3.1.1.5 Adaptation for the Disabled

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Since most LCCD projects are still pilots with few large-scale deployments, limited resources have been directed at making them usable for disabled children. Nonetheless, certain countries, such as Portugal, Russia and Uruguay, have introduced measures to make LCCDs accessible for those individuals.

For example, an online forum exists for using the XO laptop as an assistive technology for disabled persons.33 The Portugal Telecom Foundation has also carried out numerous projects to modify computers for use by disabled persons, including children.34 In Russia, a project was initiated to provide LCCDs for blind students.

Governments have encountered some obstacles in modifying LCCDs for use by disabled persons. In Russia and Uruguay, the governments were unable to install the accessibility application on the low-cost computers because of hardware limitations, so they instead had to use regular computers.35 Uruguay also plans to provide adapted computers for deaf and physically challenged children; however, the cost of the adaptive software is expected to be more than the price of the computers (USD 150).36
 
At this stage, it is too early to determine the costs of making adaptations in each country. However, various groups are working on projects that will provide a track record, through shared experiences, to identify ways to reduce costs. In addition, charitable organizations, whose donations are often targeted for the disabled, could provide a funding resource to defray the costs of making computing devices accessible to disabled children.

 

 

 

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