The Future of Disability Aids

Technology is improving every day in all walks of life. From devices we find in our pocket to the ones we use in our homes and at work, it’s an exciting time to look at the technology of tomorrow. This is no different in the world of disability aids as developments and studies are taking place to help make everyday tasks easier.

Here are just a few of the technological enhancements that are being developed that may assist you or someone you know:

DisableGo

While navigating your way around somewhere that you’re unfamiliar with can be tricky for an able-bodied person, it is something which is even harder for those who require disabled access. An app called ‘DisableGo’ allows those who require exclusive access to buildings find their way before they even get there to make the trip as easy as possible. Morriston Hospital in Swansea is the first hospital in the country to sign up to the app. This means that visitors will now be able to plan out the best way to get around the hospital and ensure that patients or visitors get where they need to go as efficiently as possible. Hopefully more public places will soon permit the app to map out their locations so that more people can benefit from this great tool.

Scewo – Stair Climbing Wheelchair

In the frustrating and rare occasions where a wheelchair ramp is unavailable, it can be hugely disappointing to potentially miss out on something insightful, interesting or a much-needed appointment. A group of five masters students from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Zurich University of the Arts developed a self-balancing wheelchair that is capable of climbing stairs. This next-generation wheelchair named Scewo can navigate both up and down stairs and can even turn in a very tight space. This idea is currently at the initial stages of development, but the students hope to bring it to market by 2018. This currently looks terrific and it’ll be great to see how the definitive version of the wheelchair shapes up if it becomes available to buy.

Essential Accessibility’s Computer Application

A Canada-based startup has recently been developing technology to enhance computer accessibility and internet browsing for people with disabilities. The core of Essential Accessibility’s proposition is a desktop browser and smartphone application that has grown out of technology originally developed to help quadriplegics use a computer, made free to users with support from Essential’s partner organisations. The application combines multiple hands-free modes of interacting with a computer – such as voice control, or input using a joystick. This means that almost anyone who has difficulty typing, moving a mouse, reading a screen or interacting with a touchscreen can use the web easily. Many organisations have already sought out advice from Essential Accessibility including Samsung, Marriott and Qantas so hopefully more companies will look to implement similar features in their future services.

Many of these advancements are things which a lot of people take for granted. It’s amazing to see that so many talented people are looking to improve the lives of disabled people around the globe. Hopefully some of these things will be available very soon and that many tasks can be made even more accessible.