Computers and the Disabled

The inborn prejudices that some of us have towards disabled people may well be a primal, ‘survival of the fittest’ instinct. Fortunately, as intelligent beings, we have the mental abilities to overcome such thoughts, and in many classes, be prompted by the plight of disadvantaged people, provide ‘additional’ care and compassion to them. History is full of wonderful stories of wonderful people devoting their lives to those less fortunate in many ways, than themselves.

I have been privileged enough to have grown up with a sister who, at age 25 was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at a time that she was a national golf champion, a trained radiographer, and accountant.

Now it took 24 years for this disease to kill my sister, and for those years, she lived a happy life, variously living with friends, then with my family, then to a specialist MS unit, and finally to 24 hour care and her death. The first 20 of these years were normal life stuff, some good, some wonderful, some, well not so good. However, the last few, very a real burden to my sister.

MS is a disease of the central nervous system (the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder and definitely affects muscular functions. What it does not do is cause mental deterioration, so therefore, as was my sister’s case, a healthy and active mind exists inside a failing body. Frustrating? You better believe it!

I saw my sister, unable to do most things, just sit or lie and watch brainless television, unable to hold a book, or do a great deal to simulate her brain. Her death was 15 years ago.

With today’s computer technology, we could have added a very valuable aspect and dimension to my sister’s life. We could have placed a wide screen on the ceiling, hooked that up to the TV and a computer, placed a wireless keyboard close by, and provided her a desk free, wireless mouse. At her very worst, she could have rested the desk free, wireless mouse on her chest, and with the help of the onscreen key board function that Windows provides (programs > accessories > accessibility > onscreen keyboard), ‘computered’ away to her heart’s content!

Image, she could have emailed friends and family, shared photos and experiences from within the family and without, had world news and events literally at her finger tip, and then there is that boring old stuff, like watching a movie of her choice, when she liked! Phew, I just wish that we could have done this for the girl.

I have had the privilege in my working life, to run discussion regarding computers and their uses to ‘senior citizens’. A nicer group of people to associate with would be hard to find. They generally at this stage of their lives have left their baggage behind, and have a rather philosophical approach to life.

As Paul Newman famously said, ‘this growing old ain’t for sissies’. These senior citizens did attest to Newman’s comments, with ample evidence of bent and deformed arthritic hands, failing slight, paralysis caused by strokes to name a few of their impairments. However, they were there, at the computer, compensating for their frailties, with determination and vigor. I have not meet many who feel sorry for themselves, yes frustrated, but that is about it.

What really helps the disabled and elderly is an understanding of their needs and an understanding of the areas where they require assistance. The computer of today and associated entertainment facilities can be placed almost anywhere, at a cost that can be easily borne by a compassionate society. What we need to do is to take way the barriers, such as those of having to use a keyboard and desk requiring mouse, as the main input devises. We must develop and promote more ‘point & click’ applications, and then provide the tools that requires the simplest way to ‘point & click’, at affordable prices.

We know that there is some very high tech stuff around; Stephen Hawkins demonstrates this, as does some of the eye movement and touch screen technology. Bad seriously, we do not have to go there. The onscreen keyboard facility, the digital image keyboard, and a wireless - deskless mouse such as the WeraMouse, can provide all this at a relatively small cost.

For my sister, a scratch golfer in her days, all of this would have been as great as any good day at the course. She reckoned she never had a bad one!!! Maybe that was why she was so good at the game?