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Crucial Design Issues For Special Access Technology, Pearl O'Rourke, Ray Ekins, Bernard Timmins, Fiona Timmins, Siobhan Long, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

Introduction: Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT) aims to empower individuals with disabilities by reducing the environmental and societal barriers they encounter. Power wheelchairs aid mobility, communication aids allow for more efficient conversation, environmental controls permit greater autonomy, and personal computers provide access to information, social networking and educational activities. In order to control EAT, a computer input device is necessary. Mice and keyboards are typically used but in certain cases, Special Access Technology (SAT) is required. SAT refers to adapted and alternative computer input devices that are utilised when mainstream software and hardware are not suitable. Examples are switches, joysticks and …