Characteristics and solutions of digital divide for people with physical impairments in Taiwan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to narrow down the digital gap between people with and those without physical impairments in Taiwan. To better understand the need of the digital learning for people with physical impairments, the authors have created the digital characteristic assessment scale, digital need assessment scale, and developed the mouse training system and on-screen keyboard assessment system. In order to comprehend the performance and practicability of the scales and systems, this integrated project have also applied these tools to evaluate and train the clients with muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy. To fulfill the need of training the clients and providing appropriate assistant facilities, the alternative input device and the adapted web platform have been developed. The result validates the feasibility of both software and hardware developed by our implementation. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.