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IN-TIC

The In-TIC project consists of a freely downloadable application which makes it possible for people with diverse functional disabilities (physical, cognitive or sensory) to easily access a computer thanks to a support system which allows a tutor (family, therapist, teacher, etc.) to customize the use of all features and programs on the disabled person´s computer.Through the creation and configuration of virtual keyboards, it gives groups of people with disabilities the ability to enjoy the potential offered by new technologies (Internet access, communication and run specific applications) to improve their personal autonomy.

In-TIC is driven by Fundación Orange and developed by the IMEDIR group from the A Coruña University. Since its conception the project, for user evaluations, has enjoyed the collaboration of ASPACE (the parents association of children with cerebral palsy of A Coruña) and the Red Cross in A Coruña. Also a more advanced stage of the project has been implemented in ASPANES (the parents association for people with autistic spectrum disorders), which contributed to providing information for improving the development of the project and its use in people with autism. EORPIM APGTO (Galician Professional Association of occupational therapists), APETO (Spanish Professional Association of occupational therapists) have collaborated in the research. The project has counted on the support of the Plan Avanza.

Specifically the In-TIC project allows people with functional diversities to improve their personal autonomy in two ways:

-using a computer, thanks to a system of support which allows a person to customize the use of various features and programs.

-having personalized access to mobile devices using it as a communicator.

Ultimately, In-TIC allows accessibility (to get to the TIC) and usability (done with TIC) via interfaces or keyboards which can be adapted to the characteristics or needs of each individual. And those individual needs vary depending on the capabilities of the users and the difficulties that arise. For example, there are distinctions between people with a physical or a sensory deficit who come across a peripheral barrier when accessing a computer (such as the mouse and /or keyboard), and people with sensory disabilities who come across difficulties in the outer peripherals of the computer (screen, speakers, printer), as well as people with intellectual disabilities who do not have access problems but do have problems with usage. So keyboards or virtual screens can be designed according to the specific capabilities of each user, by simplifying computer use.

Through the creation and configuration of virtual keyboards, these users can, among other things use a desktop PC, a laptop or notebook, access Internet, communicate, run specific applications, games, etc. Thus they increase their degree of personal autonomy taking part in an active and independent life. They are able to enjoy new forms of entertainment, participation and training, and communication and interpersonal skills are made easier.

The first phase of the application was launched in Coruña in July 2009. Downloads are free from the Fundación Orange web page www.fundacionorange.es; as well as the IN-TIC project web site www.intic.udc.es. The project has caused a great deal of interest given that it responds to a real necessity of disabled people to access technology, added to its great adaptability to the needs of the user and the fact that it is freely available.

The therapeutic possibilities and the IN-TIC software application are multiple, given the possibility to maximize personalization of the keyboard or interfaces in function of their capacity and priorities of each individual user.

-It is a unique product. Customization and adaptable features, different possibilities to access the computer and the integrated communicator for PCs together with free distribution make it unique, useful and innovative for the groups of people with functional diversity.

-The project intended for everyone. Individual needs vary depending on the capabilities of users and the difficulties that arise.

-Is a project designed by a multidisciplinary team. Engineers, therapists, designers and end users have participated in the project from its conception, its development and evaluation through to its implementation.

-It is an on going project. So far access to the computer and the communicator for PCs has been launched, but work is being done on its expansion and adaptation to mobile devices. The application for mobile devices with Windows Mobile operating system is under development and plans to launch in 2010. The project also aims to be available on different platforms, such as Linux and Symbian.