Australia is going more mobile now than ever before. In fact, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) highlights the growing mobile economy of the country, with exponential increase of usage, choice and mobility that come along with owning smart mobile devices.

Google Glass is one of the emerging mobile devices that are starkingly different from the conventional smart devices that most people use. An article from Perth Now reveals how this kind of wearable technology is providing greater independence and freedom to people with disability:

“OK Glass, what’s this?” With four short words, 31-year-old Kelly Schulz, 97 per cent blind since birth, is given a glimpse of what’s in front of her. Google’s head-mounted computer snaps a photo and a reads a description into her right ear.

“It is a male bathroom”, a computerised voice tells her. Other times, “it is a $20 note”, “a bottle of skim milk”, or “a can of BBQ baked beans”.

“These new technologies create opportunities to give people who are disabled in some way an opportunity to be much more part of the society,” says Dr Hugh Bradlow, Telstra’s chief technology officer. While wearables will add convenience to the average man on the street, the potential for people with disabilities in altogether more vast.

The amazing power of technology and innovation is aiding people with disabilities to live fuller lives now more than ever. Through the wearable device, people like Kelly Schulz don’t need to struggle in situations where they have to constantly find things by themselves. People with low vision need to be hands-free at all times, so the apps that help them identify the images through audio are crucial in their daily activities.

According to the Australian Network on Disability, there are over 4 million Australians with a disability. Currently, there are 357,000 people with low vision, while 1 in 6 persons are affected by hearing problems. These figures should push more companies to seek the assistance of Perth app developers, like those from Viper Online, to create mobile programs that cater to these people’s needs. Users can then interact with objects in the app to drive the interface even if they can’t see or hear it.

Mobile apps, like the one Schulz uses, show what is possible for people with disabilities in the future, especially those hard of hearing and with low vision. Creating opportunities for these people not only empowers business owners who want to promote their brand, but also strengthens their presence to their consumers. Companies should also take special note to look for a talented iPhone app developer in Perth to augment their efforts for Apple device users.

(Source: Google Glass and Telstra come to the help of the disabled, Perth Now, 5 May 2014)

This article was posted in Industry News.