Backpack PC helps disabled children

The computer has been tested in some schools

By Alfred Hermida BBC News Online

A specially designed wearable computer is giving a voice to children with learning disabilities.

The computer, built by the Xybernaut company, has been tested at several schools in the US with promising results.

"Its portability and flexibility allowed Jeremy to communicate and access the curriculum across all school environments with increasing success," said Lisa Zverloff, a teacher at Ohio Coventry Local School District, of one of the children using the computer.

Xybernaut is preparing to market its Xyberkids wearable computer to schools across the US.

PC in a backpack

Walfish: PC is a godsend for children

The idea behind the product was to produce something that the children could carry with them to school and use in everyday life.

So the computer comes in a backpack that includes a rugged flat-panel display, portable speakers and a small processing unit.

"In the US there are six million children with disabilities," said one of the project managers, Richard Walfish.

"We're not going to cure anybody but we're going to help the children," he told the BBC programme Go Digital.

Xyberkids PC

500 MHz Celeron processor

128 MB SDRam

5GB hard drive

Windows 98 SE operating system

8.4" 800 x 600 colour flat screen

Mr Walfish demonstrated how it could be used for something as simple as placing an order at a fast food restaurant, by pressing icons on the touch-screen.

"For you and me, it is a very simple thing to go and order at McDonalds but for a person that has no ability to speak or limited ability to speak, this for them is a godsend and they can take it wherever they want to go," he said.

Improved behaviour

The teachers testing the Xyberkids computer kit have found it a valuable tool that allows children with learning disabilities to communicate and take part in classroom activities.

The system uses a touch-screen display

They found that the hostile behaviour of some of the children disappeared once they could express themselves through the touch-screen and speakers.

It also helped other pupils accept the children suffering from autism, cerebral palsy or physical disabilities. But the wearable computer comes with a big price tag attached.

The package starts at $4,995 for all the hardware and educational software. But Xybernaut is working with schools to apply for grants to pay for the computer.

"We don't expect the parents to come up with the money," said Mr Walfish.

"But there are funds available from federal, state, local and private organisations and we are working with a company that is providing the ability to get the grants."