Interface Modalities of Technical Aids Used by People with Disability

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to present some initial thoughts and concepts on the subject of the interface “mechanisms” used between individuals with disability and their technical aids. These interface modalities are considered to be of primary importance in matching adaptive aids to the needs of these individuals. With this in mind, a number of basic premises concerning technical aids, user needs, and user environments are discussed. In addition, an initial framework is presented that describes a series of different levels of interface types. It is hoped that this framework will promote a greater insight into the inherent complexity of interface modalities and thereby stimulate further study.