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Touchpads are a popular solution to navigation in gadgetry; but will people with sensory disabilities be able to enjoy it? ViewPlus is certainly willing to give it a shot with IVEO, their Hands-on Learning System.
IVEO is basically an oversized touchpad that acts as a tactile representation of the image on the computer screen. Something like a touchscreen; only the touch and the screen are two different objects.
Using a software program, you can add sounds and links to parts of an image. Once the image is done, you can emboss it or print it out. You lay the template on the IVEO touch pad and the resulting product is a touch-screen.
The hotspots you've added links and sounds to will then activate once pressed on the IVEO. A little troublesome if you want to have numerous "touchscreens," but in the end it works and does its job.
The device was made to help people with visual or learning disabilities. The whole shebang (printer, pad, software, the lot) is available for US$ 1,300. The package will soon be available with pre-made educational packs for biology, math, health and geography.
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