It is an age where diversity and inclusiveness become de facto in workplaces and communities. The new avatar of technology, e.g., Assistive Technology, cements the gap between regular users and people with disabilities.
People with varying degrees of disabilities can now independently perform many tasks across mobile, web, and connected devices because of the tremendous advancement of assistive technology. Digital Accessibility Services now come into the picture.
The evolving a bunch of technologies like AI(Artificial Intelligence), ML(Machine Learning), and IOT(Internet of Things) have opened up a new horizon to assistive technology.
Besides, Augmented Reality and Wearable technology further nurture the advancement of assistive technology. These advancements have made assistive technology cheaper resulting in more adoption rate.
Digital Accessibility Services have become more pronounced due to the multiple uses of assistive technology. The varying form of disabilities across the length and breadth of the world has been increasing. It is undoubtedly an area to be looked into. .
What Is Assistive Technology?
Let’s unlock some key facts in assistive technology
- Assistive technology is nothing but an umbrella term. It covers services and systems related to providing assistive technology and services.
- Assistive technology aims to enhance the functioning of individuals and their independence, and thus supports their well-being
- The wide array of assistive technology examples like hearing aids, communication aids, spectacles, wheelchairs, memory aids, pill organizers, etc.
- Across the world, it estimates that more than 1 billion people require 1 or more assistive tools.
- The aging global population and the considerable rise in non-communicable diseases predict that more than 2 billion people will require at least 1 assistive product by 2030. At the same time, many advanced age people require 2 or more.
- In the digital generation, only one in ten people require assistive products.
The website, as it says, is the first contact for users. Unfortunately, many cannot access the website or web content the way regular users use it because of disabilities. Website Accessibility Solutions are the best bait here,
As it reveals, assistive technology promotes people's well-being in the light of having a productive, independent, and dignified life.
These catapult their initiative to participate in education, civil life, and the labour market. Furthermore, assistive technology reduces the requirement for formal health and buttress services, work for caregivers, and long-term care. With assistive technology, people will be isolated, frequently excluded, and entangled with poverty.
As a result, it can increase the magnitude of diseases, promoting disability not only to the individual concerned but also to their family and society.
So, equal access to all digital assets is imperative, and the initiative afoot for Website Accessibility Solutions is welcome. Assistive technology is thus justified.
What Are The Challenges Faced By Assistive Technology?
Notwithstanding, the potential of assistive technology is beyond question, and its benefits are documented. Still, assistive technology encounters some simmering challenges that are to be addressed. The following are some of the most pronounced challenges. Let's understand it:
Affordability
One of the most challenging aspects of assistive technology is its cost. Even though many OS and application software now use assistive software as a complimentary feature embedded in the device, the gadget associated with it tends to be costly. It becomes problematic for people with disabilities.
Tailor-Made
The varying degree of disabilities ranging from mild to severe, can afflict anyone's impairment. For example, a simple-looking handicapped person may make somebody feel engulfed by the complex provided by the software or gadget.
At this stage, it is essential to devise software and device better suited to the individual need. Hence the word customization comes into being; it means judging the different levels of handicap, it tailor-made the proper need of the handicapped people. Therefore, it is better to have Website Accessibility Solutions.
Inaccurate AI (Artificial Intelligence) Capability
Many assistive devices have extensively used ML or Machine learning to interact or identify in the environment through speech recognition software, screen readers, and others.
Despite AI being the potential assistive technology resource, AI-driven applications sometimes fail to produce accurate results. It might give you a good outcome in a few cases, but 100% accuracy is warranted. Therefore, Digital Accessibility Services are important.
Training
People with disabilities need to undergo initial training before using any modern device easily. Moreover, at the same time, assistive tool users need at least some basic technical understanding. Without this, it becomes a challenge for people with difficulties adopting the device.
Lack Of Awareness
Many societies today are eager to help disabled people. Despite the novel gesture on the part of the people, many do not have proper knowledge of assistive technology. For this reason, they cannot guide people with disabilities.
Substantial knowledge about assistive technology allows more individuals to help or guide people with varying disabilities. It helps more to disabled people to access digital assists seamlessly. Hence, the need for Website Accessibility Solutions is warranted.
Notwithstanding the challenge today, assistive technology has undoubtedly dramatically improved the quality of life. It is heartening to know top-notch tech companies have been investing in the light of assistive technology development.
The development helps different types of specially-abled people. In this connection, it is important to give preference to individual choices regarding the use of technology. After all, no two individuals' requirements are the same. So, customization is the option.
Therefore, the maker of assistive hardware and software should provide audience training and specialized solutions and accept feedback continuously to enhance effectiveness and meet the growing demand for assistive tech solutions.
How Can Assistive Technology Help In Education?
The importance of assistive technology in education is crucial. The reason is it can significantly help students with disabilities to learn without encountering many difficulties. Digital Accessibility Services play a key role here.
It gives birth to IDEA(Disabilities Education Act). IDEA states that educational institutions and organizations must provide learners with disabilities with individualized programs.
At this stage, it naturally comes to mind of assistive technology. However, the concerned person needs to undergo a series of steps to understand the requirement.
Generally, educational establishments require to ensure that students with disabilities should have access to free, appropriate public education that occurs in the least restrictive environment. Students can participate in regular classes, so learners interact and participate with other students.
In doing so, educational establishments provide the necessary psychological, transportation, and development services. At this juncture, assistive technology plays a pivotal role. Digital Accessibility Services, in this case, assume importance.
What is Assistive Technology In Computers?
It is important to comprehend when they broach the idea of Assistive technology in computers. It means accessibility. Fundamentally, it is of Website Accessibility Solution for people with cross disabilities. It promotes independence and autonomy.
When discussing assistive technology in computers, it refers to the sophisticated technology that develops special-purpose computers. Moreover, it introduces different hardware and software to provide customization solutions for people with disabilities.
With these special-purpose computers, users with disabilities can seamlessly access digital content without hassle—for example, augmented keyboards, screen readers, and virtual Sign Language translators. Digital Accessibility Services happen to be important.
How can Assistive Technology Assist Social and Health Care?
It leaves no room for doubt that assistive technology has impacted healthcare and well-being for people with disabilities or advanced age people. The impact of assistive technology is not only limited to health but also has an unexpected reflection on socioeconomic.
For example, It can assist older people living independently at home, dwarfing the requirement of a long-term care system. Therefore Website Accessibility Solutions come in handy.
Interestingly, the major tech and government invest in developing assistive technology to reduce healthcare costs in the future.
For instance, offering wheelchairs for people who require them to enter into the job market and education. It also helps them to decrease the risk of contractures and pressure sores. Therefore, Digital Accessibility Services are a useful resource.
Who can Benefit from Leveraging Assistive Technology?
As it transpires that many people can accrue benefits from assistive technology, especially people with cross disabilities. The specially-abled people can use assistive technology as a tool to interest independently with the world, being more confident without any hassle.
Apart from these, elderly people with temporary disabilities also get a lot of benefits. For example, wheelchairs are important, but it is even more vital for parents accompanying a baby stroller. Therefore, Digital Accessibility Services merit significant.
Final Words
The evolving assistive technology proves to be beneficial for every vertical of industry. It is not that implementing assistive technology is smooth. However, it also faces challenges. Notwithstanding that, the potential of assistive technology is far-flung, and no doubt about it.
