Technology gives disabled more tools to achieve

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday to allow professional golfer Casey Martin, who suffers from a degenerative leg condition, to ride in a golf cart between holes

From Rea Blakey
CNN Medical Unit

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Supreme Court decision allowing professional golfer Casey Martin to ride in a golf cart between holes is considered a major victory by advocates for people with disabilities. Now technology is helping other disabled people achieve.

Global positioning systems, for example, which are basically talking city maps, are helping the visually impaired better navigate the world.

"It's a good device to have when you don't have somebody walking with you," said Savan Ok, who is visually impaired.

Then there's Cyberlink, a system that translates brain and body signals, providing computer access to people who otherwise would not be able to move a mouse.

It's another way technology can translate into employment. Recent surveys indicate only about half of the people with disabilities who can work actually get jobs.

Global positioning systems are helping the visually impaired navigate the world

"As technology becomes more integrated in how we work and how we play and the cost of technology comes down, people with disabilities are going to be able to be integrated in an easier fashion," said Paul Steven Miller, a commissioner with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Even some lower-tech ingenuity can help people with disabilities reach new heights. When Erik Weihenmayer recently became the first blind person to climb Mount Everest, he following the sounds of bells tied to the jackets of other climbers and guides.