The internet has changed a lot of things in our daily lives. Perhaps one of its key achievements has been the improvements in inaccessibility. There have been numerous physical and digital technological changes that have helped those with physical accessibility issues. Here, we’ll look at just some of the ways the internet has helped with accessibility.
Eyegaze technology
Those who struggle with limited mobility once found accessing the internet and working on a computer pretty much impossible. However, thanks to technologies such as Eyegaze, users can now control the mouse on a computer screen with their eyes rather than their hands.
This has meant that those suffering from cerebral palsy conditions now have access to the same information level as everyone else. It also makes it possible to work through a computer-based profession. Technology such as this is revolutionizing the sector, providing fantastic opportunities for those who are mobility impaired.
Physical mobility aids
Of course, it isn’t just digital changes that have helped to improve accessibility. There have been many physical changes that have helped those with disabilities live and work more independently.
One of the key physical changes has been the introduction of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Modified for each user, these vehicles allow wheelchair users to travel safely and easily as a passenger or as a driver. They often include a larger interior and a built-in ramp for easy access. Other physical changes include grab rails, foldaway ramps, and smart glasses for those with visual impairments.
Prosthetic functionality
One of the impressive ways that technology has helped to improve mobility is through Bio-electronics and 3D printing. These technologies can help replace missing limbs, giving those with disabilities a lot more functionality.
A great example is an armband created by the Ontario company Thalmic Labs, known as Myo. This allows the user to control a computer by analyzing the skeletal muscles’ electricity and sending it to a Bluetooth device.
As you can see, there have been many physical and digital changes that have helped boost mobility for those with disabilities. The above are just a few examples, and work is continually being carried out to develop new technological mobility solutions. The only barrier to some of these technologies is the cost, so more needs to be done to make assisted mobility more affordable to the mainstream.
