Going Cordless: Exploring Technologies that Unchain People from Computers

by Patrick Burke and Kevin Price

Presented March 20, 2001 at CSUN Technology and Persons with Disabilities Preconference

There are currently several technologies being developed that allow users to operate computers without touching or looking at them. While often aimed at the mainstream audience, these technological tools are especially important for people with disabilities who may not be able to operate computers in traditional ways - with a standard keyboard, mouse, printer, or screen. 

Speech recognition technology has evolved considerably in the past few years. And even though it is not being developed for people with disabilities, speech recognition can be a powerful tool.  The presentation will compare speech recognition programs along with other tools such as new desktop microphones and how to customize them to benefit people with disabilities.

Infrared and radio frequency technologies are also being developed that help people work with computers and not being chained to them.    Infrared and radio frequency technologies allow users to work with microphones, keyboards and mice but not have the limitations of having attached cords.  An overview of the many products available will be presented along with how they can best be implemented to help people with disabilities.

Speech output implemented along with the technologies mentioned above is the ultimate step in unchaining users with disabilities from the standard keyboard, mouse, and screen combination.   This is becoming a real possibility for many users.  The final part of this presentation will be demonstration of the implementation of speech output used along with radio frequency technology and speech recognition.  A criterion is going to be discussed on how to know if a particular person with a disability can take advantage of the above technologies.

Cordless technologies are increasingly critical to making computers and information accessible to people with disabilities. This presentation will evaluate and demonstrate these cutting edge cordless technologies.