BRIC Assistive Technology Spotlight
March 2024: Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology: Device Apps
Devices apps will include the most helpful apps I have found so far while doing assistive tech research. I will span as many apps and assistive needs as possible.
Mobility Apps:
Wheelmap: Wheelmap is a mobile application designed to provide information about the wheelchair accessibility of various public places and locations. The app aims to assist individuals with mobility challenges by offering details on the accessibility features of different venues, such as restaurants, cafes, shops, and public buildings.
Sesame Enable: Sesame Enable created hands free, head control access for smartphones, tablets and computers. These solutions are used daily by those living with ALS, Spinal Cord Injuries, Multiple Sclerosis and other conditions leading to paralysis.
Overall, mobility apps play a crucial role in enhancing accessibility, promoting independence, and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Apps for DHH
Big Note: Big Note is used to communicate with people by typing text. There is a seek bar to decrease or increase/decrease text size. Easy to keep the communication going on by shaking the phone or swipe from right to left.
Speech to Text with the ease of reading the highlighted text. Text to Speech and shows which will show the highlighted text is "speaking".
Otter.ai: Otterai is a transcription and note-taking app that uses artificial intelligence to transcribe spoken words into written text in real-time. It's designed to capture and transcribe conversations, meetings, lectures, and other spoken content accurately. Otterai's features include the ability to identify different speakers, generate searchable transcripts, highlight key points, and synchronize audio with text.
Both of these apps are highly praised by their communities. They make communication easier at work and in life. Both are a 4/5 rated app.
Apps for Communication
Proloquo2Go is used at BRIC. It is one of our apps we use to help communication in youth. Although Proloquo2Go is an expensive app, it is unmatched in its research based vocabulary language development. Proloquo2Go is rated 4.7/5 on the Apple App Store.
Apps for Vision
BlindSquare - BlindSquare is the world’s most widely used accessible GPS-app developed for the blind, deafblind and partially sighted.
Lazarillo - Lazarillo provides real time audio messages and alerts as you navigate, allowing you to explore any city in the world more safely and with greater awareness of your surroundings.
Overall, apps for vision play a vital role in enhancing accessibility, promoting independence, and fostering inclusion for individuals with visual impairments. They provide valuable tools and resources to support users in navigating digital and physical environments, accessing information, and participating fully in society.
Miscellaneous apps
Color Name AR : Color Name is an indispensable assistant to help you choose paints, wallpaper, and decorative elements. Besides, it is a handy instrument for everyday use.
Heatpad: These apps are pretty simple, which focus on popping bubbles, following images with your eyes or moving blocks on the screen.
Social Express: The Social Express is engaging, educational curriculum for children and young adults with social learning challenges. The curriculum is designed to teach users how to think about and manage social situations, helping them to develop meaningful social relationships and succeed in life.
Which app is for you?
Start by identifying the specific challenges or tasks you want the assistive tech app to address. Consider aspects such as mobility, communication, access to digital content, education, or daily living activities.
Whenever possible, try out trial or demo versions of the apps you're interested in. This allows you to experience the app firsthand and assess its usability, effectiveness, and compatibility with your needs and preferences.
You should trust your instincts and choose an assistive tech app that feels right for you. Consider factors such as your personal preferences, comfort level with technology, and overall satisfaction with the app's features and usability.