Inclusive Technologies

I thought we needed our own LOL mascot….

University of Washington researchers have developed a technique that uses different vocal sounds to move a cursor on a screen in different directions. The longer and louder the sound, the further and faster the movement. This analog input system may be more efficient than discrete recognition of words for the same navigational purpose; very innovative!

Vocal Joystick for accessibility - Boing Boing

Update: here’s a video.

We’ve been seeing a raft of small touchscreen devices patterned after the iPhone — no keys, only a sensitive surface.  Nokia has patented “lids” to place over touchscreens with cutout areas for specific applications.  That is, a circular cutout could permit blind users to control a device like an iPod; a grid of cutouts could be a keyboard, etc.  The lids may be integrated into the device so that they slide easily into place.

Nokia patent app envisions touchscreen input lids - Engadget Mobile