The main point this book makes is that the arrival of computers that are small and cheap enough for almost everyone to use, yet powerful enough for meaningful tasks, is making a significant change for people with disabilities. We no longer need to ask whether these people can do a given task; the question has become how they can do it.

The book begins by illustrating several specific cases of people with disabilities. In each case, the arrival of computers, often fitted with special input/output equipment, changes the person’s life in that he or she is able to communicate, work, and/or happier.

As the book points out, when a disability is incurred or recognized, people must lower their expectations. Now that computers are available to people with disabilities, however, these expectations do not have to be lowered as much. They can be at least partially fulfilled, whether they involve participation in public schools and colleges, vocational training, or re-entering the workforce.

Many specific goals that computers can enable people with disabilities to reach are identified. A section for beginners addresses computer basics, and another describes assistive input and output devices, such as optical pointing devices, touch screens, voice recognition devices, Braille displays and embossers, and speech synthesizers. Manufacturers and prices for each are listed. Another list indicates the kinds of hardware and software aids that should be considered for specific types of disabilities. The book also includes a summary of relevant federal legislation and offices and lists national organizations by state.

One chapter addresses the best approaches for building support groups for providing computer-based assistance to people with disabilities. The chapters in the technical section are long, reflecting the different needs of different age groups.

The book is written in a language that the non-technician can easily understand, but that does not insult the computer expert. It is a must for people with disabilities and those working to help them. It will also interest anyone who wants to learn about computer-assistive technologies. This contribution to the field is long overdue; it is the first work I have seen that tackles the subject of computers and people with disabilities head-on.