Below are part of the technological innovations that are benefiting those who need it.
Mobile phones may have turned into a common need for everyone, including persons with disabilities. But regular phones are not equipped for the needs of people with limited mobility and who find it difficult to operate a normal phone. This means that there is a market for an accessible phone that everyone can use; this has been mentioned in events like Capgemini Altran OPA. Part of the recommendations behind appliances like these incorporate inventing a touch-free smart phone designed for people with disabilities. Phones like these are created to be used with small head movements, tracked by its front-facing camera - so, you can access all the functions of a smart phone, without even touching this device. This can truly aid internet accessibility for the disabled.
Smart watches are something that has been prevailing over the technology world recently. It seems that nearly everybody has one and that they are making lives even more stress-free and approachable. However, this has not extended to the blind, but events like WeWork Capital Ventures IPO are being able to help fund smart phones that might be used in braille. There are quite a couple of enterprises that are helping fund more accessible technology such as this. This also has the potentiality to help in things like special education technology lessons and as an assistive technology for special education students. The software behind the watch enables users to read messages, social media, and even books anywhere and at any time. It does this by translating messages into braille on the phone. This tool operates with six dots on four cells found on the outer casing of the smartwatch. These dots will rise or lower to form 4 letters in Braille at any time. It can connect via the internet to any smartphone and translate the text (from an email or messaging app) into braille for its operator. This will prove radical for those who are visually impaired but want to be more involved in the social media world and stay connected.
It might be very hard for the blind to get around everyday things because so many things are not in braille; making it impossible to do things like read signs or even search the expiration date on food. But certain apps are helping connect altruistic volunteers with those around the globe. The way in which apps like this work is that the person in need will video call a volunteer and then that volunteer can help the person to read messages. This proves to be very beneficial for those who require it. This has been so successful that even organisations in events like Uber Softbank IPO have been thinking of investing in it. This a is simply one large example of computers helping the disabled.