By David Redmond Apple is one of those companies that really has walked the walk when it comes to accessibility. While we often discuss things like Voiceover, apples services have also generally been really accessible for blind and vision impaired people. Apple TV+ shows all come with audio description, there are audio hints on many
August 28, 2024 - Be My Eyes, the award-winning company that provides visual access for blind and low-vision people through AI, volunteers and organizations anywhere in the world, announced today that it is acquiring AppleVis, the go-to online blindness website for accessibility advice on Apple and other technologies.
self-driving technology - The Rick Hansen Foundation and A&K Robotics have formed a partnership to enhance accessibility through innovative self-driving technology. This...
Hogan VanSickle, a graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law, has shown how assistive technology and determination can change the course of a career. After a near-fatal car accident left her with quadriplegia, Hogan faced overwhelming challenges but used them as a catalyst to pursue her law degree.
Here’s how Hogan describes her journey: "My accident was a catalyst to pursue a career in law. The personal and systemic challenges I faced during my recovery exposed the profound gaps and injustices within our systems. The hybrid Juris Doctor program at the University of Dayton dismantled traditional barriers that limited access to legal education, allowing me and others with disabilities to engage fully in our studies."
Hogan’s story is a powerful example of how assistive technology can support professionals, "People look at me and have an automatic assumption about my limitations. You have no idea how much somebody that has a disability can bring to the table until you let them try,"
If you're ready to see how Cephable can enhance your productivity and accessibility, try it for yourself.
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Video Description: Hogan, a young woman with brown hair in a bun, is shown working in an office. She uses Cephable’s assistive technology to navigate her computer, completing tasks through voice commands and virtual buttons.
Before there was eye-gaze technology, there was switch-operated technology; and for people with limited but functional muscle control, the switch can still be the preferred method. Eyes get fatigued like any other muscle. Alternative-access switches can be manipulated by a variety of body parts, potentially allowing the user to rest one finger while using another (or a knee, foot, or mouth). Still, switch technology has its “cons”: It tends to respond slower than eye-gaze. Not all switches work with all fine-motor skills, which can make it hard to customize devices for individual users. While eye-gaze is designed for pinpoint screen navigation, switch technology relies on a “grid” approach. The typical switch system, moving a box-shaped cursor around the screen to highlight “standard” buttons, may not recognize differently shaped “touch spots.” Connecting to the Smartphone—Or Not Another not-so-great aspect of switch technology: much of it is still wired, and today’s personal devices are designed for the wireless era. The earliest switches plugged directly into a “headphone jack” on a tablet or phone, but “most Apple products don’t have a headphone jack anymore,” says Daryn Ofczarzak, BridgingApps Speech Language Pathologist. “They all still have Switch control in their Accessibility settings, but now you need a Bluetooth switch specifically—either that or a wired plug-in switch with a Bluetooth adapter. (I use a Tecla adapter.) For me and many clients, there’s been a re-learning curve. “And as for Android devices, many still have headphone jacks; but in my experience, these jacks don’t work with switches anymore. So you still need a USB or Bluetooth. (I’d add that Androids now have built-in software designed for use with ‘head, mouth, or eyes,’ and so will Apple after it releases its next update.) “Another thing: just because Switch control is built into all Apple devices, doesn’t mean that switches work well with all apps. You can’t change a switch’s scanning pattern—how the cursor moves around the screen—so on some apps it will skip over sections or lump several smaller items together. That said, there are apps specifically designed for switch access. And I know other apps, like Peekaboo Barn (a favorite with kid clients of all ages) that work seamlessly with switches.” The Ever-Changing World of Assistive Technology It would be unfair to pronounce switch technology “dead” or “outdated” just yet. Like eye-gaze and other technology, it’s still growing and evolving, working to stay adapted to the needs of users. “Technology has advanced significantly,” says Daryn Ofczarzak, “and more people are now starting with eye-gaze. But switch is still one of the main approaches I evaluate during AAC trials. It still ranks as a common access method, up there with eye-gaze and direct selection (direct use of hands/foot/nose/stylus).” As with any technology, there are many different options and accessibility levels; and what’s most important is finding the best option for each individual. One User’s Experience Andi Fry is BridgingApps’ Coordinator for Montgomery County Outreach; Andi’s daughter, Megan, has cerebral palsy and extremely limited muscle control. Now in her twenties and relying on eye-gaze technology for everyday functioning, Megan started out using switch devices. Andi says of their family’s experience: “Before Megan mastered eye gazing, she used two switches in a wheelchair headrest: left button for scanning, right button for selecting, and auto-scanning features for customization. It was an amazing game changer in independent communication. When Megan got tired, the customization settings were a big help: her device would automatically scan and highlight individual buttons, so all she had to do was hit the switch when the button she wanted came up. And the device could speed up or slow down to match her ability on any particular day. “Megan tried lots of different switches—big buttons, little buttons, sticks—before settling on ‘Jelly Bean’ switches (large plastic buttons). She was very hard on them, and we needed to replace them a few times a year. “When she moved to eye-gaze technology, it was equally labor-intensive in the beginning, and required ‘unlearning’ the muscle-movement approach she’d used for years. Now, though, she finds eye-gaze a much better tool for keeping up with conversations—and being a part of everyone else’s world.” See also: BridgingApps Switch Accessible Apps (AAC) BridgingApps Switch Accessible Apps (Non AAC) RJ Cooper & Associates for custom assistive technology products designed for complex disabilities
What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Gesture Control Interfaces Market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the important regions like United States, Asia-Pacific, United Kingdom, France & Germany?
