In today’s world, technology is rapidly evolving, breaking barriers, and creating new opportunities. Among the most transformative innovations are assistive tools, which have revolutionized how individuals with disabilities interact with their environment, access information, and communicate. In this blog post, I will share some beneficial everyday objects that aren’t necessarily marketed as assistive tools.
Tap-to-pay credit cards
Have you heard the phrase ”tap here”? If you haven’t, let me introduce you to tap-to-pay credit and debit cards! Tap-to-pay cards use NFC technology to make paying at the store easy and quick. All you have to do is put your card next to the NFC reader on payment terminals. This innovation eliminates the need to slide or fit your card into the chip reader, which is difficult for individuals with low hand strength.
Keyless entry cars
This innovation is similar to tap-to-pay credit cards. With keyless entry cars, your keyfob senses when you get near your car and can unlock your car for you. Some vehicle models go one step further and don’t require you to use the keyfob to turn the car on! The keyfob senses you near the car and allows you to push a button to turn the car on.
Speech-to-text and voice memos
These technologies are no longer limited to specialized devices; they have become integral parts of the everyday tech ecosystem. Speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and voice memos are widely available on smartphones, tablets, and computers. These innovations can help with communication, visualization, and comprehension for many individuals.
Phone and tablet grips
Phone and tablet grips are my favorite objects to point out to non-disabled people because they don’t realize it’s an assistive tool! The most popular device grips are pop sockets and device mounts, but there is a wide variety of styles and tools to meet user’s needs. I use a phone mount for my powerchair and a phone grip to prevent dropping it.
Assistive tools are essential for creating a more inclusive and accessible world. By empowering individuals with disabilities, these technologies unlock new opportunities and enhance the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. I particularly look forward to the innovations of assistive tools for people with disabilities in the workforce.