30 March 2005
As part of Disabilities Awareness Month the US state of India is demonstrating the ways in which technology can be harnessed to help those with disabilities in their job searches, ensuring everyone can access and benefit from services.
A major feature of the drive is computers and accessories, called Assistive Technology Workstations or "X-tations", reports the Montcello Herald Journal.
The X-tations feature accessories such as voice input programs that allows users to speak rather than use a keyboard or mouse with the computer as well as onscreen and larger keyboards.
"Having a disability doesn't have to mean unemployment," Sylvia D Anderson, the area's WorkOne System Coordinator, told the Journal.
"To ease the job search process, the WorkOne Center and most WorkOne Express Sites in this region now have new computers installed, each with special hardware and software features that make the job search process easier for people with disabilities."
Features for the visually impaired or hard of hearing are also available as are 'magic' cursors for those with dexterity problems.
It is hoped that opening the workplace to people with disabilities will not only enrich lives and increase individuals self confidence but also ease the burden on the social security budget.© DeHavilland Information Services plc
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