4 Gadgets to use in Today’s World

Feb 05, 2014
Tagged with: 4 Gadgets to use in Today's World

Assistive Technology is making it easier for people with disabilities to use the computer, call their loved ones, and travel from place to place. A new line of gadgets is helping people with disabilities become more independent. From computing accessories for paraplegics to specialized alarm clocks for people who are deaf, these products are practical solutions to help with daily living. Checkout the available technological options to help you participate in todays computerized world!  

Foot Mouse

People who are injured or have a disability might have trouble using the computer if they don’t have full use of their arms or hands. A pair of accessories is making it easier for these users to log on. The Footime Foot Mouse from InkyDoo.com enables users to scroll, toggle and click their computer cursors with their feet. The mouse also features programmable buttons for website shortcuts and an on-screen window that demonstrates all functions. Coupled with an on-screen keyboard, Footime allows people to use their computers hands-free. The Windows 7 on-screen keyboard has word prediction, so it’s easier for Foot Mouse users to type.

Tablet Apps

If you or your children have a developmental disability, a high-quality tablet or smartphone may help. There are a plethora of apps that can help assist anyone. Verizon Insider’s Guide highlights a handful including TapToTalk, a subscription-based app loaded with 2,600 images to help non-verbal children communicate. This augmentative and alternative communication solution is part of a wider AAC platform that uses pictures instead of text. Other great solutions like Cool Reader functions for children with Dyslexia, and The Scholastic Reading Timer is ideal for kids with ADHD.

Google Glass

Search-giant Google shook up the technology industry when it introduced the first computing headset, Google Glass. With its ability to receive voice commands, this device is especially significant to those people with disabilities. Google Glass brings many of the functions of a smartphone to eye level. Those without the ability to use smartphones can still record video, get directions and browse the web on a moment’s notice. Google Glass is still in beta testing, but it should be released to the public sometime in 2014. People who are not able to conventionally use their tablets and smartphones will love the convenience of this hands-free device.

Vibrating Alarm Clock

Most adults depend on the loud clatter of an alarm to wake them up in the morning. People with hearing-impairments might need some other sort of catalyst to disturb their slumber. Harris Communications addressed this concern with its Alarm Clock Pro Vibrating Clock. Not only does this device vibrate to alert sleepers, it also features four flashing LED lights. The smart snooze options gradually reduces from nine to two-minute intervals. The Harris Communications Alarm Clock Pro provides the perfect tool to start the day off right.

Portable Grabber

High-tech electronics are fun, but many people are missing out on the convenience of a portable grabber. The TeleStik AD3000 is the Rolls Royce of reacher grabbers. This TeleStik features a telescoping arm that extends to 34 inches. This portable reacher is handy around the house, at the grocery store or in the car. For people who use a wheelchair, a portable grabber is an inexpensive, life-changing device.

What other gadgets do you know that benefit people with disabilities? Are there any tech items that benefit you? Let us hear your comments.

Author: Gizelle Lachey

Gizelle Lachey is a recent college graduate from the University of Washington. There she studied Speech and Language Sciences and loves the thought of one day working with children with speech disabilities. In college, she got to opportunity to work with children and observe therapy sessions. After college, she moved to Arizona and she enjoys the sunny weather. She has a love for cats, and recently bought a tabby kitten named Prince Harold. On the weekends, she loves to hang out with friends and hike the amazing mountains in Arizona. Gizelle also does a little bit of blogging and charity on the side. She has a passion for giving back to the community. She loves meeting new people and plans on moving to a bigger city in a couple of years.


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  • bobl07

    I am so thankful for some of the smart phone technology. To be able to voice text messages comes in so handy for a person like myself who does a lot multi tasking. Thanks for the tips on the newest gadgets.

  • glachey

    Yes, I think it’s wonderful and technology is advancing each day so new things will be coming to help out. I think this article gives great tips and I hope it is helpful for your readers. :)

  • sheepboy

    What about a device for foot drop to prevent stumbling and falls, broken bones, bruises and scrapes, and embarrassment? The common device for this condition is called the AFO. A rigid, sometimes hinged, plastic device made from a mold of one’s foot, ankle, and shin nearly up to the knee. You wear it in your shoe. Usually requiring a bigger shoe for that foot, it still causes discomfort, irritation, and loss of circulation. I know because I wore one for several years and no matter how many times it was adjusted it was never really comfortable. I would compare it to dragging your foot around in a stiff container. The muscles got no strengthening exercise and most people have to hike-up at the hip or swing the leg to walk. Then one day I found an electronic device that would stimulate the nerve(s) to my foot and it was like a big weight was gone. I could wear normal shoes, my foot picked up much better, The AFO held my foot to no more flex down than 90 degrees and caused my knee to flex forward to a permanently bent position. But one problem, affording it. My insurance and Medicare will pay for AFOs and adjustments all day long, but not the Electronic Stimulating Device. Although they have been around for some time and proven to work these agencies refer to ESDs as experimental and wont pay. When will they come into the 21st. century and quit wasting money, creating hardship and pain, and help handicapped people live better more productive lives at less overall expense?

  • bobl07

    Thank you for your comments. I agree. There are so many durable medical devices that would help so many people, but why they won’t cover I do not know.