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Wednesday, 27 March, 2002, 09:53 GMT
Backpack PC helps disabled children
![]() The computer has been tested in some schools
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
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.
"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.
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."
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