is there any difference between the terms computer accessibility and assistive Technology
Answers
In human–computer interaction, computer accessibility (also known as accessible computing) refers to the accessibility of a computer system to all people, regardless of disability type or severity of impairment. The term accessibility is most often used in reference to specialized hardware or software, or a combination of both, designed to enable use of a computer by a person with a disability or impairment. Specific technologies may be referred to as assistive technology.
Assistive technology (AT) is a generic term used to refer to a group of software or hardwaredevices by which people with disabilities can access computers. They can be specially developed and marketed devices or off-the-shelf products that have been modified. Assistive technology can include devices such as alternate keyboards and mice, voice recognitionsoftware, monitormagnification software, multiple switch joysticks, and text-to-speech communication aids.
Assistive technology is an umbrella term that is often confused with adaptive technology. Many people use the term adaptive technology as a synonym for assistive technology. In fact, the two types of technologies are significantly different.
Assistive technology is defined as being any item, piece of equipment, or product system used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capacities of individuals with disabilities.
What is Adaptive Technology?
Adaptive technology, on the other hand, is defined as any object or system that is specifically designed for the purpose of increasing or maintaining the capabilities of people with disabilities. Adaptive technology would seldom be used by non-disabled people.
Confusing things further is that adaptive technology is a subset of assistive technology.
In everyday use, adaptive technology often refers to electronic and IT-related systems – like systems that help blind or deaf individuals use a computer.