Using technology to level the playing field @ BEYOND PLATITUDES Some apps, websites that help the differently abled lead a fuller life in India

Using technology to level the playing field

BEYOND PLATITUDES Some apps, websites that help the differently abled lead a fuller life in India

Having been exposed to the difficulties of people suffering from physical impairments rather early in life, it is one of the things that this writer looks at in-depth, especially while travelling around the world: How do different countries, governments, local bodies, and even companies, adapt, integrate or welcome differently-abled people into the so-called mainstream of life. 

Way back in the 1980s, this writer had an aunt who had been left wheelchairbound by a polio attack. She had an electric scooter for personal mobility, yet it was tough to get around, maintain friends and most of all, get ‘acceptability’ in society. India is far far behind global standards on this front — parking spots for the disabled in upmarket shopping complexes, for instance, are invariably usurped by shopkeepers; our religious places couldn’t care less about differently-abled people either. 

Estimates put the number of differently-abled people in India at roughly 80 million. Using technology to help solve their problems is a great use of resources. This is the story of such companies that are trying to make a difference.

INCLOV (www.inclov.com)

Tinder has changed the way the world is getting into relationships. But for a differently-abled person, finding love, or finding a date, are difficult propositions. Enter, Inclov, which has in the past been known as Lovability, The Matrimony Project and Wanted Umbrella. 

It is available as an app for Android phones only. The app works just like Tinder or Truly Madly — the difference being that you can specify the kind of disability you may prefer in your partner. There is even a section “No Disability or Disorder”. Once you setup your profile and the typical profile you are looking for, the app works like Tinder. 

The app lets you set up large type sizes for easy readability, and is also compatible with screen readers for people with visual impairment. In our tests, we found some issues in terms of navigating, and felt it could do with some improvements to make it more disabled friendly. 

Inclov also organises meetups where you can meet and interact with like-minded people.

BILLIONABLES (www.billionables.com)

When you move out of the major metros, you find that accessibility and availability of resources are major challenges. Billion Ables is trying to change this. It is an e-commerce platform that lets you purchase various aids that help you live a better life. From mobility to visual, hearing to daily aids, the list is long and the portfolio large. 

Be it a Braille watch, an automatic stair climber or even an accessible tour to Nepal, you can buy all this and more on Billion Ables. The team behind the company is working hard, but the site does have its limitations. For instance, it only lets you increase the type size, so is not really clued in to people with other kinds of disabilities.

JOURNEYS WITHOUT BARRIERS (www. travelanotherindia.com)

Part of a travel company called Travel Another India, Journeys Without Barriers (or JWB, as they are called) has been working on enabling travel for people with disabilities and senior citizens with limited mobility, or other impairments. JWB designs tours to include stepfree entrances, narrow wheel chairs to help you travel, as well as height-appropriate furniture wherever you stay. Their tour Himalaya on Wheels is tailor-made with PAGIR [People’s Action Group on Inclusion and Rights] to explore the mountains, passes, rivers and lakes of Ladakh with friends and family, keeping in mind the specific needs of the elderly.

BARRIER BREAK (barrierbreak.com)

The Motto at Barrier Break is creating a limitless future for people, and they have been enabling differentlyabled people for a very long time. With a limited catalogue of devices similar to what Billion Ables offers, Barrier Break also has workshops that help you get an in-depth understanding of accessibility and assistive technology, and also customise technology solutions for the differently abled.

Source | Hindustan Times | 19 April 2016

Regards

Pralhad Jadhav

Senior Manager @ Library

Khaitan & Co

Upcoming Event | National Conference on Future Librarianship: Innovation for Excellence (NCFL 2016) during April 22-23, 2016.

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