Abstract
Technology has been contributing significantly to the development of assistive devices for disabled persons (DPs). Many of these devices aim to assist people who are blind or visually impaired, providing them with friendlier ways to interact with their surroundings (obstacles, objects, and navigation). However, the high cost of these devices makes it difficult for DPs to purchase them. The development of an assistive device kit to be used by the visually impaired in controlled environments (indoor) or urban spaces (outdoor) is presented in this work with a didactic and detailed approach. This low-cost kit (USD 50 per device) consists of a Smart Cane, Smart Cap, and Smart Glove. The methodology addressed aims to support and encourage the reproduction, customization, and manufacture of new assistive devices with low cost and wide applicability. The devices are functional, benefit usability, and, due to the characteristics of the project and the materials used in their construction, do not impact the ergonomics of the visually impaired or disabled person who may use these devices. The devices that integrate the assistive kit can be used independently or combined. In addition to having detection, fall-control, navigation, and real-time tracking functions, they are independent of additional local infrastructure for their use.
Highlights
The devices are functional, benefit usability, and, due to the characteristics of the project and the materials used in their construction, do not impact the ergonomics of the visually impaired or disabled person who may use these devices
Topics related to disabled person (DPs) and accessibility have increasingly gained society’s attention
Wearable [1], Internet of Things (IoT) [2], and Smart Clothing [3,4] technologies have a strong potential to improve the experience that disabled persons (DPs) have with the city, providing the necessary technological interfaces so that they can move, autonomously, in different environments of urban spaces
Summary
Topics related to disabled person (DPs) and accessibility have increasingly gained society’s attention. DP became more frequent and visible in various environments in the urban space. These advances are clear; to maintain their acquired rights and benefit from the advantages of living in an urban center, DPs still need to face several obstacles. DPs can have access to highly functional devices due to their low cost. These devices can be provided within controlled areas, such as university campuses, monitored visitation centers, museums, zoos, and parks, among others
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call