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How Tech is Transforming Lives for People with Disabilities

The world of technology is constantly evolving, and with these advancements comes a brighter future for people with disabilities. What were once significant obstacles are now being chipped away at by clever apps, innovative devices and software that make communication and computer use more accessible than ever before. Consider a few ways technology is revolutionizing the lives of those with disabilities.

Apps Make It Possible to Care for Everyday Tasks

Imagine it being impossible to leave your house to get groceries or household essentials. You must wait for someone to do shopping for you, and you will come up short if you need to procure anything until then. For many people with disabilities, this was once a reality. Now, thanks to apps, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, shopping can be done from the comfort of the couch or bed whenever desired. Waiting for people to help is unnecessary now. These apps allow users to browse a wide selection of products, pay securely and schedule delivery times that work for them. This newfound independence is a major game-changer, and this is particularly the case for those who struggle with mobility or have difficulty navigating public spaces.

Apps like Amazon and Shipped allow users to purchase anything from clothes and electronics to furniture and home goods with a few taps on their smartphone or tablet. Blind or visually impaired users can leverage screen readers to have product descriptions read aloud. This will make certain they know exactly what they are purchasing. This technology empowers people with disabilities to take control of their daily routines and live a more independent lifestyle.

Technology Helps More Disabled People Work Than Ever Before

The rise of remote work opportunities has been a boon for many people, but for those with disabilities, it’s been nothing short of transformative. In the past, many jobs required employees to be physically present in an office, which created a significant barrier for those who faced mobility challenges or who have difficulty commuting due to contending with significant chronic illness. Now, with video conferencing tools and cloud-based software, people can work productively from anywhere with a decent internet connection.

This shift has opened doors to a wider range of job opportunities for people with disabilities. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the number of disabled people working remotely increased by a staggering 80% between 2019 and 2021. This increase translates to greater financial security, improved social interaction and a stronger sense of accomplishment for many people with disabilities.

Communication Is Possible

For people who are nonverbal or have difficulty speaking, technology has become a powerful tool for communication. Apps like Proloquo2Go and Ava allow users to create sentences and paragraphs by selecting pre-programmed words and phrases or even using symbols and pictures. These apps can then speak the chosen words aloud to give a voice to those who may not have one otherwise.

Take Carly Fleischmann, for example. Carly is on the autism spectrum and doesn’t speak in the traditional way. But that doesn’t mean she can’t chat! Carly uses various apps with pictures and symbols to build sentences and express herself. These apps become her voice and allow her to tell jokes, ask questions and share her thoughts and feelings with the world.

Beyond apps, there are also specialized devices like eye gaze trackers that allow users to control a computer cursor or communication software using their eyes. This technology is a lifeline for people who have conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or cerebral palsy, which can severely limit their ability to move or speak.

Stephen Hawking, the brilliant physicist who defied expectations despite ALS, relied on amazing tech to keep his voice heard. Imagine glasses with a built-in switch. By twitching a cheek muscle, Hawking could select letters on a screen to slowly form words and sentences that were then spoken by a computerized voice synthesizer. This incredible setup allowed him to write books, give lectures and share his ideas with the world.

What these apps demonstrate to us is that communication is possible. With just a bit of creativity and some good problem solving, communication barriers can be overcome.

More People Have Access to Computers and Smart Phones

In the past, using a computer or smartphone could be a frustrating experience for people with disabilities. However, advancements in adaptive technology have made these devices much more accessible. Special keyboards with large keys or one-handed layouts make typing easier for those with limited dexterity. Similarly, oversized computer mice and trackpads can be a game-changer for users who have difficulty using traditional input devices.

But the real magic happens with software. Screen readers, for example, can convert text on a computer screen into spoken words to allow people who are blind or visually impaired to access information and navigate the digital world. Screen magnification software enlarges text and images on a screen to make it easier for people with low vision to see. Voice control features allow users to interact with their devices using spoken commands to eliminate the need for a keyboard or mouse altogether, which is essential for those who have severe motor impairments or who become fatigued after using their hands for an extended period. For people with hearing impairments, there are closed captioning options for videos and specialized software that can transcribe speech into text.

As technology continues to evolve, it’s critical to make certain that these advancements remain accessible to everyone, and this includes people with disabilities. This means websites and apps need to be designed with accessibility in mind. This translates to features like clear and concise language, proper keyboard navigation and alternative text descriptions for images. Think of it like building a ramp for a website. It allows everyone to get in and experience the content.

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