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News Letter of Mysore Spastic Society |
Archives |
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| 4th Issue, |
October 2009 |
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| Computer Access Lab |
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| We are proud to announce the opening of a “Computer Access Lab”, a venture to reach yet another milestone in Sneha Kiran. Our endeavor to provide state of the art services for children with Cerebral Palsy is an ongoing affair. This lab is intended to do exactly that by facilitating the use of computers through assistive technology. Assistive Technology includes adaptive aids, hardware, and software aids specifically designed for the mentally able but physically challenged, who are unable to use a regular keyboard and mouse. |
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| It is never too early to begin computer training for children with physical challenges. It must begin now, during their early years when they are ready and eager. If a child can manage to type and use the mouse, a whole new world opens up in their lives almost instantly. It will enhance skills in several aspects including education, communication, exposure to the outside world through web surfing, and the list can go on. |
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| Based on cognitive and functional capabilities, an appropriate technology device that meets the needs of the child will enable efficient computer access. A simple single switch access, or an adaptive keyboard with keyguard, or a trackball mouse, are just to name a few. There are several such devices available including alternative adaptive keyboards, mouse emulators, on screen keyboards, voice recognition software, educational software etc. Matching the needs to an appropriate assistive device is the key. |
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| To start with, a few children who meet the requirements to use a computer are being considered to use assistive technology. The training shall begin immediately after the equipment has been setup in the next couple of weeks. Granted that we are starting with a bare minimum, the goal is to expand based on the specific needs by obtaining equipment gradually on an ongoing basis. Once the child gets accustomed to using the device, we can help procure their own piece to use at home provided they have access to a computer. |
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| The Computer Access Lab at Sneha Kiran shall be managed by Ms. Poornima Attigupam, a Rehabilitation Engineer. She is a Biomedical Engineering graduate (CSUS, California, USA) specialized in Rehabilitation Engineering. She has worked for more than 14 years as a Rehabilitation Engineer in the United States and has ample expertise in the field of Computer Access. |
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