Information technology has become a major part of life. Those unable to use computers will find their access to information limited.

Computers on the whole are valuable and helpful. They have become important for people with disabilities. Their flexibility allows adaptations to be made easily to meet different needs, making them easier to use. Accessibility Features are now a part of computer operating systems and additional software and devices can be added to extend the options available.

A keyboard can be a better way for some people to write. The response of the keyboard can be tailored to meet individual requirements in a way not possible with any other device. The screen display can be easily magnified to help people with visual impairment.

The purpose of technology is to help the individual. For this to happen their needs must be the first consideration. Before looking for, and spending money on an IT solution, make sure you have decided what you want the equipment to do. Where possible get help from an impartial source and seek a second opinion.

A good understanding of the nature and extent of a person's disabilities is essential and should involve consulting them and all those supporting them. A suggested first step would be to make a list of all the things that they find difficult to do that a computer could help with. It may be that the money and effort would be best spent in another way.

Information and advice can then be obtained from various sources. Remember that some will be people wanting to sell you something!