Category Archives: Assistive Technology

Self-driving cars (Autonomous cars)

Most people have wished to avoid hectic driving experiences and dream about a self-driving car. Traveling is one of the challenges for persons with disabilities or the elderly. Some of them may have never driven a car. Others may have been forced to … Continue reading

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Mounting systems and holders

Mobile devices such as iOS and Android phones and tablets have become a necessity in our daily activities. These portable devices are popular among wheelchair users as well, but some users with limited hand dexterity face challenges to use their … Continue reading

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YouTube Kids app

YouTube Kids is a free app from Google.  This YouTube Kids app includes age-appropriate videos, popular children channels, and playlists. A few examples of programming playlists are from Sesame Street, POCOYO, LEGO, Little Baby Bum, EvanTube, Stampylonghead, and more. In … Continue reading

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Verbally (text-based AAC app)

Many app developers have been creating AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) apps and updating the features. Augmentative communication manufacturers such as DynaVox and Tobi ATI offer apps (from free to a couple hundred dollars) vs their hardware AAC devices which … Continue reading

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Speech Recognition

Speech recognition (SR) is the translation of spoken words into text vs. Text to speech (TTS) system converts normal language text into speech (Wikipedia). The speech or voice recognition feature (i.e. Siri or Google Now) has been added to many … Continue reading

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Samsung EYECAN+ open source technology

Eyegaze or eye tracking is a computer access method for persons with disabilities who cannot access a computer by a regular mouse and keyboard or touchscreen. Unfortunately it may be difficult for anyone to obtain an eye tracking device because of their high cost. … Continue reading

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Text-to-Speech (Read Aloud) options

Do you or someone you know has difficulty in reading? If so, a text-to-speech feature may be helpful for reading. Text-to-speech options have helped persons who are blind, have low-vision or suffer from Dyslexia. Scanning/Reading devices such as DaVinci HD/OCR All-in-one desktop … Continue reading

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FingerReader

The FingerReader is a wearable prototype device that helps in reading printed text aloud. The device was in the news this spring, 2014.  Dr. Pattie Maes and the researchers at the MIT Media laboratory designed the prototype by using 3D-printing technology. Users scan a … Continue reading

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Kenguru Car

Some individuals with disabilities can get around town with their manual wheelchairs, but often they have to rely on public transportation or a local van ride. These wheelchair users can really expand their daily activities by this Kenguru Car by … Continue reading

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Braille Fone – OwnFone

Many iPhone users, who are blind, have become accustomed to use voice over or Siri when they make or receive calls. However, these features may be difficult for children, seniors or those who have cognitive challenges. Braille phones are now … Continue reading

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