How Assistive Technologies for Physical Disabilities Can Contribute to Sustainable Development Goals
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.3 billion people live with significant disability. They represent about 16% of the global population, so people with disabilities must be included in conversations about sustainability, mainly with the goal of promoting inclusivity and accessibility across sustainable development efforts.
For instance, a previous post highlighted how education solutions can be made more sustainable and tailored to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Specialized tutoring techniques for basic literacy skills can support learning disorders like dyslexia. Meanwhile, assistive technology can help those with physical or mobility issues caused by conditions like cerebral palsy excel in academics and extracurricular activities.
In light of these examples, it’s worth exploring how exactly assistive technologies for people with physical disabilities can contribute to inclusive education and other sustainable development goals (SDGs). This article also highlights specific examples of assistive tools and their connection to education, inclusion, and well-being.
The role of assistive technology in achieving the SDGs
Assistive technology refers to products, equipment, and systems that help individuals with disabilities learn, work, and perform daily activities. For those with physical disabilities like blindness, hearing loss, and loss of mobility, assistive aids can range from devices that support or enhance the basic senses to software that helps individuals use mobile devices, screen readers, alternative communication systems, and computers.
Since the form and function of assistive technologies can be wide-ranging, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Political Science compiled case studies to find out how they can advance SDGs and ensure that the pledge to “Leave No One Behind” is achieved.
Through the effective use of assistive technologies in homes, classrooms, and workplaces, the study found that these disability aids can contribute to the specific SDGs of providing quality education (SDG4), improving health and well-being (SDG3), and reducing inequalities (SDG10).
In the following section, we list examples of these technologies that help people with physical disabilities receive quality education and enjoy inclusive, productive, and healthier lives.
Examples of assistive tools for people with physical disabilities
Hearing aid glasses that foster social inclusion
People who are hard of hearing can feel left out in social situations due to communication barriers, which can then hinder their ability to participate in all areas of life. In this light, the technology company Nuance has developed hearing aid glasses as an invisible hearing solution that streamlines audio clarity for those with mild to moderate hearing concerns.
Through its proprietary beamforming technology that reduces background noise, hard-of-hearing individuals can experience real-time conversations with little to no delays and interruptions. These hearing glasses from Nuance are available in wearable frame styles and prescription options, which can be especially useful for individuals with combined vision and hearing impediments.
Audio players that enable quality education
Meanwhile, students with vision loss or impairments can experience learning difficulties, such as being unable to see what’s written on the blackboard or whiteboard and having trouble reading and writing. To reduce the likelihood of vision-impaired students dropping out of school, the global development organization Light for the World provides classrooms with audio recorders and players that help bridge the learning gap.
Specifically, the Evo E10 Daisy recorder/players aid vision-impaired students in recording lessons and later translating them to Braille so they don’t get left behind. The device’s audio prompts can also serve as a reading system that enables students to access the same textbooks and learning materials as their peers.
Mobility devices that enhance health and safety
Lastly, individuals with limited mobility due to diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy can benefit from mobility devices like wheelchairs, adaptive strollers, manual or powered scooters, canes, and gait trainers or walkers. Not only can these aids reduce the risk of injuries through safer navigation, but they can also improve the overall quality of life for people with DMD by helping them gain independence in performing daily activities like eating, walking, shopping, and riding transportation.
Overall, assistive technology can clearly contribute to the SDGs, thus urging governments, companies, organizations, and the broader society to make them more accessible for individuals with disabilities.