New Innovative Tools for People with Disabilities

Welcome Bloggy Fans - This week I have to blog about technology for the disabled, for Computer Information Technology School. There are a couple different pieces of technology I found during my research I want to talk about.

The first is a neat laptop style computer for Autistic kids.  Autism affects 1 in 150 kids. Teaching these kids can be a challenge for parents and caregivers. These computers were designed by a Boston firm called Continuum. It allows teachers to use cards and sounds for positive feedback to teach basic concepts.  It shows promise in helping Autistic kids learn to communicate.  The price for these computers is not listed, but they were designed by the same company that designed the One Laptop per Child laptops, which only cost $100. 

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/linda-tischler/design-times/can-good-design-help-autistic-kids-learn

Another neat piece of technology I found is a software program that can be loaded on a tablet PC which allows people with communication difficulties from autism, stroke, birth defects, and deafness, among other issues to communicate by taping or touching the appropriate part of the screen.  This program is surprisingly affordable.  It is only $30 for the software.  There is also a monitoring service that allows the program to connect the patient to family and friends via standard internet connections. 

http://www.touchntalk.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=4

I think these are pretty cool ways to use technology to help out disabled people.  Being able to communicate can allow disabled people to live a fuller life. These guys seem to get the coolest toys.