In a country where people with disabilities (PWD) are often left behind in the race for survival, sensitivity has only just begun to dawn about their special needs. So even as the world devices technology and sofware to help such people keep pace with normality, India is starting to recognise, develop and access assistive technology. Thanks to such tech, visually or physically impaired people can use a computer and browse the Internet, even access the entire content of a Web site. However, such technologies remain very expensive and often are not available in India. Here are some that can radically alter lives.

On-screen content magnifier
You have to be blessed to have a perfect eye-sight. From those who have suffer partial visual impairment to senior citizens or those who have had their eyes fatigued from frequent computer use, all feel the need for the perfect adjustment of brightness, size and colour of the screen.
You can already do it through the accessibility options in your computer, but it is not the most efficient method. You’d be better off to buy the magnifier software that will enable you to resize the on-screen content, change the background or text colour, increase or reduce the brightness of the screen, and locate or follow more easily the mouse cursor. Such assistive technology is available in India and you can get the Lunar screen magnifier software for $395 (Rs 15,640) from Dehradun-based Sparsh Products.
For those who are looking to read newspapers in the metro or simply look at the prices on products at the supermarket, you have the option of the portable electronic magnifier. It has similar functions and will help you in most everyday situations.You can get it for $795 (Rs 31,480) on the Optelec Web site.

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