ABSTRACT

With each new generation of wireless technology comes smaller devices. While device manufacturers seek for their new offerings to appeal to greater numbers of the general population, for individuals with physical disabilities the trend represents a new digital divide. By adding a simple supplemental layer of controls to these devices, composed of custom software and basic hardware, we have created several prototypes which permit users with motor impairments to use commodity wireless, mobile electronic devices such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants. By keeping the amount of custom hardware required low, and leveraging the programmability and open APIs of next-generation commodity wireless devices, production costs are kept low and rapid redevelopment is enabled.

KEYWORDS

Wireless, accessibility, human computer interface, cellphone

Author Contact Information:

Paul Blair, Ph.D.
University of California San Diego
9500 Gilman Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92093-0436
Office Phone (858) 822-2058
EMAIL: pblair@ucsd.edu