I got my dedicated device almost a year ago! Here’s how I got it.
Went to doctor and got referred to the assistive technology department at local rehab. I had already been using AAC full time for a long time due to total speech regression (diagnosed as apraxia of speech), and was in speech therapy to try to regain vocal words but it was not working at all.
I had an idea evaluation with a SLP and OT specifically who worked with AAC and got to trial a device. I had been using Proloquo2Go but decided with trial that touchchat with word power is better for me.
They handled the rest of the paperwork and got stuff from my doctor. Unfortunately my insurance changed in this time so there was a lot of delay. Also the original company I was going to go with insurance was being a pain, so I went with AbleNet
Once I switched to getting my device with AbleNet it only took a few weeks to get my device and they kept me updated the whole time!
Now that I have my device if I ever have issues or want to change the app I use or even change iPad size I can at any time for 5 years! I’ve found the company really good to work with.
like I’ll see a video of someone without mobility aids / medical devices and the primal protector in my brain goes “oh no 😰 someone catch them before they fall 🤲”
then I remember that 84% of gen pop just rawdogs life like the omnipresent forces of gravity aren’t threatening them with a rusty grapefruit spoon at every microscopic movement of their limbs
Hey Tumblr fam — I’ve been thinking a lot about how AI is already changing life for people with disabilities. It’s not just futuristic stuff. It’s happening now. Here’s a roundup, with real examples + some caveats:
✨ What AI is already doing
📱 Seeing, describing, navigating
Microsoft Seeing AI: Scan a page or a scene, and it will read text aloud, identify people and objects, recognize currency, etc. Opera Medium
Be My Eyes + “Be My AI”: Traditionally, Be My Eyes connected blind/low-vision users with volunteer helpers via live video. More recently, it added an AI mode (powered by GPT-4) so users can get instant image descriptions and follow-up questions without needing a human volunteer. Wikipedia
AI smart goggles: In India, innovators have created “smart goggles” with computer vision, face/object recognition, and audio feedback to help visually impaired users navigate real environments. The Times of India
🦾 Prosthetics, exoskeletons & motion support
AI in prosthetics: Modern prostheses use machine learning to interpret nerve signals (EMG) and adapt movement more fluidly, giving users more natural control. PMC ResearchGate IJISAE
Real-time adaptation & simulation models: AI simulation models are being employed within prosthetic systems to refine predictions about movement and adapt in real time. Nature
Hand exoskeletons / vision + sensors: Researchers built prototypes that use cameras + AI to assist with grasping or moving fingers for people with weak hand control. arXiv
Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL): A powered exoskeleton suit that reads biosignals (nerve/muscle signals) and helps amplify or support motion in paralyzed or low-mobility users. Wikipedia
🎤 Communication, control & inclusion
Eye tracking / gaze control & voice recognition: For people who can’t use traditional input devices, AI enables interfaces controlled via eye gaze or voice. UN Regional Information Centre AT&T Newsroom
Avatar robots / telepresence work: Some people unable to leave home can operate robots remotely (e.g. “avatar work”) to attend jobs, move physically in places, etc. arXiv arXiv
Music with eyes: The EyeHarp lets people with severe motor impairment produce music using eye or head movements as input. Wikipedia
Preserved voice via AI voice cloning: For people with conditions like ALS (who gradually lose speech capability), AI voice cloning can preserve a person’s natural voice so they can still “speak” with something close to their original voice. (E.g. collaborations by speech-synthesis firms and disability groups) The Times
⚠️ What we must also watch out for
AI isn’t perfect, and it has risks and blind spots (literally and figuratively). Here are a few concerns:
Bias & exclusion: Algorithms trained on “average” inputs often mess up when encountering non-standard features (e.g. facial differences, movement disabilities). UN Regional Information Centre UNDP
Voice recognition limitations: Many voice systems struggle with non-standard accents, speech impairments, or nonverbal communication styles. UNDP UN Regional Information Centre
Privacy & autonomy: Using AI to monitor movement, health signals, or behavior is powerful — but it risks surveillance or dependency if not designed with agency in mind.
Overreliance on tech: Not all environments (physical spaces, institutions) are built for AI solutions; plus, tech fails sometimes. We still need universal design and backup supports.
Access inequality: Not everyone has access to these tools (cost, connectivity, device support), so there’s a danger of widening the gap between who “benefits” and who doesn’t.
📝 Why this matters
Because for many disabled people, AI is more than convenience — it’s access. It’s the difference between being able to read a menu, walk independently, speak with loved ones, or do a job. AI can shift the balance of autonomy.
And when disabled creators and communities are part of the design process, the results are often more humane, effective, and just.
3 of 7 co-authors, including me, are Autistic AAC users with varying amounts of also-speech. School-Based Professionals' Knowledge of Autistic Speech and Augmentative and Alternative Communication Decision Making is based on a survey of school-based professionals. This paper looks at how school-based professionals define terms related to speech -- both more traditional terms like "speech", "no speech", "some/minimal speech", "functional speech", and "fluent speech" and more community-derived terms like "intermittent speech", "insufficient speech", and "unreliable speech."
The paper also looks at school-based professionals' accuracy in defining "intermittent speech", "insufficient speech", and "unreliable speech." The reason we care about their accuracy, however, is in the poster: Perception of Autistic Speech: Views of School-Based Professionals. Overall, speech language pathologists who were able to provide more accurate definitions of intermittent, unreliable, and insufficient speech showed more agreement that they do or would recommend AAC to autistic students.
The paper and poster both use the same survey as Autistic Communication: A Survey of School-Based Professionals, which came out late last year. But the survey it was based on was long and not everything fit.
If you want either or both papers from the survey, please let me know (inbox open)! The poster should be free.
As the world prioritizes inclusivity and mobility solutions, the 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 is witnessing significant growth. These innovative devices not only empower individuals with mobility impairments but also reflect advancements in technology and design.
𝑲𝒆𝒚 𝑻𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝑫𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕:
𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨: Electric wheelchairs are evolving with smart features such as obstacle detection, navigation systems, and connectivity options for enhanced user experience.
𝘾𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩: Manufacturers are focusing on ergonomic designs, adjustable seating options, and lightweight materials to improve comfort and usability.
𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙤𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: With a global increase in aging populations, there's a rising demand for electric wheelchairs that offer independence and mobility support.
𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩: Governments and organizations worldwide are implementing policies and initiatives to promote accessibility and improve the availability of assistive technologies.
𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮: Manufacturers are integrating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies into electric wheelchairs to minimize environmental impact.
The electric wheelchair market is poised for continued expansion, driven by technological innovation, demographic shifts, and a growing awareness of accessibility needs.
We all know someone who has frustrations about using digital tech to undertake day-to-day activities. Its not just about how to upload a document to an email or ordering shopping online, it is also important to note that the technology itself poses difficulties in its use. Many older peoples’ experience of new technology can often be summed up using the following comments that we have recorded…
