Advances in AI, tech may provide ‘limitless’ possibilities for people with disabilities
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At this year’s CES, the annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association, companies from around the globe showcased innovative products and technologies that have the potential to change the world.
Assistive technology proved to be a major focus at the annual convention as smaller, more advanced tech improves the quality of life for people with — or without — disabilities.
According to the CDC, more than 61 million U.S. adults, or approximately one in four, live with some type of disability that affects their standard of life. Companies are becoming increasingly aware of the potential market share. As the need increases, the impetus to design, create and improve technology becomes a greater financial interest for companies inside and outside the traditional assistive technology space.
CES 2023 gave us a peek into what’s next for assistive tech this year. So, what trends are on the rise?
Artificial intelligence
One of the major storylines coming out of this year’s CES highlights a significant shift to the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in everything from everyday appliances to computer processors. Companies like Fluent.ai, Sennheiser and Eargo are utilizing new advancements in making AI software cheaper, smaller and more available for product designers. Utilizing advanced machine learning can help objects mimic human cognitive function to help with or even anticipate a user’s needs.
While anyone and everyone can benefit from AI, advanced technology can provide people with the extra support needed to perform daily activities. New products emerging on the market, like the biometric keyless entry lock Corum Security CS-100, are helping those with reduced motor capacity or vision impairments perform tasks like locking and unlocking doors through facial recognition. The smart door lock uses infrared technology and a high-quality camera to help those with limited hand function.
For those who are hard of hearing, lip-reading recognition technology like the LIPSedge S-Series can help people accurately decipher what others are saying. The CDC reports that someone who is proficient at reading lips might only be able to recognize four to five words in a 12-word sentence. With AI, lip-reading recognition can provide an accurate report of what is being said, taking estimation out of the equation.
The possibilities are limitless with AI technology to create more inclusive environments for people with disabilities, providing them with helpful tools to communicate, comprehend and participate in the activities of daily living. As AI incorporation into everyday technology becomes normalized in daily use, tech companies will continue to expand and improve upon their offerings.
Improved mobility
Mobility, whether through accessibility to transportation or maneuverability throughout the home and beyond, remains a consistent concern for many people who are affected by disabilities. People who have visual or physical disabilities often spend more time planning out their transportation and routes ahead of time, adding an extra level of stress to daily commutes and limiting their independence.
Autonomous vehicles such as the recently announced HOLON mover are creating inclusive mobility solutions. With large doors, a wheelchair restraint and braille on board, the vehicle prioritizes accessibility in its design. Although the vehicle does not yet have an official launch date, its design sparks hope for additional consideration for accessible travel.
Visual aids
Accessibility-minded wearables that specialize in helping those with visual impairments are also rapidly expanding their capabilities. For example, eSight recently announced its newest generation of electronic glasses that allow the user to freely move with a hands-free, wireless design. Crafted to be lightweight and sleek, the glasses allow those with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Stargardt disease and other retinal diseases that cause central vision loss to accomplish visual tasks with ease.
Another new visual aid, Samsung’s Relumino, allows people to navigate, zoom in and screenshot their smartphone screen to a virtual reality device, helping users see their smartphone with additional clarity.
Access to technology
Accessibility continues to be an obstacle for those with disabilities. While there are many innovative assistive devices on the market, not all of them are accessible to the people who need them most. In the next few years, assistive tech companies will be making accessibility a top priority through improvements in telehealth, payment plans and other patient-first innovations.
For example, a mobile refraction bus in Brazil — launched by the health care initiative CIES Global — is providing ophthalmic care to individuals with low vision in underserved areas. Additionally, some health care providers offer transportation to and from medical offices to improve access to care. By offering telehealth services, assistive tech companies can offer virtual consultations, device training and check-ins, allowing people with disabilities to learn more about their options from the comfort of their own homes.
As inflation rises across the globe, those with disabilities feel these effects the strongest. According to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, people with disabilities are much more likely to experience various forms of material hardship — including not getting needed medical care. Companies that incorporate digestible payment plans to finance their assistive technology can immediately help place much-needed devices into the hands of those who need them most.
We should expect health technology companies to increase these offerings across the board as device sales begin to reflect the state of purchasing power.
References:
- CDC: Disability affects all of us. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html. Published Jan. 5, 2023. Accessed April 17, 2023.
- CDC: Speech reading. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/parentsguide/building/speech-reading.html. Published July 29, 2022. Accessed April 17, 2023.
- Center for Economic and Policy Research. Half in ten: Why taking disability into account is essential to reducing income poverty and expanding economic inclusion. https://www.cepr.net/documents/publications/poverty-disability-2009-09.pdf. Published September 2009. Accessed April 17, 2023.
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