Removing the constraints of disability : how new technology is transforming the experience of disabilities

One billion people globally live with disabilities that are physical, sensory, psychiatric, neurological, cognitive, or intellectual. Their disabilities are dynamic and can be temporary or permanent, singular or plural, from birth or developed, and can change over time. People with disabilities face barriers to economic, social, political, and cultural participation. Assistive technology, artificial intelligence, and broader technology can amplify their inclusion, participation, and independence. This chapter will highlight emerging and evolving technologies, rooted in machine learning and neural networks, which assist across different disabilities and seek to improve the user’s sense of ability and independence. These include Seeing AI app, OXSIGHT, OrCam, Envision smart glasses, and Dot Watch for vision impairment; Ava app and cognitive hearing aid for hearing impairment; Liftware self-stabilising utensils for limited hand mobility; Eyegaze and Tobii – assistive technologies that allow users to control computer and smartphone screens with their eyes; and 3D printed prosthetics.