Adaptive software responds to user needs and changes in the operating environment without causing program failure. It runs on specialized hardware for people with physical impairments and allows them to use computers. Examples include speech recognition and text-to-speech software, as well as devices like large mice and scanners. Adaptive software enables people with physical limitations to use personal computers for work and play.
Adaptive software is a type of specialized software that is programmed or created to respond to changes in the user’s needs or wants. Software of this type will also adapt to changes within the operating environment without causing a program failure. The key element of adaptive software is flexibility. Rather than allowing only one means of operating the software, there may be several possible means of operation that can be used by a given user.
Sometimes referred to as assistive software, adaptive software usually runs on specialized hardware designed for use by people with different types of physical impairments. Adaptive software has been developed to address a wide range of conditions that prevent people from using computers due to physical limitations. Some common examples of adaptive software include speech recognition software that allows people who can’t manipulate a keyboard or mouse to execute an order that the system will process. Text-to-speech software is another common example of adaptive software that allows text displayed on a screen to be produced into speech bytes for the visually impaired or non-sighted.
Other examples of adaptive software are used to control external devices that enhance the experience for people with limited mobility. An individual with limited hand use can enjoy using a computer with the help of a large mouse or a larger, easy-to-manipulate joystick. People with vision problems can benefit from the addition of a scanner that allows them to enlarge the text displayed on the screen or possibly interpret a Braille text into speech.
Adaptive software allows people who would not be able to enjoy the benefits of using a personal computer for work or play, to function at work and surf the Internet along with everyone else. While the cost for many adaptive software products remains slightly higher than standard software, this is slowly changing as more versions are created and competition between manufacturers becomes more pronounced.
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