How Is Technology Helping Those Suffering With Limited Mobility?
By Space Coast Daily // December 20, 2017
technology giving those with limited mobility some of their independence back
There’s no denying that technology is a wonderful thing. As much of a pain as it can be, technological advancements have arguably done more good than bad, and nowhere is this truer than in the world of disability.
From mobility scooters through to something as simple as voice control, technology is giving those with limited mobility some of their independence back. We’ve decided to investigate just how technology is making a difference in more detail.
Stair Lifts
The introduction of stair lifts into the world of disability was one that was arguably very much needed. It was in the 1930’s that the stair lifts we know and love today came into production, and have developed more and more over the years to become safer and more efficient than ever. Thanks to this technology, those with limited mobility can stay in their homes and get upstairs easily, or have more choice when it comes to moving home. With folding seats and streamlined mechanisms, stair lifts needn’t take up a lot of space, which is perfect for families who may have both disabled, and able-bodied residents.
Scooters
Mobility scooters are yet another way in which automotive technology has come to improve the lives of those with limited mobility. These scooters make it possible for users to get around with just the use of their hands on a few buttons as opposed to pushing themselves along in a wheelchair if they go out alone. Those with limited upper body use can benefit from this especially, or even just those who are too weak overall to propel themselves along. With a simple press of a bottom or push of a pedal, these scooters can get moving and give independence to those who otherwise might have none.
Wheelchairs
Okay, so we’re taking a step back here to wheelchairs – but we’re focusing on the electric kind. In other words, the wheelchairs that can propel themselves along and are perfect for those with very limited, or even no mobility. From something as simple as a motor, to wheelchairs with technology attached to provide easier communication and even home control to wheelchair-bound persons, there’s no denying that wheelchairs have benefited from advancements in technology.
Computer Assistance
So, remember that attached technology we mentioned? This can come into computer assistance. Using computers, or frankly any technology, for those with mobility issues can be difficult and luckily, companies all over the world have started to develop products and technologies to aid them and make it easier. Conventional keyboards can be scanning or morse-code instead, or a mouse with a trackball on the top rather than bottom can mean less movement is required to control a cursor. This technology still has so far that it can go, and it’s well worth keeping an eye on in the coming years.
Assist-Mi App
The Assist-Mi app is mostly aimed at wheelchair users, but it can be useful for all kinds of impairments too. The idea behind the app is that those in need of assistance can get it directly through the application. Care service providers that are instantly available can have the app too, and thus a two-way communication is born. The user can request any assistance, from help getting to work, to even going shopping if there’s an issue with such a task for any reason.
The technology being developed to aid disabled users is by no means finished growing, and it’s likely that it’ll continue to develop way into the future – but why not? If the technology is available, why not use it for good?
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