Developing Accessible Computer Access Environments for Persons with Cerebral Palsy

Computer technology has developed rapidly and become essential for people’s daily lives. However, persons with cerebral palsy usually experience obstacles in computer access through conventional input apparatus because of their abnormal movements, cognitive or perceptual deficits. The purposes of this study are to develop an accessible computer access environment and to reduce the digital divide for persons with cerebral palsy. Through understanding e-learning behaviors of persons with cerebral palsy, researchers are going to focus on developing the appropriate computer adaptation strategies and e-learning material for persons with physical disabilities. In addition, alternative input and output devices developed by other projects will be studied in this project. Application effectiveness of computer alternative input and output devices on persons with cerebral palsy will also be recorded. During the first year of this project, e-learning behaviors of 30 persons with cerebral palsy will be closely observed. The difficulties of operating standard keyboards and mice will be analyzed in order to develop the suitable computer access strategies for persons with physical disabilities. In the second year, alternative input and output devices designed by other projects will be investigated from experiences of 30 persons with cerebral palsy. Results will be feedback to other projects to modify the corresponding prototypes. In addition, e-learning material for person with cerebral palsy will be developed as a convenient media for health and education professionals to train persons with cerebral palsy operating computers. In the third year, application effectiveness of alternative computer input and output devices on persons with cerebral palsy will be recorded. The effectiveness of e-learning material will also be studied at this year. Through 3 years’ extensive study, researchers will develop a more accessible environment for persons with cerebral palsy to operate computers. Our experience on persons with cerebral palsy will provide a significant reference to other health and educational professionals who treat persons with cerebral palsy.

Project ID:PB9308-5271
External Project ID:NSC93-2524-S182-003