Pattern recognition in service of people with disabilities

Abstract

This paper analyses a number of disabilities, their assistive devices and the associated technologies in order to highlight the role pattern recognition plays in enabling accessibility and improving human computer interaction for people living with disabilities. Some areas where pattern-recognition research can beneficially be adapted to address the needs of people with disabilities, are pointed out. The use of open-source technologies to improve accessibility for a larger part of the disabled community in South Africa are also discussed.