Technology does not only improve the lives for normal functioning individuals but for the disabled too. It has made daily life easier for them by allowing them participate in routine activities with efficiency. Here are a few ways technology helps people living with disabilities.
Improved mobility
Technology saw the invention of various mobility devices and inventions, which especially helped handicapped individuals. The automated wheelchair and all terrain wheelchair for example, allows its users to move comfortably and easily in and out of the house, even when they do not have someone to help them. Not only does the chair allow for independence, it also increased comfort for its users compared to the old-fashioned wheelchair. Scientists have also invented bionic limbs that give amputees the chance to function just as they would with natural legs or hands. Although this option is still very expensive and limited to some countries, it is still present and very efficient.
Improved learning
Previously, differently abled students had to attend special schools for their learning. While this may be necessary, it was not fully efficient because it did not allow the disabled students to interact and incorporate with the larger society at a young age. Neither did it allow children without disabilities to learn how to live with those that function differently from them. This lead to stigmatization and exclusion of both parties. Technology has however allowed incorporated learning for disabled students thanks to the different computer learning software, virtual assistants and features such as text-to-voice speech, screen touch, voice recognition, etc. All these help the blind, deaf, dumb, and other cognitively challenged students learn with others, while at their own pace.
Improved accessibility
Technology has made accessibility and daily functioning much easier for disabled people through various innovations. For example, electronic wheelchair transporters on staircases allow handicapped individuals live and move through storey buildings. Ramps on vehicles allow for easy wheel chair transportation. Applications such as text enlargement on screens, audio options for e-books, digitized and customized gadgets and devices, all allow people with disabilities operate without much strain.
Improved hearing and speech
Devices such as hearing aids allow the deaf to communicate with other people without necessarily using sign language. This is especially essential in public service areas such as restaurants and grocery stores where the service providers may not know sign language. Text to speech gadgets on the other hand allows the dumb to communicate with people, also without using sign language. These gadgets are especially useful for individuals that lost their senses as adults and that might have a difficult time transitioning into their new states.
Improved recreation
Lastly, technology has helped people living with disabilities engage in recreation activities just as other people do. For example, bionic limbs allowed there to be track races for amputees, which is not only entertaining for them but also therapeutic in its own way. Other devices such as customized and digitized vehicles, scooters, skateboards, etc., allow individuals with an array of disabilities to engage and enjoy fun and adventurous activities thus getting rid of the feeling of missing out.
