Technology may often be flashy and futuristic, but it’s also grown in areas of accessibility and inclusivity. For people with disabilities, tech tools are not mere conveniences, they are gateways to a more accessible world.
We’re about to explore five kinds of technology that are not just pushing boundaries—they’re erasing lines of limitation. These gadgets and platforms are reshaping the everyday for people with disabilities, taking tasks that may have seemed insurmountable and making them attainable.
1. Talk to Technology With Voice-Activated Assistants
For those with mobility or dexterity challenges, voice-activated assistants are a welcome addition to daily life. Take, for example, an evening at home that feels a little chilly.
With Amazon’s smart home products, simply say, “Alexa, set the temperature to 72,” to sort out the issue. You don’t need to move a muscle. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Did you know that with an Echo device, you canorder groceries, book an Uber, and more? Then there are the manysurprising things Siri can do. Do you need to send a quick text or make a call? Just say the word.
Siri can even suggest nearby restaurants to suit your tastes—and then make a reservation for you! Simply start by asking Siri to suggest nearby restaurants to suit your tastes (for example, “Hey Siri, show me local pizza places”).
Once you’ve done that, give directions by saying, “Hey Siri, book a table.” Siri will ensure the restaurant is reserved and then offer to start a phone call to make your reservation. With the OpenTable app, Siri can even make reservations on your behalf. Install OpenTable from the App Store and set up an account to try this for yourself.
Download:OpenTable foriOS(Free)
2. Create a Smart Home With These Devices
Technology is embedding itself into people’s homes, and this is especially true for people with disabilities. Take for instance doorbell cameras. With visual and audio alerts, they can notify you of guests or deliveries. They can also help you catch porch pirates trying to escape with your latest Amazon delivery.
And forget the traditional turn of the key. Smart door locks, like theSchlage Sense, can unlock your home without reaching for a doorknob and let your friends or family in regardless of where you are. It’s easy to get one of these devices up and running:
With a smart lock installed, you can simply bring your phone near the door to lock and unlock it. You can also easily check whether you remembered to lock your door, even if you’re already gone.
3. See the World More Clearly With Clarifying Glasses
Partial vision? No problem. Wearable assistive technology like theeSightandOrcam MyEyecan save the day. They can magnify and clarify visual details, making an otherwise dull world, sharper.
For instance, eSight features a high-speed HD camera, advanced algorithms to optimize captured footage, and two OLED monitors to display real-time visuals, facilitating clearer sight. These glasses are designed to help people who have significant central vision loss achieve 20/20 vision.
People with visual impairments can use these glasses to read a book, commute to work, and simply explore new places, improving independence and quality of life.
The Orcam MyEye, on the other hand, is a wearable, voice-activated device that aids the visually impaired. you may use this device’s smart camera to capture images of your surroundings and vocalize the visual information in real time. It’s like having a personal assistant that reads text, identifies faces, and even tells you what denomination that bill in your hand is.
4. Enhancing the Auditory World With Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are one type ofassistive technology that can change livesand are becoming standard for individuals with hearing impairments. Several manufacturers, includingOticon,Phonak, andReSound, are producing smart hearing aids and similar devices. To turbocharge your device, consider coupling it with an accessory.
For example, Phonak makes aTV Connectorthat streams TV and music to the device, aPartnerMicthat attaches to your partner’s lapel to improve one-on-one conversations, and aRemoteControlto adjust the volume.
5. Stay in the Game With Adaptive Controllers
Gaming is for everyone, and brands like Microsoft and Logitech are at the forefront of adaptive gaming controllers, offering gadgets like Microsoft’sXbox Adaptive ControllerandLogitech’s adaptive gaming kit. With customizable buttons and a range of compatible accessories, they make the virtual worlds accessible, providing a fair chance to compete and have fun.
The Xbox Controller excels in its compatibility with numerous joysticks and switches, allowing extensive customization. Reddit can be a helpful forum to see how others have set up their controllers. However, not all games are compatible right off the bat.
If you want to know which games are the most accessible, Can I Play That? is a platform for disabled gamers, this website includes reviews and news on the adoption of accessibility features in the gaming industry.
According toCan I Play That?, to get the most out of an Xbox adaptive controller, you’ll want to:
Using Technology to Enhance Accessibility
Adaptive technology is a key that unlocks new possibilities, making inclusivity a tangible reality rather than a buzzword. By amplifying the soundtrack of life with hearing aids and leveling the playing field with adaptive gaming controllers, technology is not just aiding but leading the charge towards a more accessible world.
Tech is empowering individuals with disabilities to lead more satisfying, independent lives, embracing the essence of life with every sound heard and every game played.
