Even though Musk later apologized for his “misunderstanding of the situation,” the situation itself highlights the misconceptions that employers have about people with disabilities. Many people with disabilities can thrive in a workplace with clear communication and the right accommodations. This is where assistive technology – the devices, equipment, and software that can help people with impairments – comes in. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26% of adults in the United States have some type of disability. The CDC further points out that the highest affecting impairments are those of mobility, cognition, independent living, hearing, vision, and self-care. Also: Scholarships for students with disabilities Here are the best assistive technology devices to consider for people living with disabilities, compiled from what’s currently available. I’ve considered these devices from multiple perspectives, including those of parents, tech employees, employers, students, and more. The alternatives section at the end of this piece showcases cutting-edge tech. There are a number of smartwatches out there that can help the lives of people with disabilities, but this watch in particular is designed for everyone, including kids, teens, adults, and seniors, and it mitigates the effects of multiple impairments. Cognitive issues affect 10.9% of those with disabilities and independent living issues affect 6.4% according to the CDC. The AngelSense watch ensures that you can talk to your loved ones and make sure they’re doing well at any time. There’s an SOS call button on the device that they can press just in case they need you. You can customize the watch and receive intelligent alerts when unexpected situations arise. For example, if someone usually takes a certain route, the AngelSense auto-learns that route and alerts you if they depart early. There’s also an assistive speakerphone button that lets you reach your loved one even if they can’t press buttons. This device is a phone, so you’ll have to pay a $50 monthly subscription for it. You get free service for your first month as you try it out, and you can return it within that time frame if you don’t like it. The service includes a SIM card, unlimited live tracking, an assistive speakerphone with 60 voice minutes per month, and more. If you have to constantly hold a mouse and you have mobility issues, the Glassouse hands-free mouse is a game changer. You slip the device on like you would a pair of glasses, and it connects via Bluetooth to smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs so that you can navigate the cursor by moving your head instead of moving a limiting mouse. The price tag of this device is high, but it can track even the smallest head movements. This assistive technology is inspired by Halli’s initiative to build 1,500 ramps in Iceland in four years, with 450 ramps installed to date. Mobility impairments affect 11.1% of people with disabilities in the U.S. so it’s a good option to have a ramp in place or a portable ramp if you’re an employer with a physical office. When it comes to building construction, I’ve often heard it said that people design for how they see themselves interacting with a space, and not for every person that could enter that building. If you’re in a position to design, build or add to a home, consider a small access ramp as well. The OrCam is a handheld AI reader for people with visual impairments and learning disabilities. The body of the device consists of a trigger button, a two-laser targeting option, an LED light, a smart camera, volume buttons, and a power button. You can activate the OrCam with voice commands now, adding another layer of accessibility. The device converts text from any surface into audio that you can listen to through the built-in speaker or a connected Bluetooth device of your choosing. It works by a user positioning four angled red lights onto a surface to the outer corners of the text that they want to read. The device takes a picture of the surface and reads it out loud. Within a larger text, you can ask for what you need: “Read the headlines,” or “Start from” a specific section (like “Order total” in a receipt). You don’t need an internet connection to use the OrCam, and you can use it to read in any environment, no matter what the lighting. This device works well for students and anyone with reading difficulties. The OrCam won the CES Best of Innovation Award in 2021 in the accessibility category. According to the CDC, 5.7% of those with disabilities in the U.S. have hearing disabilities. The Avantree Aria Me are special headphones that help people with mild hearing loss by customizing the audio they listen to in order to match their unique hearing profile. Calibrate your Aria Me headphones through the Avantree Audio app to create your hearing profile. When you complete this step, your audio experience will match your profile, across all of the devices that you connect to with your headphones. The headphones feature advanced built-in active noise canceling that filters out ambient noise, HD audio, and a detachable mic with an instant mute switch. Available in several sizes The products highlighted above, and under alternatives at the end of the article, are unique. However, they all serve a wider purpose of making workplaces more equitable and thinking more critically about established workflows. I think that bringing these technologies to your attention is also about bringing disability accommodations to the forefront of dialogues on equity. I looked for innovation, affordability, and usability in many contexts when selecting each of these technologies.
