At CES 2024, many companies will provide accessibility for people with physical disabilities. New devices, gadgets, and technology have given everyone access to things that most people take for granted.
When I first heard at CES that there was a device that would let people control their computers and smartphones with their mouths, I thought it was one of those crazy, weird gimmicks you always see on the show floor.
I was wrong. A mousepad from a company called Augmental helps people who can't control a computer mouse or tap or swipe a smartphone screen.
“We work with people who have spinal cord injuries, quadriplegia, etc.,” Corbin Halliwell explained, playing a game of chess on his smartphone using a mousepad.
The mouse pad is Bluetooth enabled and fully rechargeable. It fits into a person's mouth just like any other mouthpiece. It was so small that I didn't notice Halliwell wearing it.
When you move your tongue over the sensor, your tongue becomes a computer mouse.
“This month, we will begin working with an ALS patient who is so advanced that he has lost control of his arm,” Halliwell said.
Another new technology gadget helps deaf people play video games just like hearing people.
“Audio Radar allows gamers who are deaf or hard of hearing to hear sounds and see video games.” said Tim Murphy, who invented the device after realizing how difficult it was to do so.
Brenden Gilbert stopped playing a multiplayer game because he couldn't hear what was going on behind him. He was always getting shot in matches.
Gilbert said through an interpreter that audio radar equipment will help identify sounds and special effects.
“We are changing the sound to a visual representation of where the sound is coming from in the game,” Gilbert signed through an interpreter.
“Intense scenery in the lights means more action is happening depending on where it appears on the screen. You can see where the action is happening or where the sound is coming from. Indicates whether there is a
Another innovative technology I discovered is a gyro glove that helps people with mild hand tremors from Parkinson's disease.
“This is the world's first medical device to utilize a mechanical gyroscope, as it employs a high-performance gyroscope and is encapsulated in the back of the hand,” said Dr. Fai Ong, the glove's inventor. .
Two people who suffer from Parkinson's disease were at the booth and explained how it can help them on a daily basis.
Roberta Wilson-Garrett said she could go days without gloves, unable to write or eat. With her gloves on, she had no idea she had Parkinson's disease.
“Not only has my shaking stopped now, but my shoulders no longer rotate,” she said.
Tim Fredericks also has Parkinson's disease and underwent surgery to relieve the tremors in his hands. But the surgery left him unable to straighten his arm, throwing him off balance.
“When I put that glove on, all I could do was extend my arm and look. It's amazing,” he said. Adding this will also help you maintain balance. It was a pleasant surprise.
Many of the accessibility devices on the CES show floor are now available on the company's website.
