5 new assistive technologies that make life easier for people with disabilities
17 July, 2019
A new generation of smart technology is assisting people with disabilities in ways never before thought possible.
For people with disabilities, technology can make daily life a little easier. From mobility aids like walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, crutches and canes to orthotic devices and prosthetic limbs, new types of tech are constantly helping to improve quality of life for those with disabilities.
Today, at the forefront of assistive tech, is a new generation of smart devices that assist people in all sorts of different ways. Here are some of the gadgets proving most popular.
1. Tap See
Tap See is an innovative app that helps those with vision impairments identify the world around them more effectively. The way it works is that users just double tap the screen of their smart phone and the app takes a photo of the item -- whether it’s a chair, table, glass or piece of fruit. Like magic, the app then uses speech capabilities to describe the item.
2. Liftware
Liftware is a revolutionary handle that self-stabilises utensils such as forks or spoons. It’s perfect for older people and people who suffer from tremors, including Parkinson’s disease or other motion disorders. Liftware is said to stabilise up to 70 per cent of the disruption and helps reduce food spilling from utensils, thereby reducing frustration and improving quality of life.
3. Dot
Bridging the divide between an app and wearable tech, Dot is the world’s first-ever Braille smartwatch. Dot helps those with vision impairments to do a host of tasks including accessing messages, sending tweets, using social media and sending emails. This practical solution has the potential to transform the lives of millions of vision impaired people across the globe.
4. Glucowear
For diabetics, checking blood glucose levels has always been a chore that usually means needles or finger pricks. That’s all changed thanks to Glucowear, a piece of tech that looks like a regular fitness band but in fact provides glucose readings. Combined with a smartphone app, it provides real-time glucose readings at any time of the day or night.
5. Voice4U
Voice4U is a game-changing app that describes itself as an augmentative and alternative communication tool. It helps people, including those who have suffered strokes or who have acquired brain injuries, to more effectively express their thoughts, ideas and feelings. While it sounds complex, this app is said to be interactive and easy to navigate.
For more information on what technology or assistive devices can help you or a loved one with a disability don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Focus Care.