Page 320 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

Chapter 10 • Assistive Technology Integration and Accessibility 309

Table 10-5 Advantages and Disadvantages: Operating System Model

Benefits Disadvantages
Potentially simple setup – no additional software required. Requirement of familiarity with operating system.
Access to all aspects of the operating system. Complexity of use.
Theoretically able to access all software installed on the Dependent on operating system supplier for accessibility
operating system. features (and maintenance of these).
Relies on software developers to develop applications that
comply with accessibility frameworks/standards.

John uses the ‘baked-in’ switch scanning of iOS on an iPad device. Using this, John
is able to access an AAC app, his email, internet and all the other apps available such as
language learning apps, assuming they have been appropriately designed for switch scan-
ning, including an app that allows control of his TV over IP (i.e., EC).

Conclusions

In this chapter we have described a range of different approaches to integration, pertinent
factors that will impact on the consideration of an integrated system and the potential
challenges and benefits of providing integrated systems.
Integration of AT spans a range of approaches from providing access to two distinct
devices such as a communication aid and EC to using computer accessibility frame-
works to provide access to computer operating systems. This area of AT is fast developing
as accessibility to operating systems evolves, AT developers create additional apps and
access methods and as new innovations such as the IoT emerge.
Many aspects of the evolution of integrated AT into mainstream technology and oper-
ating systems is likely to be profoundly beneficial as this may remove some of the exist-
ing societal and environmental barriers that people with disabilities face on a day-to-day
basis. However, the risks of these developments are that AT developments become entirely
dependent on the ‘Big Tech’ companies.
It is likely that AT developers will continue to have a key role in many forms of AT inte-
gration. It is also clear that the role of AT professionals will remain key in assessing and
supporting individuals to access these technologies and in supporting them to achieve the
level of independence and participation in the environments and ultimately the society
that they desire.

References

Atkin, R., 2017. Building Connected Products that Help Disabled People. Available at: http://www.rossat-
kin.com/wp/?portfolio=oreilly-solid-2015.
Bates, R., Donegan, M., Istance, H.O., Hansen, J.P., Räihä, K.J., 2007. Introducing COGAIN: communication
by gaze interaction. Universal Access in the Information Society 6 (2), 159–166.