If you are deaf, hard of hearing or require some augmentative speaking aid, your computer can be used as a virtual teletype or talking machine to allow you to communicate with other people. If you have a learning disability, there are tools you can use to overcome writing, spelling, grammatical or communication difficulties. If you have a visual impairment, you might want to acquire a text browser that ignores the highly graphical nature of the Web and strips out the images leaving just the text. Used with your screen reader, you can often get the full range of information provided on a Web site. There are even Web browsers designed to work specifically with voice synthesizers.
Assistive devices are available from a wide variety of sources.
Some products, such as voice-recognition systems, ergonomic keyboards and pointing devices, are available in most computer stores. Other devices are available either directly from a manufacturer or from vendors who specialize in assistive technology. Contact a community group that is familiar with your needs to help you find appropriate technology. Some are, some aren't. There are, however, substantial national and international efforts under way to ensure that Web sites are as accessible as possible.