Until the computer revolution, equipment for people with disabilities was expensive and clunky.

Now, computers are bundled with some options for people who have visual, physical, hearing, and learning disabilities. Off-the-shelf personal computers can use visual signals, read text aloud, and adjust how the mouse works. Additionally, there is a group of people who are creating open source software to address even more needs of those with disabilities.

http://www.oatsoft.org is one such source and it provides software that meets more specific needs than the software bundled with the standard computer. Additionally, Open Source Assistive Technology Software (OATS) encourages users to become creators of software. The technological revolution has not only put almost all the world’s information at our fingertips, it has made communication and learning possible for people who traditionally have been isolated. With online communities such as OATS, even more people will be able to be served.