Geenitehnoloogia

Geenitehnoloogia refers to the application of technology to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments. The term is derived from the Dutch words "geen" meaning "no" or "none", and "itehnoloogia" meaning technology.

The concept of geenitehnoloogia emerged in the 1980s in the Netherlands as a response to the need for more accessible and inclusive technologies. Initially, it focused on developing assistive technologies such as screen readers for visually impaired individuals. Over time, the field expanded to encompass a broader range of innovations, including accessible design, universal access, and inclusive technologies.

Geenitehnoloogia draws on a range of fields, including computer science, human-computer interaction, and disability studies. Its goals are threefold: to improve accessibility, to promote inclusivity, and to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This can be achieved through the development of accessible hardware and software, accessible user interfaces, and inclusive design patterns.

Notable examples of geenitehnoloogia applications include screen readers, such as KNBraille and JAWS, which enable visually impaired individuals to interact with digital devices. Additionally, experts have developed accessible Websites and software applications, incorporating features such as fonts that can be read by visually impaired individuals, as well as Simple Harmonized Accessibility Report, an internationally standardized quality criteria for web accessibility.

Research and development in geenitehnoloogia continue to evolve, in response to the ever-changing demands of the disability community.