Major advances in voice recognition software are providing a breakthrough in disabled education techniques.

A group of Cork students has recently been using assistive technologies tailored to suit their particular disabilities to get the most out of their computers.

The DATE (Disabled Access to Education) project, which will be featured on next Tuesday's Tech TV programme on Network 2, is funded by the European Union, and offers students with disabilities the opportunity to become computer literate. Assistive technologies allow students with physical disablities to use software packages to execute computer functions either verbally through voice recognition software, or through screen reading packages for those with limited sight. Word scanner packages are also proving invaluable to those with limited body movement. They will scan the alphabet until the user indicates with the slightest head or chin movement which letter they want.

Students on the DATE programme have compiled their own Web pages, interacted with other students in kids-only chatrooms and submitted assignments using email. According to Mr Eoghan Allen, the DATE project manager, the students are now on target to sit for the European Computer Driving License, which officially recognises they have attained a basic level of computer training.

Next week's Tuesday's Tech TV programme will also feature two high-tech tributes to the 150th anniversary of the Irish Famine; the role of Dolby digital sound in the cinematic experience; and sophisticated spying tools developed for personal surveillance. (Network 2, Tuesday 8 p.m.)