Disability Rights - US Department of State

Disability Rights


Tom Coleman demonstrates a wheelchair operated by brain signals at a conference on innovation. (Ambient Corporation)

Device for Disabled Converts Brain Signals into Spoken Words

Two young inventors are perfecting a device that gives back the power of speech to people who suffer from diseases or disabilities that have taken away their ability to talk. The device, called the Audeo, translates thoughts -- or, more precisely, brain signals sent to the vocal cords -- into synthesized speech. Using the same technology, inventors Michael Callahan and Thomas Coleman also have created a mechanized wheelchair that moves, turns and stops in response to intercepted brain signals. (complete text)

Music Therapy Helps People with Disabilities

Some stroke victims who have lost the ability to speak fluently often are able to sing, says a leading music therapist. But even when you have the beat, it is hard to play music if you cannot move. Innovations in music technology are making it possible -- and enjoyable for people with severe physical disabilities to play and compose music. They also can help and restore speech. (complete text)

Visually Impaired Students Study Math Using Innovative Software

Until recently, blind and visually impaired students found it extremely difficult to study certain subjects and pursue careers in science and technology because they could not see graphs and other visual representations. But now, a team at NASA has created easy-to-use software that allows students to graph equations, interact with the data and understand it all through text, tones and spoken language. (complete text)

2007 Special Olympics World Games Touches Down in Shanghai

When 7,500 athletes from 160 countries descended on China's Shanghai Stadium to compete in the Special Olympics Summer Games October 2, few participants had more on their mind than winning. There are the friendships that will last a lifetime and the sense of independence that the athletes take home with them when the games are over, but what they want are the medals, says Ernestine Dickerson, whose daughter Karen Dickerson, 21, won a bronze medal in distance running in the 2003 Special Olympics in Ireland. (complete text)

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