5 tech innovations for better accessibility
Technology that enables people with disabilities to do tasks without facing any hurdles is called assistive technology.
Assistive tech can help people overcome barriers and have improved functionality. More than 2.5 billion people around the world need some sort of assistive technology. Such tech can reduce the need for professional health support, caregiving and overall promote an inclusive environment.
In past years many advancements have been made in the area of assistive technology and some have had a major impact on the lives of disabled people. Here are a few of them.
Mind mapping devices
Mind mapping software and devices can stimulate the brain by plotting ideas and text into compelling as well as relatable content. This aids people with problems like dyslexia, ADHD and ASD by sequencing their thoughts, assisting in better understanding. It has a wide use from devising solutions to constructing a deck.
Braille keyboard and displays
When Louis Braille created the system of reading and writing for the visually impaired 150 years ago, no one imagined that it could inspire the invention of the Braille keyboard and displays in the age of technology. It contains single keys representing each dot from the actual braille system.
Braille display is another great invention for visually challenged people. It is also known as the braille terminal. It works on an electro-mechanical structure and displays braille alphabets via rounded pins. Just like normal keyboards which support typing on mobile android devices, special keyboards for the blind have been developed to address the same issue.
Hands-free cursor and voice controls
Now computers can be configured with the help of coding that enables interaction without the use of hands. People can’t input anything sans a keyboard or mouse. It is a boon for disabled people.
Head gestures, eye-movement, expressions, etc. can be configured as commands to do tasks like selection, click and more.
The system can also be programmed to acknowledge voice commands and complete an action. Voice accessibility software helps in controlling a computer with voice. It is a fairly older technology available even in old devices. Also, it is not a perfect accessibility system as people with disabilities will need a combo of different innovations as well as applications to operate on the web.
Personal Sound Amplification Devices
Researchers have developed devices that amplify sound and help in hearing. They are typical hearing aids for the deaf, but it can help anyone who finds it difficult to hear sounds, and words.
Artificial larynx
Artificial larynx or electrolarynx or throat back is a revolutionary device that helps people who find it difficult to speak clearly or have lost their voice box. This battery operated device comes in different varieties.
Assistive technology helps people with disabilities live a healthy, productive and independent life. Also, the gaps in the work environment can now be bridged with ease because of the advancement of such tech. Inclusive tech can ensure accessibility for all, enhancing quality of life to a great extent.
