The Impact of Emerging Technology for Individuals with Disabilities

Mainstream devices like touch-screen computing and body tracking motion controllers were originally intended for the general public, however these technologies have application that address functional needs for people with disabilities. In this presentation Gaby de Jongh and Maria Kelley will delve further into the arena of emerging technologies. They will discuss what new types of wearable electronics are being developed to help monitor health needs, store data and deliver feedback to the wearer and to health care professionals, and can then deliver medication remotely. The speakers will discuss how we use technology to bridge the gap between our digital devices and our physical world, allowing us to interact with devices and information via gestures. They will also address ethical issues surrounding in-home monitoring of the individual using Smart Home technology, environmental control, and complete home automation. Finally, the speakers will showcase devices that were specifically developed to address specific functional needs of individuals with disabilities, such as smart memory aids for individuals with cognitive disabilities, speech controlled devices that allow individuals with physical disabilities to perform multiple functions hands free, 3D printing as a teaching tool for individuals with visual impairments, smart apps that allow deaf or hard of hearing individuals to have face to face communication with hearing individuals in real time, and the importance and implications of crowd source funding in reaching the financial goals of developing these types of technologies.

Live Closed-captioning will be provided for this event.