille displays can be read quickly by those with advanced Braille skills and do not disturb others in work areas because they are quiet. Braille printers provide output for blind users.

 

Low Vision
Most people with low vision can use standard keyboards. Special equipment or the use of built-in computer features can help modify screen displays and printer output.

Input  Output <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Geneva,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Large-print key labels and home row indicators.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Large monitors and anti-glare screens.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Screen enlarger software.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Color and contrast adjustments.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Speech output systems.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Mobility Impairments
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">It is important to assure that the student who has a mobility impairment can access the computer workstation. Using the standard mouse and keyboard for input can be difficult due to impaired upper extremity function. While standard screen displays are often not difficult to read, software and screen modifications may be necessary to facilitate input accommodations. <span style="font-family: Arial,Geneva,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"> <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Input <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Output <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Accessible on/off switches.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Flexible positioning or mounting of keyboards, monitors, etc.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Software utilities that consolidate multiple or sequential keystrokes.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Mouth sticks, head sticks, or other pointing devices.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Keyguards.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Modified keyboards (e.g., expanded, mini, or one-handed).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Trackballs or other input devices provide an alternative to a mouse.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Keyboard emulation with specialized switches that allow the use of scanning or Morse code input.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Speech input.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Word prediction software.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">Speech output.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">General assistance may be needed to access printed materials.

Digital technology for disabled
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',HelveticaNeue,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; line-height: normal;">This specialized joystick mouse, called JAWS 2, enables people who can't use hand-input devices to control a computer with their mouth, chin and cheeks. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;">