Assistive technology as an HCI topic

Abstract

Assistive technology (AT) for the disabled encompasses everything from special handles, to padding for arranging seating position, to computerized devices of various kinds. This latter category fits naturally within the area of human-computer interaction (HCI), but is largely ignored within the field (as evidenced by its cursory mention within HCI textbooks). The purpose of this workshop is to introduce assistive technology from the perspective of HCI, as a means of encouraging its inclusion within standard HCI courses. Furthermore, an entire course on AT from a computer science point of view will be discussed.