Over the last few years, we have witnessed some incredible enhancements in technology and the automotive industry that have helped to make the lives of those with disabilities much easier. Industry developments such as voice recognition on mobile phones, wheelchair accessible vehicles and smartboards for children with Down’s syndrome have all contributed to improving these individuals quality of life.
Smart devices and smart homes
Thanks to the likes of Apple’s ‘home kit’, your home can now be at your command, which is perfect for people who aren’t as mobile. No matter whether an individual needs to turn off the lights, adjust their bedroom temperature or change the channel on the TV to their favourite programme, it can now all be done via a very smart – and handy – app.
When it comes to listening to music, searching for a recipe for dinner or getting in contact with friends, smart devices are brilliant for this, too. These days, there is no need to write your shopping list on a piece of paper, pick up your phone to call your family or reach for the remote to turn on the TV – when a device can do it all for you!
Wheelchair accessible vehicles
Making a huge difference to many individuals’ lifestyles, wheelchair accessible vehicles are extremely beneficial for people with disabilities. Offering all wheelchair users independence, these vehicles are also amazing for helping to save time, and cause less pain when trying to get in and out of the car.
For the majority of wheelchair users, the whole process of getting out of the wheelchair and into the car can be stressful, challenging and often exhausting. With the likes of Allied Mobility’s wheelchair accessible vehicles, users can now feel a lot safer, more independent and less claustrophobic. Having the ability to drive from the wheelchair means that users to go about their everyday tasks with a lot more ease – and without having to rely on anyone else.
Assistive technology
An additional invaluable industry development is the introduction of assistive technology. Particularly crucial for individuals with Down’s syndrome, this method has been established specifically to assist children with special needs when they are at school.
Helping these children to succeed academically, assistive technology not only encourages them to provide both verbal and non-verbal responses, but it also gives them a lot more control over their learning. Children with special needs in the classroom can now complete tasks a lot easier, by using materials such as scissors fitted with a spring and shortened, thicker pencils.
With the rise in these amazing developments, the quality of life for people with disabilities will continually improve.
