Wearable Technologies — Evolving Access for People with Disabilities
Wearable technologies are changing how people engage with digital content. Since the advent of smartphones, our desire to access information, communication and digital content has grown immensely. Although we often recognise that devices can be both obtrusive and distracting. As a result, wearable technology is increasingly attractive, facilitating access in a socially acceptable manner. For people with a disability increased ease of use and the pervasive and on-demand nature make wearables especially attractive.
Wearables have always been part of the experience of assistive technology for people with a disability, from eyeglasses to hearing aids. From tactile watches to prosthetics, wearables have been embraced by disabled people. Still, innovation and emerging technologies are taking this in new and unexpected directions. Here are some examples of wearables that are having an impact on the lives of people with a disability
1 Smartwatch
The Apple Watch is possibly the best-known smartwatch in the world. However, android watches are rapidly gaining market share in many parts of the world. The apple watch has many features that offer benefit to those with disabilities. They value notifications and alerts as used by most owners, with the benefits of added functions. Fall detection for those unsteady on their feet and vulnerable to falls. When linked to a phone, the watch can provide notifications of sounds in the environment as text or vibrating alerts. Alternatively, the watch itself can become a control for a phone or tablet. When integrated, the smartwatch offers access to information, communication, and control for those with reduced movement of the hands or arms.
2 Location trackers
Location-based services are the basis of an increasingly diverse range of applications and location trackers are widely used as the basis of fitness tracking, and navigation technologies. For some people with a disability, especially those who are aging or experience confusion location tracking through wearable technologies has added value. Good examples include wearables that help guide those with limited vision, suggesting directions to turn through vibrations. Other wearables can help pinpoint a person when they need help, and offer location tracking for people and items which are lost or mislaid.
3 Audio headsets
Headsets are a very widely used form of wearable technology. For almost all smartphones users, a set of wired or wireless headphones are an essential purchase to get the most from their phone or tablet.
Audio headsets offer additional value to those who struggle to handle a phone, allowing them to answer a call, listen to music and have messages read out discreetly and comfortably. The development of stereo audio as augmented reality offers a means by which those with little or no sight can orientate themselves, navigate from location to location and receive alerts of obstacles around them. This builds a mental map of the world around them.
4 Wristbands and Near field communications
The idea of a digital wristband might seem limited in comparison to the smartwatches that we describe above. But wearables as sensors which enable someone to be recognised and identity verified, without an expensive smartwatch offer options for those with a disability. RFID Wristbands which connect to sensors can interact with smart homes. These can open doors, adjust curtains or lighting or confirm identity without needing to manipulate a keypad or other form of control.
BPay from Barclays was a great example of a dedicated wearable device which offered opportunities and ease of access for people with a disability. Most people are familiar with the concept of contactless payments, sometimes referred to as “touch and go”. This has required the ability to handle a chipped credit card or the use of a smartphone. BPay offers a range of simple devices such as tags for keys, and a simple wristband with the same options as card or phone, but with much greater ease of use.
5 Heads Up Displays
Increasingly augmented and virtual reality headsets are becoming a mainstream, consumer technology, initially for gamers seeking a more immersive experience. AR and VR are equally becoming a widely adopted technology with diverse applications from Pokémon Go to Google Maps. When these two technologies are drawn together, new opportunities become possible. Displays offer new and significant access options. When integrated with other wearables, these can provide a way to enhance communication for those without a voice. Technologies may monitor the setting, and offer spoken or visual alerts, and could create an immersive environment to filter or augment an overwhelming world. Such displays are potent platforms for inclusion in the future.
Summary
Unlocking the potential of these platforms will not happen by accident, it will not occur as a result of sudden flashes of inspiration in the mind of a developer. They will happen when we involve people with a full range of needs and abilities in the design process, exploring real-world problems and the capacity of technologies to address those challenges. This may take time, but the benefits are there for all.
