Assistive technology is defined as hardware and software specifically designed for use by individuals with physical disabilities.
| There are many types of technology that aid the visually impaired. These consist of Braille keyboards, large-print key overlays, and even screen reader technology. Screen reader technology is a software system that enables the user to be read the text information from the computer screen. |
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| photo taken from: http://www.eschenbach.com/products-video-magnifiers.htm |
In an effort to assist those people with disabilities, Google and other software companies have begun creating smartphone applications.
One app available is called RAY, which is available on the googleplay app store for Android devices. RAY was developed for the use of those who are visually impaired, but still independent. Some features of this app include voice operated messaging, eye free interface, audio books, and voice operated features.
Another very interesting app is called Magnify. Magnify allows the user to transform their smartphone into a magnifying glass via the camera. This app gives you the ability to zoom in on your selected target or take a negative image to better read text that could be too small.
Classic text to speech engine is another Android app easing the use of smartphones for those with an impaired sense of vision. In a number of different languages, classic text to speech allows the user to listen to their favorite e-books, navigation, and text messages without having to look at the phone.
My favorite app that I have researched was the RAY app. I think all the features of the app are really cool and I'm very interested in the eye free interface. I feel this is a great app and I can't wait to see what kind of apps will come out as smartphones become smarter.
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| The One Laptop Per Child project’s goal is to provide children in impoverished countries access to a rugged, low cost, low power laptop in order to increase education and attempt to bridge the digital divide. photo taken from: One.laptop.org |
Another initiative that I have found is called NT Mojo. NT Mojo offers Indigenous people, located in secluded areas of Australia, access to an iPhone kit. The iPhone kit is equipped with an iPhone 4, a mount for the camera, a multi directional microphone, and a small rechargeable LED light. Indigenous or Aboriginals are often suppressed and are discriminated against. The goal of this organization is not only to increase education of the Indigenous people, but to also give them a voice within the mainstream Australian community. Another initiative,brought about by the same company, was introduced in China called Ningbo Mojo. Ningbo Mojo has the same goal and offers many people within the country to become mobile journalists so they can tell the stories of their people.
An up and coming innovation is solar businesses and appliances. Bennu Solar, is a Hong Kong based company that provides a supply chain to companies based in Africa. Some solar appliances offered by this company are fans, televisions, refrigerators, solar water pumps, and even solar internet and wifi. This is very interesting and can be life changing and bringing in new technologies to the impoverished people in Africa. It can bring fresher foods, cleaner water and access to education remotely.
I am thoroughly impressed with the direction of new technological advances. Producing this type of technology is increasing the education and bringing awareness to those less fortunate. This will allow change for the better within these communities. I hope we can see more technology so we can bridge the global divide.
With all of the technological advancements in todays society, there lies a big problem known as e-waste. According to the EPA, there is an estimated 2.5 million tons of e-waste generated each year and only 25% of that is recycled. Not only does e-waste consist of paper-based trash, it is also comprised of electronic hardware, such as used ink and toner cartridges, broken or old computers, CDs, DVDs and even out of date mobile devices.
Many organizations and "green" companies have begun to put in regimens to diminish the amount of waste generated. Obviously, there are methods such as recycling used batteries and old electrical devices, but what else can we do to promote sustainability and take responsibility for our waste? Instead of opting to buy software, there is now an option to directly download it to your pc. There are also many large companies such as, HP, Sony, and Dell that allow you to trade in your pc towards the purchase of new devices. This is a great option because not only does the environment benefit, you have an incentive to go "green" as well! An organization known as The Green Grid, is motivated in helping call centers and businesses advance to more energy efficient methods.
As you can see there are many companies beginning to reduce the amount of e-waste generated. There are also many options for you as a consumer to reduce your own e-waste. Next time you think about buying that new iPhone, think about a recycling program or trade in service. Your old computers or phones can also be donated to help support victims of domestic abuse and setup programs for these survivors. All it takes is one step at a time to bring us closer in our goals of sustainability.
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| http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/e-waste-used-to-create-giant-installation-in-australia |
With all of the technological advancements in todays society, there lies a big problem known as e-waste. According to the EPA, there is an estimated 2.5 million tons of e-waste generated each year and only 25% of that is recycled. Not only does e-waste consist of paper-based trash, it is also comprised of electronic hardware, such as used ink and toner cartridges, broken or old computers, CDs, DVDs and even out of date mobile devices.
Many organizations and "green" companies have begun to put in regimens to diminish the amount of waste generated. Obviously, there are methods such as recycling used batteries and old electrical devices, but what else can we do to promote sustainability and take responsibility for our waste? Instead of opting to buy software, there is now an option to directly download it to your pc. There are also many large companies such as, HP, Sony, and Dell that allow you to trade in your pc towards the purchase of new devices. This is a great option because not only does the environment benefit, you have an incentive to go "green" as well! An organization known as The Green Grid, is motivated in helping call centers and businesses advance to more energy efficient methods.
As you can see there are many companies beginning to reduce the amount of e-waste generated. There are also many options for you as a consumer to reduce your own e-waste. Next time you think about buying that new iPhone, think about a recycling program or trade in service. Your old computers or phones can also be donated to help support victims of domestic abuse and setup programs for these survivors. All it takes is one step at a time to bring us closer in our goals of sustainability.
Citations:
Morley, D. (2015). Health, Access, and the Environment. In Understanding computers in a changing society (4th ed., pp. 276-284). Boston, MA: Course Technology, Cengage Learning.
RAY App for Visually Impaired - Android Apps on Google Play. (2015, November 5). Retrieved November 16, 2015, from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ray.manager&hl=en
Magnify - Android Apps on Google Play. (2011, December 10). Retrieved November 16, 2015, from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appdlab.magnify
Classic Text To Speech Engine - Android Apps on Google Play. (2012, September 28). Retrieved November 16, 2015, from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.svox.classic
Avila, E. (2012, January 26). Closing the Gap in Indigenous Australia with Mobile Journalism. Retrieved November 16, 2015, from https://rising.globalvoices.org/blog/2012/01/26/closing-the-gap-in-indigenous-australia-with-mobile-journalism/
Burum, I. (2012, April 20). Burum Media | NT Mojo. Retrieved November 16, 2015, from http://burummedia.com.au/nt-mojo/
Ariel, Y. (2015). About | Bennu Solar. Retrieved November 28, 2015, from http://bennu-solar.com/about/#.VlPfj4TIkVs
What You Can Do. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2015, from http://www.microsoft.com/environment/what-you-can-do/what-you-can-do.aspx
The Green Grid | Carbon, Water and Energy Efficiency Metrics, Measurements and Trends for Data Center Planning. (n.d.). Retrieved November 16, 2015, from http://www.thegreengrid.org
Morley, D. (2015). Health, Access, and the Environment. In Understanding Computers in a Changing Society (4th ed., pp. 282-284). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
