Chapter 5
1. What is the future of technology?
Answer: The future of technology is increasingly smart, automated, and inclusive. Everyday household appliances can self-manage tasks like restocking supplies, and voice‑ or gesture‑controlled systems help operate entertainment devices or smart home features. Additionally, assistive technologies enable individuals with disabilities to communicate, learn, and participate fully in society, supporting independence and inclusion.
2. How many people in India suffer from disability?
Answer: According to the 2011 Census of India, 2.7 crore people—about 2.21% of the total population—are living with some form of disability.
3. Who is Kim?
Answer: Kim is an Assistive Technologist at Alisha’s school. She works with students who have disabilities and helps them use various assistive technologies to support their education and communication needs.
4. How does Kim help Alisha?
Answer: Kim introduced Alisha to Dragon Dictate, a speech recognition software that converts spoken words into text. She trained Alisha to use it, making her more independent and enabling her to study on her own and prepare for her Maths GCSE.
5. Why is technology important according to David?
Answer: According to David, technology is important because it enables him to communicate and be independent, which gives him freedom. It has helped him study, socialize, and participate in various activities confidently.
6. Name the instrument which David controls with his eye movements.
Answer: David controls the Liberator Communication Device and the ECO2 with ECOpoint using his eye movements.
7. What devices help David to move from one place to other?
Answer: David uses an electric wheelchair, which he drives with head switches, and a walker with a mounted communication aid to help him move around.
8. What are the benefits of the internet to the common man?
Answer: The internet helps people access information, communicate quickly through emails and messages, shop online, study, and manage banking and bills. It has made daily tasks easier, faster, and more efficient for the common man.
9. Do you think technology has improved communication? How?
Answer: Yes, technology has greatly improved communication. It allows instant messaging, video calling, and emailing across long distances. It also helps disabled people communicate using assistive tools like voice recognition and eye-controlled devices.
10. How does David operate computers with the Liberator Communication Device?
Answer: David uses eye movements to control the Liberator Communication Device, which is connected via Bluetooth to PCs and Macs. This allows him to send commands and operate the computer independently.
11. Which devices are controlled using ACTIV controller?
Answer: David uses the ACTIV controller, placed in the headrest of his chair, to control his TV, Blu-Ray player, and music players.
12. Who says these words: "I want everyone to know the difference technology has made in my life"?
Answer: Alisha says these words to express how technology, especially Dragon Dictate, has transformed her ability to learn and communicate independently.
13. Which software helps Alisha to overcome her difficulty in typing?
Answer: Dragon Dictate, a speech recognition software, helps Alisha by converting her spoken words into text, making it easier for her to study and complete her work.
14. Name a few Indian innovations which are helpful to the disabled and make their day-to-day life easier.
Answer: An example is the lightweight prosthetics developed by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and his team. These were made from space-age material to help disabled children walk more easily. India is also developing inclusive learning tools and accessibility-friendly technologies.
15. Is it possible to control the computer screen with eye gaze?
Answer: Yes, it is possible. Devices with Eye Gaze technology allow users to control the computer screen by staring at icons or words, enabling them to navigate without using their hands.
16. Suggest ways of making our society inclusive.
Answer: We can make society inclusive by providing accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, promoting equal opportunities, spreading awareness, and using assistive technologies to support people with disabilities.
17. How would you help the people with disabilities in your neighborhood?
Answer: I would offer support in their daily tasks, encourage them to use assistive technology, help them access learning and job opportunities, and promote inclusion and understanding within the community.
18. How do we use technology in our day-to-day lives?
Answer: Technology plays an essential role in our daily lives, making tasks easier, faster, and more efficient. We use smartphones to communicate, browse the internet for information, and manage work or studies through apps and online platforms. At home, we rely on appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and smart TVs. For entertainment, we stream music and videos, and for travel, we use navigation apps. Technology helps in online shopping, banking, booking tickets, and even accessing healthcare. In education, students attend virtual classes and submit assignments online. Professionals use technology for remote work and online meetings. Assistive technologies also support the elderly and differently abled. Whether it’s sending a message, ordering food, or managing finances, technology is deeply woven into our everyday routine.
20. "Technology is a boon to the disabled". Justify.
Answer: Technology has truly become a blessing for people with disabilities, offering them independence, confidence, and opportunities. Devices like Dragon Dictate help those with limited hand movement to type using speech. Technologies such as Eye Gaze and Liberator Communication Devices allow individuals like David, who has cerebral palsy, to communicate using eye movements. He uses advanced tools like ECO2 with ECOpoint to study, teach, and socialize. Smart controllers help him operate home appliances and even play games. These tools remove barriers that once made education and social interaction difficult. Assistive technologies have opened doors to learning, employment, and community participation for disabled people. As a result, they are no longer confined or dependent but are able to live full, meaningful lives. This proves that technology is truly a boon to the disabled.
