COMPUTERS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG DISABLED CHILDREN

Applying this approach, the Habitat Learning Centre conducted a pilot project in the month of January, 2003 for children with disabilities to explore options for using computers with adaptive technology. The project was held in partnership with Samartha, an NGO run by Mrs. Madhu Jain, a special educator, who has been running various programs for special needs children.

The objective is to allow the child to start from what he/she can do and then to help him / her increase his ability. The use of specific devices and hardware enlarges the possibilities offered to the children .A single motion can trigger any relevant feedback that will stimulate the child. It may help for instance for learning the simple relation between reason and effect.

For pupils with special educational needs, the barriers to the world of computers can seem daunting. What use is the internet to a child whose limited dexterity makes it tough to hit a key or click a mouse? The great thing is that there is a huge range of adaptive technology and special software, making computers accessible to everyone. The use of specific user devices, and specific software, allows disabled people to perform independently some tasks they could not otherwise. In the case of young children they can be used in the way of stimulating cognitive works to help their development.

During the pilot project at HLC, we experienced that Assistive and Adapted Technology can open up a bright new world for children with special needs and their families. Through the use of specially adapted equipment, computers, software and other devices technology can enhance a child's ability to communicate, learn, ambulate and play. There are less tangible benefits to ICT use for children with special educational needs. Children, who find social interaction difficult, may find a focus and means of expression through working with the computer.

Those with hand mobility problems can use key guards on the Keyboard. For those with mobility problems there are lots of alternatives to the keyboard and mouse combination, such as mouth sticks, head pointers, roller balls and joysticks. Switches offer a different approach as some children may find navigating menus and mice too confusing. In a rapidly changing technological world, the opportunities for children with special needs to progress in their daily activities and to even excel in certain areas has become a reality.

Computers have taken a very strong importance in the industrialized countries. Indeed it allows to improve the quality and the fastness of our works. It is still rare that it allows improving a task that we could not do without it, but very slowly. For a lot of impaired people it is not rare: they could not do independently any of the tasks they can do using technology. More and more it appears that children could benefit hugely from these technologies. The use of specific user devices ,and specific software may allow disabled children to play independently .For some of them it will be the first time in their life.

Even though the pilot project proved to be a success, we had to abandon the project due to lack of Computers. We'd request support from Individuals and Organizations for providing Computers to restart our programme with Special Needs Children and also for promoting Extension Habitat Learning Centres.