Editing Accessibility (section)

==Assistive technology and adaptive technology==
[[File:Birmingham opportunities fair.jpg|250px|thumb|alt=People gathered around a table wearing headphones. The journalist holds the microphone for a physically disabled person to speak|The Opportunities Fair and Beyond Art Exhibition was organised in [[Birmingham]], England, to help people with disabilities and their carers find out what services, support and opportunities are available to them.]]

[[Assistive technology]] is the creation of a new device that assists a person in completing a task that would otherwise be impossible. Some examples include new computer software programs like [[screen reader]]s, and inventions such as [[assistive listening devices]], including [[hearing aid]]s, and [[traffic light]]s with a standard [[color code]] that enables [[colorblind]] individuals to understand the correct signal.

Adaptive technology is the modification, or adaptation, of existing devices, methods, or the creation of new uses for existing devices, to enable a person to complete a task.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://actcenter.missouri.edu/about-the-act-center/what-is-adaptive-technology/|title=What is Adaptive Technology? // ACT Center|website=actcenter.missouri.edu|language=en|access-date=2018-07-02}}</ref> Examples include the use of remote controls, and the [[autocomplete]] (word completion)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_input_autocomplete.asp|title=HTML input autocomplete Attribute|website=w3schools.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-02}}</ref> feature in computer word processing programs, which both help individuals with mobility impairments to complete tasks. Adaptations to wheelchair tires are another example; widening the tires enables wheelchair users to move over soft surfaces, such as deep snow on ski hills, and sandy beaches.

Assistive technology and adaptive technology have a key role in developing the means for people with disabilities to live more independently, and to more fully participate in mainstream society. In order to have access to assistive or adaptive technology, however, educating the public and even legislating requirements to incorporate this technology have been necessary.

The UN CRPD, and courts in the United States, Japan, UK, and elsewhere, have decided that when it is needed to assure secret ballot, authorities should provide voters with assistive technology.

The European Court of Human Rights, on the contrary, in case Toplak v. Slovenia ruled that due to high costs, the abandonment of the assistive equipment in elections did not violate human rights.