Wearable Tech for People with Disability

Wearable technology encompasses innovations such as wearable computers or devices; augmented reality (AR); and virtual reality (VR). The existing wearable technology market is dominated by a small number of devices, such as smart glasses, watches and fitness bands – many interact with smartphones and tablets via apps to track users’ sleep, health, and movement.

Today’s wearable technology makes it a lot further, encompassing a litany of daily life activities. Wearable technology allows people with disabilities to perform functions that were nearly impossible a few years ago. For example, hearing aids can now be adjusted using a smartwatch allowing those with hearing disabilities to communicate easily, regardless of their current environment.

Wearable technology has the potential to minimize the effects of disability by substituting for loss of function. Individuals with memory loss can be given daily reminders by accessing memory cueing apps via their smart device.

In addition, wearable technology is often transferable to the ageing population. For example, a GPS-enabled device that helps someone with visual impairment navigate the streets could also help adult children keep track of their parents with dementia. Handsfree wearables are also important to users who want efficient access to information, as well as the ability to access it independently.

In this edition of “Wear It Live” we invite experts from all related fields to discuss wearable technologies for the disabled and foresee the challenges and the opportunities existing in the industry.