1st computer for the blind debuts
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-03-03 16:30

Two companies based in the northeastern China province of Heilongjiang have worked out a computer that allows the blind and those with eye diseases to access the cyberspace with a Chinese-Braille keyboard, a mouse and two ears.

The new Tongchuang Blue Sky computer is installed with a special input system that codes and decodes the Chinese and Braille languages, as well as a voice software to read the screen for the users, said Chen Weigang, general manager of the E-Times Co. based in the provincial capital Harbin.

"It can read out texts, menus and names of icons wherever the cursor goes for the convenience of a computer operator," said Chen.

The computer is a joint product between Chen's company and the Tongchuang Information Industry Group based in the oil rich Daqing city.

"The blind do not fall behind the seeing people at all in terms of intelligence, but have much fewer opportunities for training and employment," said Hou Qingyou, a teacher with a Harbin-based school for blind students who invented the Chinese-Braille keyboard.

"With this computer, the blind users can learn to send and receive emails within two days," said Hou, who has poor sight himself.

Figures show China has around 9 million people suffering from eyes diseases, more than 5 million of whom are blind. As digital technology and networking have become a major source of information, blind people are eager to update their knowledge and improve their lives.

"By 'hearing' the computer, blind users will learn more about what's going on in the world," said Zhang Xiaoxu, an official with the provincial federation for the handicapped people.

He said the Heilongjiang Branch of the telecommunications giant China Netcom had offered a 20 percent discount off the normal hour charge for blind netizens to make Internet surfing more affordable.

Meanwhile, the province plans to set up a training center for the blind people to learn more about computer operation and software development, according to Zhang.

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