- By 2010, the number of people living with disabilities grew exponentially. "More people are living longer, but not living better," says Smith. Given this change, tech needs to think about "hacking" and digital innovation differently. Smith discusses the My Shelter Foundation as an example of innovating differently. They use low-tech solutions to bring light into the basic shelters of people without electricity. The idea is to "create innovation from things around us," says Smith.
"Create innovation from things around us." - @kelsmith #bootstrapp- Emerging technologies have the potential to change the lives of people with disabilities. From using apps to re-teach a child how to reach or to communicate with a severely autistic child, to using floor interfaces for people with limited reach, new technologies can bring new levels of access for people with disabilities.
computers are being created that have floor interfaces so those w no arms can still easily interact w/ OS. #bootstrapp
#bootstrapp: new sensor tech can help ppl with disabilities live independently, like shoes that detect obstacles for the visually impaired- Hacking communications technology is not new for people with disabilities. Advancements in communications tech like the typewriter originated as a hack for a visually impaired person, explained Smith. Today, gamification of medical technology can improve compliance in treatment for children. Smith points to a software that turns respiratory hygiene breathing treatment into game that engages users in a visualization of their breathing patterns.
- #bootstrapp: panelist's company created a respiratory hygiene that turned breathing treatment for kids into a game to improve compliance.
- #bootstrapp: Gamification for ppl with disabilities by encouraging them to continue in Physical Therapy,… http://instagr.am/p/WxYxNUEl5Q/ YxNUEl5Q/
- Hacking tech for people with disabilities can manifest in many forms. For example, food access is an issue for people with disabilities. The AisleWon app coordinates with local farmers to strategically place food trucks with fresh vegetables near fast food restaurants, then promotes the locations of the trucks to users. By bringing food to food deserts, the app reduces the barriers to access for families living in those areas.
- #bootstrapp: food access is more complicated for ppl with disabilities contributing to worse health outcomes.
- #bootstrapp: Urban farm in Baltimore parks produce trucks in front of fast food restaurants to give ppl a a healthy choice
- Finally, Smith discussed how access to health records impact digital outcasts. Many hospitals, medical institutions, and professionals are resistant to the digitization of health records. However, lack of access to a patient's health records limits their agency in participating in their own health care.
- #bootstrapp: Another issue for access is medical records. Hospitals & physicians are slow and resistant to technology & access.
- #bootstrapp: designers must understand the experience of people with disabilities before they can design… http://instagr.am/p/WxZwU6kl6P/ ZwU6kl6P/
- Hear more about digital outcasts and how they are leading technology innovation to create access for people with disabilities, check out my interview with Kel Smith above.
As seen on
sxtxstate.com
Digital Outcasts: The New Bootstrapping
Anikto's Kel Smith discusses the most innovative hackers in communications tech today: people with disabilities.
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