 Thanks to a new computer device created by Kent State researchers, simple tools, such as the sensitive plate switch (left) or multiple switch (right) that previously were used to operate a keyboard or mouse, now can assist computer users who lack fine motor skills in turning their computers on and off. Beyond the Push of a ButtonNew device helps physically disabled turn on computersBy Melissa Edler, ’00, M.A. ’07More than 14 million Americans under age 64 have a physical disability, according to the 2005 American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. A large percentage of those people have little or no use of their hands to manipulate a computer or access the Internet. While several helpful technologies, such as special switches to activate hardware and software, have been created for those with physical disabilities, one big problem remains — turning the computer on and off. “For months, we looked for a device for someone who lacks fine motor skills but couldn’t find anything,” says Dr. Joseph Drew, Kent State associate professor of political science. Drew and his graduate assistant, alumnus Ron Franklin, ’92, M.Ed. ’95, approached Kenneth McElravy, ’04, M.T. ’06, a manufacturing lab technician at Kent State Trumbull, for some help. McElravy, who is in charge of all computer numeric control, robotic and electrical equipment for the Trumbull Campus, originally declined to assist because he didn’t believe he knew enough about computers. “I was always afraid of opening up computers, because I didn’t know how they worked,” he says. McElravy smiles as he remembers what a professor in mechanical engineering technologies always used to tell him: “‘If you think it, we can do it.’ That’s the attitude I’ve always tried to have,” he says. Deciding he should learn more about computers, he worked on the research project as part of his master’s degree in technology at Kent State.  Ron Franklin (foreground) -- who is quadriplegic and a graduate assistant in political science for Dr. Joseph Drew (background) — has benefited personally from the new computer device. Kenneth McElravy, a manufacturing lab technician at Kent State Trumbull, created the prototype that assists computer users with physical disabilities to turn their computers on and off more easily. “The idea is to help people with disabilities be as independent as possible,” says Drew, who has also designed a unique online Master of Public Administration degree program, the only one in the nation to meet and exceed the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. And Franklin, who is quadriplegic, says that’s exactly what the device has done for him. Previously, he would have to wait to begin his work until someone from the department could turn on his computer for him. “Now that I have the device in my office, I don’t have to look for other people to help me when my computer needs turned on or there’s an unexpected power outage,” he says. Even better in Franklin’s mind is the knowledge that others care. He says, “Being a person with disabilities myself, it means a lot that people are so dedicated to helping us be more functional in the workplace, at school and at home.” In the near future, the group hopes their invention will help an even larger number of people. Drew has contacted computer manufacturers, such as Dell and Hewlett Packard, and suggested they add an extra jack, at minimal cost to the company, to make computers more accessible for those with physical disabilities. While Dell declined, Hewlett Packard has shown interest, and Drew plans to make a presentation on the device to them within the next year. “This is a minor correction for Hewlett Packard, but it would be a real boost for computer users who have little or no use of their hands,” says Drew. The device is available for purchase at a cost of $5 plus shipping. For more information, visit www.kent.edu/magazine. | |||||
