The Importance of Assistive Mobility

Assistive mobility is the ability to move and interact with your environment. It may be limited gradually, such as with a condition like multiple sclerosis or immediately when it is a result of a spinal cord injury or loss of limbs.

Assistive devices are a great way to help people with mobility issues thrive. Before you choose an assistive device, you need to receive a thorough evaluation by a qualified specialist.

four wheels electric mobility scooter can help people with disabilities overcome the effects of their limitations on their everyday lives. The devices are divided into different categories according to the specific needs of the person. They range from basic equipment like walking sticks and adapted cups to computer hardware that is specialized and motorized wheelchairs. The devices are also adapted to specific settings like home, school, and community.

A variety of assistive technologies are not suitable for rural/remote areas and low-income countries, and they must be matched to the individual's requirements and environmental conditions. The most appropriate technologies are inexpensive, simple and effective that utilize local skills, tools and materials and are easily maintained. They should be based on a human-centered design and accessible to those with disabilities.

The selection of assistive technology is a difficult process, and it's essential to work with an experienced AT team. The team should include various professionals in the field, such as family physicians as well as regular education teachers, special education teachers and rehabilitation engineers. Other experts may include occupational therapists and speech language pathologists.

A good assistive technology team should include a person who has a disability. They are the best source of information about assistive technology and can help guide you in your decision-making. In addition, they can explain the operation of the device and give you an opportunity to try it out.

A good example of a suitable assistive technology is the ear molds used by Koris who is deaf living in the East Sepik province of Papua New Guinea. Koris was incapable of sending her daughter who is deaf to school because of her hearing loss. However, thanks to CBR workers from Callan Services for Disabled Persons trained in this area she was able to find schools for children with hearing impairments and was able to enroll her.

CBR programmes can also be used to teach local artisans on the repair of small assistive devices. This can help reduce the need to travel for repair and maintenance which can make disabled people reluctant to use their devices. For instance an national disabled persons' organization in Lebanon created production units for wheelchairs and other assistive devices and distribution, repair and maintenance workshops throughout the country.

Navigation Apps

Navigating one's surroundings can be difficult for everyone, but it is especially problematic for those who are visually impaired. In the past, blind people relied on others for directions however, now there is many navigation apps that help blind people navigate with confidence and independence. These apps offer features like audio descriptions, GPS technology, and adaptive functions. They offer unimaginable levels of accessibility and freedom.

Google Maps, Commute Booster and other navigation apps are among the most well-known on the market. They provide a broad array of features that are able to cater to the specific needs of each individual. The former, for example provides global offline capabilities that allows users to download maps of specific regions without the need for data to navigate. The latter however provides real-time updates of public transportation schedules and routes, allowing users to plan their trips ahead of time and reach their destinations faster.

They are also designed to focus on safety, making sure that drivers adhere to road rules and taking appropriate precautions on their travels. For example, some offer the ability to monitor lane lines to ensure that drivers are staying on the correct side of the road. Meanwhile, others feature voice-guided navigation which will alert you of obstacles or pedestrian crossings. These apps can also save parked locations which can be especially useful for those who have difficulty remembering where they left their car.

Other features that can enhance user experience include multi-modal navigation, which allows users to plan and navigate across diverse landscapes with the flexibility of a variety of modes of transportation. Furthermore, some apps allow personal preferences to be saved, which allows users to exclude toll roads and specific areas from their travels and create a personalized experience that is based on personal preference.

Certain navigation apps provide tactile feedback via vibrations, while others provide audio cues that inform users about their surroundings. They can also provide step-bystep instructions, which allow users to learn how to complete complex tasks with ease and confidence. This will help users develop skills that enable and empower them whether they're navigating an unfamiliar environment or just getting to their job.

Complex venues

The accessibility of mobility for large venues like stadiums or airports might seem difficult initially. There are many ways to ensure that those who are disabled do not have any barriers in public places. It is important to provide aids that are specifically tailored to their requirements, not generic ones they might come across in a store or when renting wheelchairs. CBR programs can help find local artisans interested in creating custom orthoses and provide training.

Other measures include accessible counters at checkouts as well as information desks. Access to elevators and escalators are essential, as well as large aisles that allow wheelchairs to turn or make a u-turn. In addition, indoor wayfinding apps like Evelity developed by Okeenea are helpful to help those with physical disabilities understand their environment and navigate it.


Freedom

In low- and middle-income countries only 5-15% of people who need assistive technology have access to it. This is due to limited production capacity and a lack of resources. Some people do not know the importance of assistive technology.

A thorough assessment is required to ensure that assistive equipment is appropriate for the individual. This includes a medical exam, a physical examination, and a discussion about the person's goals. This is crucial to ensure the proper provision of power mobility along with other kinds of assistive devices. A poor choice or inadequate fitting could cause discomfort, frustration and other conditions such as pressure sores.

The goal of assistive mobility is to allow a person to move freely throughout their surroundings, including school, home, and in the community. This freedom is a right that is explicitly recognized in the section 6 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Mobility aids can be a life-changing device that boosts independence, increases self-confidence and contributes to greater social inclusion. It can also enhance the quality of life for those who need it and retain or restore functional capabilities. For many people with disabilities who have suffered injuries or become disabled, assistive mobility allows them to regain aspects of their life that they've lost or never enjoyed.

Freedom Mobility provides transportation and mobility solutions for disabled veterans and first-responders. Freedom Mobility is backed and partnered by foundations and national corporations who are determined to give back to wounded heroes of the military and civilian world.

Freedom Mobility is also committed to delivering a superior experience for its customers through the provision of a client centric mobility outcomes tool. This tool offers evidence of improvement in functional capacity and permits routine monitoring by an accredited RESNA APT. The company is then able to implement immediate preventative measures to reduce the risk of negative health consequences, such as skin breakdown or the development of pressure ulcers. This means less time spent in hospital for clients, greater autonomy and the ability to remain active and involved in their communities and work.