A brief snapshot of three of many adaptive technologies out there (in a rapidly expanding field!).
Braille Edge 40 Display
The Braille Edge 40 Display is a refreshable Braille display that is largely accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. The Edge 40 is compact in comparison to other designs and has a large number of features that allow the user to connect to technology efficiently. Features include iPhone compatibility via Bluetooth, USB port, jack for a traditional power adapter, and a rechargeable battery. The Edge 40 is a “smart display” which renders it capable of reading, interpreting, and writing text and Braille files from an SD card. This allows the user to switch from writing in Braille to take notes to reading a book without connecting it to a cellular device.
Stabilizer Pontoons with Brackets
In the description of this technology, these pontoons are called ‘training wheels’, which insinuates they make it much easier to balance the boat. This technology has been around for quite some time, but it caters to two categories of people: beginning rowers and adaptive rowers. They allow the boat to alway stay afloat and avoid capsizing, which is a major concern if a rower cannot walk or has a similar condition. The pontoons are constructed out of polyethylene and have brackets so they can be easily and quickly attached to a boat.
Cochlear Implant
While not a new technology, the cochlear implant is a stalwart in the realm of adaptive technologies and continues to become more effective and precise as software and hardware improve. The cochlear implant is more functional than a hearing aid, picking up sound in a microphone and transmitting the signal to a computer worn behind the ear. The signal is then transferred to a digital signal and then transferred to the implant within the ear itself. This signal allows the user to hear by stimulating the auditory nerve. This technology is still being developed with background noise serving as the main issue.