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Overview of Disabilities, Accessibility, and Section 508

Technology and People with Disabilities

Technology has enhanced the possibilities and options for people with disabilities to participate in society. Hardware and software designed for people with disabilities is called assistive technology (AT). Examples include:

• Hearing technologies increase the listening range for people with hearing loss.
• “Screen reading” software provides an audible presentation of information displayed on a computer screen.
• Retinal trackers allow quadriplegics to type on a virtual keyboard.

As technology advances and becomes more complex, however, it tends to become more media-rich. This provides a more enriching (and often entertaining) experience for most users. However, if people with disabilities are not considered during the design of a product or service, such users may not be able to access the information, or do so with great difficulty, even with the use of AT.

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