Touch screen technology, software tracking eye movement and voice controlled applications are tools that help create a more inclusive society. These ICT solutions can be used by disabled people, by educators and by employers seeking to enhance the accessibility of their services, reports Malta’s Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility at its annual conference on 2 December.
FITA addresses the digital divide by empowering disabled persons to make the most effective use of information and communications technology. Presentations included a talk on mobile touch screen technology. According to Veronica Montanaro, a Maltese specialist in speech and language, the Internet provides real benefits to children with learning disabilities and autism: “They often find Internet communication easier than talking face to face.”
At the annual conference, Sharon Borg, an occupational therapist, presented some technology, including text-to-speech software, and voice recognition systems. Scientist and engineer Stefania Cristina talked about her research into the development of low-cost eye tracking solutions. Meanwhile, FITA CEO Stanley Martin Debono showed how to tweak smart phones that use voice commands in order to reduce information clutter and, make the smart phone maps application tell the current location. He also showed how to use the phone for sign language conversation.
The meeting was attended by Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta. Reporting on the meeting, FITA quotes President Preca as saying: “It is important that whoever is providing ICT services, appreciate and implement effective ICT accessibility mechanisms in order to have a more inclusive society through the use of technology”.