Technology has a lot of wonders to it. With technology advancing each day in leaps and bounds it gives us the hope of a more capable humanity. The gadgets that come out everyday are miraculous in many ways. More so the gadgets that are released keeping in mind the needs of the people with special needs. After all, what is better than a world where no one loses out on enjoying life due to absence of certain natural traits, in their bodies.
So, here’s a list of some of the amazing gadgets that technology has worked on to help the ones with special needs amongst us:
1. The Steam VR headset by HTC
How is a headgear to get into VR gear of any use to a disabled person? Good question. And I would like to answer that with the fact that when a person is facing mobility challenge, he/she cannot enjoy hobbies like surfing, trapezing or something as simple as driving a car. So, when we get someone into the virtual world, they can do all of these things, plus more. Walking, jogging, running, biking, playing with dogs, being in a combat, you name it and it is there to be experienced. Your capabilities may differ, but the enjoyment is guaranteed.
The device comes with the following specifications:-
- The display features 1080 X 1200 screens each for one eye.
- The aspect ratio of 9:5 results in a more natural, taller and convincing images.
- The screen runs at 90 Hz which is par excellence.
- The front-facing camera is an add-on to the amazing features as it will help the users to move without their headsets removed.
The motion tracking is one of the best features which make it a “must-have” device for anyone. So you get to see the world, while you are at one place.
2. Sesame Phone
Sesame Phone is a completely hands-free smartphone phone made for people with limited movement (like paralysis or spinal cord injury). It is actually a modified version of Google’s Nexus 5 device that tracks the user’s head and allows full control of the phone just with the head. The head works as a finger and allows swipes, taps, gestures and more to control the smartphone. As it is based on Android, you can also download apps and use them with your head. You can even play games on it, although fast-paced games may not be the best choice.
3. UNI
UNI provides a two-way communication for the deaf people using speech and gesture technology. The tablet like gadget detects the hand gestures with its camera and converts into text. It then speaks what comes on the screen fr the second person to understand for the specially abled person wants to communicate. UNI uses a specialized camera to track your finger movement with incredible speed.
4. Stair Climbing Power Chairs:
Usually, people on wheelchairs prefer ramps to enter a place or choose an elevator for their help. But at some places, they fail to find these services and hence have to rely on someone to help. But, don’t worry; it won’t be a hurdle for you anymore! Technology as a way to solve every possible problem on this planet! So here’s an amazing invention in the form of Stair Climbing power chair.
This chair makes all the inaccessible areas accessible for you and helps you to move freely everywhere you want to go.
Some of the spectacular specifications of these chairs are:-
- It has a controlled speed setting.
- Wheelchair alignment correction in line with the staircase axis is available.
- The automatic detection at the beginning and end of the steps helps you monitor the movements.
- Dynamic Display is another addition to display the messages of the movements of the chair to the user.
- The customized features help you to customize the seat according to your comfort level.
5. The Kenguru
This car is practically a boon for a person who loves driving but cannot because of mobility issues. Kenguru is an electric vehicle that has space for wheelchair to go in and then the chair-borne person can drive the car. The car takes 8 hours to charge and runs in between the speed range of 25 miles to 60 miles an hour.
It is amazing not just because it works on electricity, but also because it is easily accessible during rains and does not have the mess of waiting for a platform to board the vehicle. You just need to wheel-in and you are inside the vehicle.
6. Tactile Wand Electronic Walking Stick
This is not some normal walking stick. No, that is not just because it has a longer name. This one literally helps a visually challenged person not only figure out the distance the user has between himself and an object but it vibrates to exactly indicate the distance. Lesser the distance, more is the intensity of the vibration.
7. Aria bracelet
Aria is a tech bracelet that helps the deaf interact with their surroundings easily. The device notifies the wearer to different things with sensations on the skin, various alert sounds and a distinct light. It has rubber feelers that tickle the wrist of the user as soon as it identifies a sound in and around the house, like the telephone, fire alarm, doorbell, emergency vehicle sirens. It is not only pretty looking and useful, but is also potentially life-saving.
These are some of the ingenious inventions of all times to improve the life of people with special needs. None of us are impaired until we think we are. There’s a solution to every problem and science is its evidence. So discover the beauty of this majestic world with the advanced technology and help your loved one help and enjoy themselves.