Innovative Products for People with Disabilities
From entertainment to fashion, homewares to transport, advancements in technology and design are pushing boundaries and broadening the possibilities for people living with a disability.
Statistics show that almost 20% of Australians have a disability, and this proportion is increasing. Inclusive design and innovation means that a product or service can be accessed, understood and used by all people, regardless of their physical or psychological ability or dexterity. With this in mind a number of forward-thinking companies and product designers are putting a stronger focus on accessible technological innovation. And we’re here to tell you all about it!
Here are some wonderful examples of accessible product innovations we’ve come across recently:
Sock Aid – This snazzy device simply helps you put on your socks! People with disabilities can have trouble bending over and reaching their feet, meaning that they can’t put on their shoes and socks on their own, which can be very frustrating.
The Sock Aid was created with this challenge in mind and makes this everyday task simple and accessible for everyone!
Lucy 4 Keyboard – Thanks to the Lucy 4 Keyboard, people with limited and even no use of their hands can operate a computer. The user mounts a battery-operated laser pointer on their glasses or a headband, then selects keys on the custom stand-up keyboard!
Stair-Climbing Wheelchairs – Wheelchairs and stairs just don’t go together, so a team of enthusiastic masters students made it their mission to bring the wheelchair into the 21st century. The result is the Scewo Stair Climbing Wheelchair! This wheelchair lets people with limited mobility have barrier-free access to the things they love but can’t usually access with a regular wheelchair. The wheelchair itself uses a system of wheels and rollers to climb the stairs easily, steadily and safely. You can see it in action here.
Product innovations are helping people with disabilities achieve greater independence.
Liftware – Liftware is a self-stabilising handle on which you attach an eating utensil like a fork or spoon. It’s helpful for people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease or other conditions that cause tremors. Liftware stabilises up to 70% of the disruption and reduces the spilling of contents before the food can reach your mouth.
Relync Scooter – High-tech company, Relync Tech has created the world’s first smart three-wheel scooter. The Relync scooter adapts to different road conditions, boasting a dual-brake system and top-of-the-line suspension for a safe and comfortable ride. This scooter can also connect to your smartphone’s GPS and uses a ring of LED lights on the dashboard as visual aids.
These innovations are just a snapshot of what’s available out there to make life easier for people with limited mobility. If you enjoyed this blog, we recommend you read what our Top 7 Devices and Apps for Wheelchair users blog.
At Automobility, we strive to be at the forefront of innovation for people with limited mobility. We’re industry leaders in manufacturing Wheelchair Access Vehicles (WAV), and our team of automotive engineers and mobility consultants have been providing custom vehicle solutions to the disabled and elderly community for over 15 years!
We’ll work with you to understand your individual needs, along with your family, therapist and/or carer, and offer you a tailored solution that will help you remain active and independent for as long as possible. Find out more about what a WAV can do you for here.
You can call our friendly team on 1300 660 773, or contact us online for an obligation-free vehicle demonstration and consultation at your home. Let us help you become more mobile, and experience all that life has to offer!
