Tech

Technologies That Helped People With Disability To Be Able Do More

Franz Cube
First Posted: Aug 31, 2016 06:20 AM EDT

Most companies nowadays are focused in generating more and more money usually targeting innovations that will cater a large market. Very few on the other hand are trying to reach untouched markets like people with disabilities. These companies are doing more than what is expected to their corporate social responsibility.

An article published on BBC featured some of the very few tech companies committed to bring tech to these underserved people of the society the experience of normal people's activities.

Feeling the Music

SubPac is a device that aids dancers with hearing disability to feel instead of hearing the sound and beat of music.  It basically converts music to a vibrations that is conducted to the body. SubPac is also widely used by other music professionals who wants a more immersive music experience without the risk of hearing damage. Chris Fonseca is a choreographer who uses SubPac. "Dance classes are always so fast-paced, and without being able to hear the music you end up just being out of time... Since the focus is on physicality, the SubPac is great for helping dancers with hearing problems to dance in time to the beat." says Chris Fonseca.

Unseen Potential

The tech giant IBM is produced an app to help people who are visually challenged. IBM Bluemix app development team created an app called eAscot which functions just like modern car's safety features like parking sensors, GPS and satellite navigation. This innovation was co-created by a blind person. His name is Simon Wheatcroft and he named the app after his dog guide Ascot.

"I was tired and in pain after the marathons, but I was also happy knowing I had achieved something that once seemed impossible, made possible thanks to technology. What sticks with me is the feeling of accomplishment. Being able to do something that had never been done before... To create an application in a matter of weeks that changed what was possible for visually impaired runners felt even better than completing any race." Simon added.

The Real Olympian

Recent advancements in 3D printing technology aided athletes of Paralympics. Paralympics is a sport event joined athletes with disabilities around the globe. From aerodynamic prosthetic limbs to optimized racing wheelchairs, technology really helped these Olympians not only in Olympic competitions but also in their everyday struggles.

Because of these technologies, it did not only made the lives of people with disability easier, but also happier and with more sense of fulfillment.

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