Celebrating The Role Of Tech On International Day Of Persons With Disabilities
As we recognise International Day of Persons with Disabilities here at Double Tap, it’s a good time to reflect on how technology not only transforms the lives of those with us with visual impairments but also serves as a catalyst for change for all disabled people.
The Present
The landscape of assistive technologies has seen revolutionary changes. For those of us in the blind and low vision community, tools like screen readers, Braille displays, and navigation apps with voice guidance have been life-altering. But the scope of these technologies extends far beyond. Wheelchairs have become more sophisticated, hearing aids more powerful, and communication aids more intuitive, thus offering greater independence and inclusion to a wider group of people.
Explore how the latest technology is helping make Braille easier to learn for young blind children:
Communication, a fundamental human need, has often been a hurdle for many with disabilities. Innovations like speech-to-text and text-to-speech software have been instrumental for people with speech or hearing impairments. Meanwhile, visual communication barriers have been reduced through advancements in tactile graphics and Braille translation software, ensuring that information is more accessible to all.
Watch AMI’s Alex Smyth talk about living with Ushers Syndrome that impacts hearing and vision, as featured on our sister AMI-tv show Access Tech Live:
In terms of physical mobility, technology has made strides that seemed unimaginable a few decades ago. GPS systems with detailed voice instructions have opened up the world to us, making navigation simpler and safer. But this is just one piece of the puzzle. Prosthetics, adaptive vehicles, and even robotics are redefining mobility and accessibility for various disability groups.
Learn how Ottobock is helping people regain independence through advanced prosthetics, as featured on our sister AMI-tv show Access Tech Live:
The Future
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are forging new paths for creating independence and support. AI-driven tools offer personalised assistance, adapting to individual needs, while robots assist in physical tasks, making daily life more manageable.
Watch as Be My Eyes CEO Mike Buckley talks about the creation of Be My AI and their relationship with OpenAI, as featured on our sister AMI-tv show Access Tech Live:
Despite these incredible advancements, challenges remain. Accessibility and affordability of technology are significant hurdles.
As we mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let’s not only celebrate the technological advancements that have enriched the lives of people with disabilities but also reinforce our commitment to making these technologies accessible to all. Here at Double Tap, while we focus on technologies for the blind community, our vision embraces all disabilities, championing a future where technology is a bridge to an inclusive, empowering, and equitable world.