Seattle, WA - For Americans with disabilities, accessing the internet can be challenging.

But a new computer software program is making new connections.

New software called vocal joystick uses vowel sounds to dictate direction.

Louder sounds move the cursor faster.

The pitch of your voice moves the pointer up or down.

Users can play cards, surf the web, and play video games because the sounds are universal.

 "Accessibility should be universal and this is true for individuals who have spinal cord injuries or individuals who were born with some sort of motor impairment.  This is also true for individuals who have war time injuries.  People whose arms have been blown off during war.  All of these folks would be basically ideal to use the vocal joystick," said researcher Jeff Blimes, Ph.D.

Researchers hope to release vocal joystick software by June.

Users will need a microphone and computer with a standard sound card to be able to use it.

A robotic arm is also in development.

For more information go to ssli.ee.washington.edu/vj.