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Having a physical limitation can have so many different meanings. Injuries and illnesses can affect someone’s ability to move, grip, twist, balance, reach, push or pull, and all to different extents. The nature of disability is that it impacts everyone in a unique way, meaning that technological solutions need to be highly adaptable and easily reconfigured by the user. Take a look at these four technologies that assist people with physical limitations.
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Upright Wheelchairs
The developments for wheelchair technology are increasing every year thanks to the growing demand for more options. Since disabilities are so varied, it makes sense that the wheelchairs on offer should be as well. For some wheelchair users, an upright wheelchair is the most practical. These are designed to function as a regular wheelchair but have additional safety harnesses and capabilities that allow users to securely maintain an upright position. This can be useful for practical and personal tasks, such as reaching something high or talking to someone face to face. Wheelchairs are also being designed to look more appealing and therefore more considerate of individual taste. When something is so important in a person’s daily life, it makes sense to want it to look good.
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Accessible Vehicles
Being able to use a car means that wheelchair users can avoid the hassle that comes with trying to use public transport or the excessive costs of a frequent taxi service. Used WAV from alliedmobility.com, for example, are affordable and practical solutions to the problem of transport that so many people with physical limitations face on a regular basis. With a wheelchair accessible vehicle, wheelchair users no longer have to rely on infrequent public transport. They can also rest assured that their mode of transport can accommodate their wheelchair safely and securely.
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Voice-Controlled Home Appliances
If a task can be completed with the use of voice alone, people with physical limitations can conserve their energy for tasks that need physical input. Smart home technology has been particularly helpful in connecting various home appliances to a voice command receiver, meaning that people with mobility, balance or strength difficulties can verbally indicate the desired outcome and the smart technology listens. For example, these devices can open blinds, adjust the temperature, change lighting, and order groceries, as well as a whole host of other everyday tasks.
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Prosthetic Limbs
For some people, their physical limitations are due to the loss of a body part, perhaps their arm or their leg. Improved designs over the decades have led to superior prosthetic limbs that are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and offer much higher performance than previous kinds of artificial limbs. Fine motor skills such as holding a pen have been programmed into digital prosthetic hands that use sensors that read muscle signals to accurately translate human impulses into movement. More and more technology is being developed to help people with physical limitations and soon (hopefully) having a mobility disability needn’t significantly disrupt a person’s way of life.
