The now common touchscreens on computer tablets are typically seen as usability improvements over keyboards and mice that ruled the computing world for decades.
They’re also finding fans among disabled folks because of their ease of use, lightness, and general coolness that everyone likes. Though they help overcome many limitations, some of the finger gestures that are used on tablets can be nearly impossible for some to perform.
This is where researchers from Georgia Tech decided to make a stand and create a simple to use tool, called Access4Kids, that can augment touchscreens and help many people with control issues in their hands operate tablets. The device, which is wrapped around the forearm, has large pressure sensitive pads on its surface that translate sequential taps into gestures like pinches and swipes. The current prototype device was developed for kids, though we can’t imagine what would prevent adults from taking advantage of it.
Project page: Access4Kids
Georgia Tech: DEVICE HELPS CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES ACCESS TABLETS