Tech Tools to Foster Increased Independence in those with Developmental Disabilities (Part 1 of 4) As Ihoma Healthcare is a leading provider in assistive technology, let's chat about tech tools that fosters increased independence. #IhomaHealthcare #technology #AI #WhatisIhomaWorld
Your weekly dose of information that keeps you up to date on the latest developments in the field of technology designed to assist people with disabilities and special needs.Special Guest: Karthik…...
Explore the vital role of Accessibility Managers in creating ADA-compliant, inclusive presentations that meet legal standards and enhance corporate communication.
Introduction to AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology that mimics human intelligence to perform tasks like understanding language, recognizing objects, and making decisions. While AI might seem complex, it's quickly becoming an integral part of everyday life, offering incredible tools for everyone, including those who are blind or visually impaired. AI can help you…
Sarah Todd Hammer (ST) has a personal lived experience with disability and professional expertise as a three-time published author, dancer, speaker, model, and disability advocate, ST offers deep insight into the world of assistive technology.
Here’s a piece of her story that highlights her use of assistive technology:
"As a young woman with a physical disability entering the workforce, technology is an important aspect of my life.
I have limited use of my arms and hands — my left hand is completely paralyzed, and my right hand is quite weak. I’ve learned to type on both my phone and a computer with just my right hand, mostly using one finger. I’m often told I am a speedier typer than most people with fully functioning hands! But, typing a lot can get tiring very quickly, so I often make use of assistive technology to make getting my tasks done easier and more efficiently.
For my social media content creation, I often find myself using voice-to-text software to write my captions, posts, and image and video descriptions. Software like Cephable helps me present PowerPoints through the use of head tilts and virtual buttons.
I love living in an era where technology is constantly advancing. So many disabled individuals like myself depend on technology to successfully do our jobs and daily tasks. My hope is, by the time I’m older, we will have a technological solution for nearly every accessibility barrier. Companies like Cephable are part of the solution — making our world more accessible for all!"
Sarah Todd has launched a short film that shares more of her disability story. She’s also available for speaking engagements and consulting sessions. To book, visit her website at www.sarahtoddhammer.com
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/cephable/ Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/Cephable/ Follow us on X: x.com/Cephable Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/cephable
Video Description: ST, a young white woman with long blonde hair is walking outside. In the next frame, she is sitting in an office setting for an interview. A video montage shows her going through her morning routine, hitting an accessible door button, using her phone to create a video, and using Cephable assistive technology for social media and a PowerPoint presentation.
Turning heads as they cruise past office buildings and malls, driverless taxis are slowly spreading through Chinese cities, prompting both wariness and wonder.
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are revolutionizing the way we interact with technology by connecting our brains directly to devices. From aiding those with disabilities to exploring futuristic applications, BCIs hold incredible potential. Discover more about this amazing tech at Almond Consulting.
Impacted Parties: Researchers: Advancing the development of BCIs. Tech Enthusiasts: Interested in the latest breakthroughs in technology. Medical Professionals: Exploring new ways to assist patients with disabilities. General Public: Curious about the future of human-computer interaction. This script is designed to spark curiosity and engagement by highlighting the exciting potential of Brain-Computer Interfaces in a way that's accessible and intriguing. The title and content aim to capture attention and encourage viewers to explore the topic further.
As individuals consider extending their working years, the likelihood of disabilities increases. Employers need to recognize this reality and adjust their practices.
Providing home automation for people with disabilities brings about substantial social benefits and represents a sound investment for funding agencies such as the NDIS, a new analysis has revealed.
