Here's a computer for the disabled

New Delhi: Sergio Ivanier is paralysed from the neck down. But that doesn't stop him from operating computers. Students at a college in Argentinian have found a cheap, simple way to overcome his disability.

Here's how they did it: Wrap some cellophane on a cheap webcam. Tie the camera around Sergio's head. Rig up a small light at eye level. Now, every time Sergio moves his head - light flickers across the camera lens. The camera sends out infrared signals which a specially written software then converts into a cursor movements on the screen.

“If I wanted to navigate a page or something obviously I had to ask for assistance. This gives me some autonomy: autonomy for this specific thing. And I think that whatever helps give you more independence makes you feel good and it does a lot for your self-esteem - as much for me as for anyone that isn't disabled. Being more independent raises your self esteem,” said Sergio.

“Someone who has a webcam at home, by adding two or three dollars worth of add-ons that are very easy to get, can convert that webcam into an emulation of a mouse for people with disabilities. It works so that people with disabilities can do the same things as you would with a normal mouse, all at a really low cost,” said ORT Director Dario Mischener.

The college will soon put up the technical details for free download on their website.

Millions of handicapped people around the world, might now be able to enjoy computing - without expensive surgery or equipment.

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