His blindness severely restricted his ability to find information. Back then, Huber didn't think he would ever be able to read newspapers, or check his e-mails.
But a gamut of state-of-the-art devices, such as those available at
Mississauga-based Microcomputer Science Centre Inc., has made the impossible, possible. The company offers a variety of devices and products for people with special needs including those with autism, learning disabilities and impaired vision and blindness.
With help from a special software and character recognition program on his cell phone, Huber now has access to newspapers, books, e-mails and the internet.
Microcomputer Science Centre's assistive technology, including hardware and software devices, is used by school boards, universities and colleges, and learning disabilities centres, said Calvin Scott, the company's sales manager.
He says in the last decade or so, technological advances have resulted in assistive technology becoming sleek, compact and powerful.
“When I started 10 years ago, assistive technology was desktops and large items that couldn't be carried around. It wasn't user-friendly at all,” Scott said. “Within a couple of years, more portable and hand-held devices became available. The thing is, technology that's becoming available in the consumer market has had a cross-over for those with disabilities.”
With a blink of the eye, those with severe mobility disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis can surf the internet, chat or compose letters or e-mails.
Scott explains the cutting-edge portable communication and computer allows people in wheelchairs to use their gaze or eyes to do the job of a mouse. By sitting in front of the computer and following a red dot, the user can access various functions. And a 30-second gaze on an item will automatically select the function.
“Accessibility now means near equal access to work, play, shopping and whatever,” said Scott. “With the kind of technology available now, Kevin and others can have the whole world on the road...”
The devices range from $100 to $10,000.
“The pattern with any type of digital technology is that it does come down in price; we wish it was less expensive, too,” he said.
For more information, visit www.microscience.on.ca.
rpanjwani@mississauga.net
