Disability & Tech: Latest Ideas in Assistive Technology
Technology can be life changing for those working with disabilities, for both physical and 'invisible' disabilities. I have a strong passion for technology in general and the cross over for my career in disability services has formed a beautiful melody. Assistive technology can be both tangible products (braille machines, SmartPens, embossing machines, etc.,) and software for computers (Kurzweil, screen readers, Dragon Speak etc.,) among others. Here I'd like to highlight some interesting new tech that I have come across!
There is great piece written by Laura Sydell for NPR's All Tech Considered, discussing just how life changing technology can be for individuals working with disabilities.
TEK Robotic Mobilization Device
While not a brand new concept as the team formed and designed in 2006 and the TEK RMD was debuted in 2012, it has made some advances in the last five years.
"Tek Robotic Mobilization Device is not a wheelchair alternative, but a brand new mobility platform that completely reimagines the way individuals with paraplegia and other walking disabilities are able to move in the world. The ability to independently and safely sit, stand, and navigate environments that were once inaccessible, is now possible, safe, and available now by reservation." (Matiarobotics.com)
The Dot smartwatch
"There are over 285 million visually impaired people in the world, and some of these lives are about to get a lot better. South Korean developer Dot has produced the world’s first Braille smartwatch, and its features are just what you’d expect from a 21st century device.
The Dot displays information using 4 active dynamic Braille cells, and its users can select the speed at which the characters update. The Dot connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth (just like any other smartwatch) and can receive any text from any app or service (think Messenger, directions from Google Maps, etc.). Users can also send simple messages using its buttons on the side. The Dot also supports Open API, which means that anyone can develop or adapt apps for it." (source: Bored Panda)
