Technology today can achieve more than just a working server. Technology has opened the door to many possible things such as self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, and now wearable tech. Wearable technology is one specific development that is creating some buzz in the tech world. This technology has been adapted for those who are suffering from disabilities.
Disabilities are becoming more and more common. Research shows that about 15% of the human population lives with some type of disability. Dot, Talkkit, UNI, AXS Map, and assist-Map are five of the new wearable technologies that have proven to help those with disabilities.
Dot
Due to their ability to connect to cellular devices, smartwatches are designed to give users even greater access to their phones and the apps they have installed. The Dot company has created the world’s first Braille smartwatch. Dot has the ability to help the blind read messages, tweets, posts, and books using the most current technology. Dot works by having four sets of six braille dots on the surface of the watch. The dots rise or lower based on the text and can connect through bluetooth to any device. After it retrieves the message, Dot is able to translate the text into Braille for the user.
Talkkit
Talkkit is an innovative technology equipped with abilities that help those with speech and language disorders better communicate with people around them. This device translates unrecognizable pronunciation into understandable speech so others can understand what the individual meant to say, despite their speaking impediments. Talkkit also functions to translate the pronunciation into any language. This wearable technology works by learning the individual’s speech patterns and then creating a personal speech dictionary. Talkkit then identifies and recognizes the pronunciation and translates it into speech others can understand.
UNI
UNI is the wearable, two-way communication device for the deaf. It works by detecting hand and finger gestures with specialized camera technology that has the ability to convert sign language into words. This whole process can be accomplished in a short amount of time to help people communicate with deaf individuals. UNI is also equipped with a voice recognition software that has the ability to convert speech into text to allow two-way communication. It also enables people to create their own sign language with the built in sign builder. This feature is easy to use and easy to add custom or other languages to the dictionaries in the database. UNI is a subscription-based app that uses two different phones to be successful, one that requires data connection and one that does not.
AXS Map
Wheelchair maps and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are not as common as they should be and are harder for those who need them to find them. AXS Map is a crowdsourced map that carries information about wheelchair-accessible ramps and restrooms. It shows the location of these ramps and restrooms in public places such as restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls. This map is also equipped with information and reviews on the facilities it shares. Users are able to leave comments and star ratings, helping other users choose the best places.
assist-Mi
It is common to find helpful apps that allow users to text a number and have an instant taxi or have someone pick up food and bring it to them. These apps have laid the foundation for people to create and assistance app for the disabled. assit-Mi is an assistance application that helps those with disabilities to receive fast and easy assistance. It is an app that connects service providers and caregivers with the disabled who may be in need of immediate assistance. Services can include help getting to work, shopping for groceries or other means of travel and assistance. There is a feature within the app called Mi-Profile that provides the service provider or caregiver with the individual’s needs and disability information so the service provider will know what to do when assistance is requested. The app also allows for two-way communication and a GPS for better, more accurate location information.
Technology has improved the world a lot in the past century. Technology has the ability to make everyday tasks easier. These few wearable technologies explained above are only the beginning of what wearable technology can do for people with disabilities. Although many people with disabilities do not have access to this technology yet, the industry is on the right track by creating the technology.
