Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired and Hearing Impaired

 

In the present age that we live in, we are encompassed by various technologies which have transformed not only the way we do businesses but how we communicate, transmit and share information as well. It’s the age of the 4th industrial revolution whereby assistive technologies have emerged for the visually impaired and hearing impaired. This has made their lives easier as they can also use the internet to surf the web for information, using tablets, iPhones, iPad and laptops or computers like everyone else in the world. Their lives have been transformed significantly for those who are able to access assistive technology but for some they are still struggling and using the old methods as it is expensive and some countries have just partially accepted it in their countries. The information below discusses in detail assistive technology for the visually impaired and hearing impaired and how it has revolutionized the way they live and their day-to-day routines. 

Assistive technology enables people to live healthy, productive, independent, dignified lives and to participate in education, labour market and civic life.

Manual wheelchairs increase access to education & employment opportunities as it reduces health care costs as there are reduced pressure sores and contractures for the visually impaired and hearing impaired.  It reduces the need for formal health and support services, long term care and the work of care givers. In addition, people who can't access this technology are often excluded, isolated and locked into poverty, thereby increasing the impact of diseases and disability on a person, their family and the society at large.

Assistive technology promotes the health, well-being and socioeconomic benefits through the use of hearing aids by young children leading to improved language skills because children who can't access these earlier face the challenges of having limited opportunities of education and employment presented to them. The use of hearing aids and cochlea implants are designed to hear sounds better and louder enhancing communication and learning skills. In addition, assistive technology aims at working around specific deficits rather than fixing them. It helps people with learning differences to reach their full potential and live satisfying and rewarding lives.

Assistive technology and devices related to vision and hearing have been defined by WHO as devices such as:

•  Prostheses or implants such as cochlear implants or bionic eyes.

•   Mobility aids for example canes, crutches, walkers, rollators, knee scooters, wheel chairs and mobility scooters.

•  Hearing aids for instance analog convert sound waves into electrical signals and then make them louder, usually less expensive and have simple volume controls. Digital hearing aids on the other hand convert sound waves into numerical codes similar to computer aids and then amplify them.

•  Visual aids entail instructional devices which are used in the classroom encouraging learning making it easier and motivating. Materials used include models, charts, film strips, projectors, radio, television and maps.

Moreso, thanks to modern technology, visually impaired persons are able to do a lot of things such as to write documents, browse the internet and send and receive emails. Screen reading software, special talking and Braille devices allow those with no vision to use computers, cellphones, and other electronic devices independently. Cellphones read print documents and describe things making them more clearer for the visually impaired. Moreover, visually impaired use magnification software and devices which allow them to see letters, pictures and other objects without having to struggle or strain their remaining vision. Assistive or adaptive technology is continually evolving and has resulted in the removal of barriers for people with vision loss.

In addition, visually impaired can now do more things that required special software orderliness on iPhones and iPads using special apps such as KNFB reader which takes pictures of print letters and transmits them to the phone which reads it out loud within a matter of seconds. Tablets and iPhones enable the descriptions of colors, shapes, sizes of objects to the visually impaired through the use of TapTapSee app. Be My Eyes connects the visually impaired with a sighted person describing things to them so that they are much clearer to the visually impaired.

Furthermore, assistive technology enhances the visually and hearing impaired to carry out routine tasks at work and at school, it has also enabled them to be more independent at home. They can now read emails, listen to audiobooks, step by step walking to unfamiliar places, record important information and so much more with special standalone devices designed for people with no or low vision. There are also devices such as talking watches, thermometers, scales, blood glucose and blood pressure monitors that help them to live independent and healthy lives. In addition, the above apps such as the TapTapSee are able to be used in the comfort of the homes of visually disables as they are able to see the pictures and indulge in their meaning and story telling at their own pace.

Assistive technologies have been incorporated within the school curriculum in a number of subjects such as math,  social science studies, computers, orientation and mobility, art, music, and physical education. The curriculum enables the use of this technology from a very young age so they can adapt to it as they grow. It gives the visually and hearing impaired the platform for them to grow with it, embrace it and harness it so that they are employable in future. Assistive technology secures the future of the visual ang hearing impaired.

However assistive technology cannot be accessed by every on who is visually and hearing impaired because the ones who need it the most are located within the poor communities of India. They are not able to access the internet, cellphones and computers as they need to be powered by electricity and assistive technology is run through software’s and applications which need to be downloaded and that is costly as well. Moreover, if incorporated properly it could benefit a large part of the population who are visually impaired and hearing impaired. Technology as a whole is meant to boost a person’s life and well being as it is being done by assistive technology.