By MATP Staff Member M. Catherine McAdam
If you do a Google search you’ll find several commentaries on how the smart phone is bridging the digital divide, and then a few questioning the reality of this generalized statement.
Pew research and disability continues to show a significant divide.
- Pew Internet Video
- Pew Internet and Disability
It still holds true that there are income, racial, age, rural, and disability barriers. An excellent blog article on using apps for memory brought this issue to mind, as it discussed options for using apps without being online. The program also had a rental program for unlocked “old” phones that still allow for use of apps that don’t require an online connection.
- Apps that do not need Wi-Fi
I strongly believe that we owe it to all to show the possibility of technology even if they currently don’t have an online option. The Pew research points out a primary reason for this. Many who are not currently online at home or via a cell connection are not because they don’t see the relevance and/or know they will need help to learn to use the technology. Our demonstration programs show the possibility, hope and relevance of technology.
So, we want to keep in mind what can be used without WIFI while opening the door for the future! There are good examples of apps that do not require Wi-Fi, one most recent for blind/ visually impaired, or those with learning disabilities, is the KNFB Mobile APP. Although priced at $100, even with the cost of an iPod or iPhone it is not as costly as computer based software or standalone scanning machines and is worth exploring.
Dictation apps, some free, have also proven quite useful, and although they may require Wi-Fi, they may prove to be a valuable option. And remember libraries, schools, coffee shops friends and families, often have Wi-Fi, and now you may choose to bring your own device with apps along – if you have one.
Certainly the new world of “App Land” is helpful for people who have disabilities. These two Success stories from our demonstration projects show how apps can help:
- Age 91+ iPad = Independence
- A whole new world
Can you suggest an app that doesn’t require Wi-Fi for consideration?
What do you think of having a smartphone rental program available for people with disabilities?
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She has access to some magnifiers from a relative who died a few years ago and these are helpful. We’ve also arranged for a device demonstration from MATP. Several sites around the site have low vision assistive technology. Sometimes the adaptations can be simple, like they were for Kathleen, who received a demonstration recently from MATP. You can read her story on our web page “The Simple Things“.
Cardboard and paint can work wonders to turn a wheelchair into amazingly 
creative trucks, cars, pirate ships, even the Batmobile! Walkers can also be decorated and covered as part of the costume. In one example, a young boy in a reverse walker added a jet back and rockets to the back of his walker, becoming one cool astronaut. For more examples of costumes that incorporate assistive technology check out the article and pictures on fireflyfriends.
decibel emergency siren and voice message for people who are blind/low vision/doing things in other rooms and a visual flashing LED readout for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Its information comes from the national weather service, is programmed for your area (using SAME technology—Specific Area Message Encoding), and gives details on what type of emergency is headed your way—tornado, thunderstorm, civil emergency, or other hazards. It has battery back-up and is trilingual (English, Spanish, French). This AT for emergencies could be used to give you as much notice as possible that severe weather or some other disaster is headed your way so that you can make plans accordingly. This is especially helpful for people with mobility disabilities who may need more time to move to a safer location. Pretty handy and useful for around $25.