Empowering Individuals with Disabilities through Innovative Technology for a More Inclusive Society
Created By RISC | 2 years ago
Last modified date : 1 year ago
A well-being society means one in which every being, including plants and animals, has a happy environment. Furthermore, it is believed that interacting with people, plants, and animals brings happiness. In our current society, however, many people form groups and only interact with certain types of community. Those with physical or mental disabilities, especially, are restricted to closed, narrow communities by their disabilities. Individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), for example, cannot move their bodies freely but are otherwise like everyone else. Yet they have far fewer job opportunities, mainly because of arbitrary assumptions that people cannot work if they cannot move their bodies and their lack of opportunities to attend school and learn during childhood. This leads to their isolation from society and reinforces loneliness, which is a major challenge. So, how can we create a society in which they also can be happy? The answer is actually not difficult: it is the same as for us. They should participate in school from childhood, make friends, work, and feel that they are contributing to society. Of course, just like our own happiness, theirs is diverse. However, it is a reality that our current society sets high hurdles for them to have the broad connections with people and society that lead to happiness.
Some cutting-edge technologies and services have been developed to lower these hurdles and help individuals with disabilities participate in multiple communities, make new connections, and overcome loneliness.
Eye-Tracking Technology
Eye-tracking technology can enable us to type, paint, play some games by moving only our eyes. These capabilities open opportunities, including for employment. Through eye-tracking technology, people who cannot move their bodies or speak due to disabilities can now communicate and work on computers just like anyone else. With the right education and tools, they can even become creators and innovators. Various technologies have been developed to help people with disabilities communicate more easily, including products like the OriHime eye. These innovations demonstrate how technology can be used to address important challenges and improve people's quality of life. As engineers and innovators, we can create products with positive social impact.
Avatar Robotics: Harnessing Mutual Strengths for Collaborative Success
Avatar robots can help people who are unable to go out or bedridden by acting as their representatives and allowing them to communicate and meet new people. Small robots can even be carried on the shoulder like a buddy, opening opportunities for collaboration based on mutual strengths. Someone with impaired vision, for example, can use their avatar robot to explore the world. Someone who can see but cannot leave the house can serve as the eyes and ears of the person and provide a sense of adventure.
We should emphasize that technology can be developed to benefit those in need, even if it is a similar technology that can bring awareness. Instead of relying on AI-powered robots that still lack flexibility and human-like communication skills, why not develop robots as communication tools for people with disabilities? This way, we can create solutions that directly help those who are struggling.
Story by Difei Miao, CCUS Research Project Consultant, Nanotech Specialist, RISC
Reference
1) "A vision for a wellbeing society" by Nic Marks, New Economics Foundation
2) "Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect" by Matthew D. Lieberman
3) https://orylab.com/en/
4) https://youtu.be/91BjginKFeU