For a world without barriers DiversityInstitutional From 25 to 27 October, the third Cybathlon will take place in the Swiss Arena in Kloten, Switzerland. This is the world’s largest competition in which people with disabilities master everyday tasks with the help of newly developed assistive technologies. For this Cybathlon, the six existing disciplines were further developed, and two new ones added: a race with intelligent vision assistive technologies and one with assistant robots. 26.08.2024 by Franziska Schmid volume_upRead mode_comment Number of comments In brief For the third time, ETH Zurich is organising the Cybathlon, which aims to significantly advance assistive technologies for people with disabilities. Pilots solve everyday tasks in eight disciplines. For the first time, competitions will be held with visual assistants and assistance robots. In 2024, the Cybathlon will once again take place in the Kloten stadium, as well as in eight other locations around the world. Climbing stairs, cleaning your teeth, setting the table: all these activities can be challenging for people with certain physical disabilities. It’s precisely these tasks that are part of the Cybathlon competitions, which put assistive technologies to the test. Such technologies help people with disabilities to become even more independent, thus promoting their inclusion in society. With the Cybathlon, ETH Zurich connects researchers with those affected (“pilots”) so that they can find solutions together. “Inclusion is all about helping to break down barriers so that we can create equal opportunities for everyone. The Cybathlon motivates researchers worldwide to work in a more user-oriented way,” says ETH Zurich Professor Robert Riener, initiator of the event. The idea behind the Cybathlon is to accelerate innovation and development of assistive technologies through international competition. Some 80 teams from 26 nations compete for medals in eight different disciplines, with teams drawn from both industry and universities. Eleven Swiss teams are taking part, and ETH Zurich is particularly well represented: two teams from the university will be competing with their prosthetic legs in the “LEG” discipline, while three other teams will be competing in races with visual assistance technology, a robot assistant, and an exoskeleton. Two new disciplines included this year People with a severe impairment or a complete loss of vision lack the most basic information from their environment. A new Cybathlon discipline has now been created for these people and their needs: in “VIS”, the Vision Assistance Race, new technologies such as an intelligent cane for the blind help to pass on important information about the surroundings to their pilots. For example, pilots should be able to find a vacant seat on public transport, locate the right product on a shelf or even distinguish between colours. In the second new discipline, the Assistance Robot Race, robots assist people with limited motor skills to solve tasks. The pilots work together with the robot to, say, grip various objects under time pressure or to avoid obstacles. As Riener says: “Assistant robots show promising potential to support people who have very little or no control over their arms and legs. That’s why we felt it was important to create a separate discipline.” In both disciplines, the first criterion is whether a task has been completed correctly; the second, how quickly. The sensitive gripping and stacking of cups with a prosthetic arm is one of the tasks in the Cybathlon. (Image: Erzelli / ETH Zurich / CYBATHLON) A pilot with visual impairment uses an intelligent cane to complete the new Visual Assistance Race discipline. (Image: Alessandro Della Bella / ETH Zurich) Also new: the Assistance Robot Race. These robots are designed to take over the task of clearing out the dishwasher. (Image: Alessandro Della Bella / ETH Zurich) Cybathlon pilots overcome obstacles, both literally and figuratively. (Image: Alessandro Della Bella / ETH Zurich) Pilot with tetraplegia competes in the Brain-Computer Interface Race controlling a game avatar using only his mind. (Image: Maximilian Wührer / ETH Zurich) The Cybathlon brings pilots with disabilities and developers together inspiring both innovation and emotion. (Bild: Alessandro Della Bella / ETH Zürich) This is the third time the competition takes place. Pictured here an image from the first Cybathlon in 2016. (Bild: Alessandro Della Bella / ETH Zürich) Competitions in Switzerland and worldwide To make the Cybathlon itself as inclusive as possible, the event will take place simultaneously at nine locations, known as hubs, around the world. The teams may also build matching courses locally and thus avoid asking pilots to make a strenuous journey. Team “BeAGain” in South Korea, for example, is organising its own Cybathlon and holding the races at the same time as the Cybathlon in the stadium in Kloten, just outside of Zurich in Switzerland. Spectators can watch the competitions live on site with a valid ticket. Audio descriptions in English and German are available for people with visual impairments. For people with hearing impairments, the competitions will be interpreted into International Sign and German Sign languages. The entire event will also be livestreamed on external pagewww.cybathlon.com. Cybathlon 2024 for the media Cybathlon 2024 media accreditation is open! Media professionals should register as early as possible here. Many poignant external pageimages and external pagevideos from the preliminary competitions are available for download. Information on the individual teams, disciplines and the programme are online. You can also follow the Cybathlon on social media and actively participate in the discussion with the hashtag #CYBATHLON2024. Contact ETH Zurich Media Relations Phone phone+41 44 632 41 41 ETH Zurich Switzerland add Show more Downloads Download vertical_align_bottom Press release (PDF, 183 KB) Visual material chevron_right Download Newsletter subscription chevron_right Get the latest ETH News everyday Similar topics InstitutionalDiversityEventsCulture and sportRoboticsLife sciences and medicine
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