In today’s digital age, technology is transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities, breaking barriers, and opening doors to new possibilities. This blog explores a range of innovative online applications and physical tools that are specifically designed to assist and empower people with various disabilities, enabling them to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Furthermore, I also explore a range of adaptive shoes, clothing, and shower accessories, making self-care and personal grooming more accessible, comfortable, and dignified. In continuation of my last blog post, this blog talks about specific devices and tools for persons with disabilities that help them in providing assistance when necessary.
Internet-based Applications –
Talkitt – Talkitt is an innovative application to help people with speech and language disorders to communicate. Talkitt translates unintelligible pronunciation into understandable speech. It works by learning the user’s speech patterns, creating a personal speech dictionary, and identifying, recognizing, and translating the person’s speech so the individual is more easily understood.
Open Sesame – Mobile phones have become a common need for everyone, including people with disabilities. Millions of people have limited use of their hands, which prevents them from doing activities that most of us take for granted, and regular phones are not equipped for the needs of people with limited mobility. Open Sesame uses the front-facing camera of any Android device to track head movement and unlock a touch-free smartphone.
assist-Mi – assist-Mi is an app that offers comprehensive assistance to disabled users on the go, empowering them to have greater independence while accessing everyday services. It uses location-based technologies and two-way messaging to connect disabled people with service providers and caregivers at the touch of a button.
Google Home and Amazon Echo and Alexa – Devices like Google Home and Amazon Echo and Alexa can make the lives of people with disabilities a little bit easier by taking over the technology controls in a household. Users can employ voice-commands to control things such as music, lights, weather reports, and even updating digital calendars – all of which can be challenging for those with disabilities.
Physical Tools –
Practical tools which can help people with disabilities complete everyday tasks include devices which help with reading and learning, such as automatic page turners, book holders, and adapted pencil grips; adaptive switches and utensils to allow those with limited motor skills to eat, play games, and participate in other activities; devices and features that help with performing tasks such as cooking, dressing, and grooming; and specialized handles and grips.
Specific tools for helping with everyday tasks include:
Liftware – Liftware is a brand of stabilizing and leveling handles and attachments designed to help people with hand tremors or limited hand and arm mobility retain dignity, confidence, and independence. Liftware stabilizes up to 70% of the motion and helps reduce spills.
Lucy 4 Keyboard – Lucy is a hands-free keyboard designed especially for people with limited or no hand function. It is operated by a small laser lamp which is usually fixed on a pair of glasses and controlled with head movement, although it can also be controlled manually. When the laser beam is pointed at the letters on the Lucy panel, the key is activated without having to push anything.
iRobot Home Robots – iRobot’s series of home robots are very helpful for people who cannot easily clean their homes with traditional equipment. These robots use localized navigation to clean their environments thoroughly.
Good Grips Button Hook – The Good Grips Button Hook is an easy-to-use dressing aid that is great for people with limited hand mobility or weak hand strength. The cushioned handle is comfortable to grip and easy to use for quick buttoning.
Vive Health Foam Tube Grips – Vive foam tube grips can be attached to toothbrushes, hairbrushes, eating utensils, and writing utensils. They provide a wide, secure grip for unsteady hands or for those with weak hand strength or limited hand mobility. The soft, non-slip foam can be trimmed to any size, making it very versatile.
One-Handed Can Openers – Aidacare offers a range of one-handed can openers to simplify the task of opening cans for those with the use of only one hand or who have reduced grip or hand strength. By locking into place for easy use with a single hand, they allow users to easily open cans with minimal effort, reducing frustration and strain and preventing injury while affording the user more independence in the kitchen.
Carex Sock Aid – The Carex Sock Aid is ideal for helping those who have trouble bending and reaching to put their socks on. It grips the sock so the user can easily slide it over the foot and includes large loop handles that provide additional support for those with a weakened grip.
Adaptive Shoes and Clothing – Zappos.com carries a wide range of adaptive shoes and clothing designed for disabled individuals, including sensory-friendly clothing, clothing with magnet closures, orthotic-friendly shoes, and easy on/off shoes.
Shower Accessories – Shower accessories like grab bars, handheld shower heads, and shower chairs help people with disabilities to care for themselves and maintain independence, health, and hygiene.
These are some of the online applications and physical accessories for persons with disabilities. All these tools help assist disabled individuals and makes things much more accessible.
References
- Assistive Technology definition; World Health Organisation & World Bank 2011, p.101[Last accessed: 8/3/2023]
- Types of Assistive Technology; Link – https://mn.gov/admin/at/getting-started/understanding-at/types/ [Last accessed: 9/5/2023]
- Pictures accessed from freepik website.
