Barrier-Free Technology Benefits Everyone

When you think of technology, what comes to mind? Smartphones, laptops, tablets? These items are some of the most commonly used pieces of technology in the world today. But what you may not know is that all of these devices were originally designed for people with disabilities.

Technology That Was Originally Designed for People with Disabilities

Let’s deep dive into technology that was originally created for people with disabilities, but are now used by everyone.

The Smartphone.

Touchscreens were invented when a man with a disability who found it painful to press buttons on his phone. This man, Wayne Westerman, created touchscreens to replace buttons for people with disabilities like his. Apple bought the technology and used it in the iPhone.

The accessibility features that made touch screens useful for those with disabilities, such as enlarged text and voice recognition, have also proven beneficial for the general population. The ease and convenience of being able to simply tap or swipe on a screen has revolutionized the way we interact with technology.

Cruise Control

The first cruise control system was invented by Ralph Teetor, who was blind himself in 1950. There are many theories around why he created it. Some argue that he created it for people with physical disabilities who have trouble keeping their foot on the gas pedal for long periods of time, while others argue it was because when his lawyer drove him places, he didn’t drive at a steady speed.

Nonetheless, what was then known as a ‘Speedostat’ has now become a standard feature in many cars. It not only helps those with disabilities maintain a steady speed, but it also allows all drivers to take a break from constantly adjusting the gas pedal during long drives. It's used by millions of drivers every day, both with and without disabilities, to make driving long distances more comfortable and convenient.

ID: A car’s dashboard with cruise control function turned on.

Bendable Straws

The first bendable straw was originally patented by a man name Marvin Chester Stone in 1888. It was later patented in 1937 by an inventor named Joseph Friedman who designed it as a way to help people with limited mobility drink independently. Today, bendable straws are used by millions of people around the world who need assistance drinking or who simply prefer not to use a traditional straight straw.

This bendable straw has been used as a case for "universal design," a mode of thinking that tries to make products accessible to as many people as possible.

Electric Toothbrushes

The first electric toothbrush was invented by Dr. John Boyd Dean in 1939. It was originally developed as a way to help his patients with disabilities, specifically limited mobility or dexterity in their hands, brush their teeth more easily. Electric toothbrushes have now become a popular choice for anyone looking to improve their oral hygiene, or appreciate the convenience and effectiveness. While they have come a long way since their inception, they owe their existence to Dr. John Boyd Dean's original design.

ID: Three toothbrushes with different colours are placed on a black, pink and white panel.

Closed Captioning

Closed captioning was first developed in the 1970s to help deaf and hard of hearing individuals access television programming. Today, it is used by a wide range of people for various reasons. Some use it to better understand accents or mumbled dialogue, while others use it for language learning or simply to watch TV without disturbing others.

This technology has also expanded beyond just television screens. Closed captioning is now available on streaming platforms, in movie theaters, and even on social media videos.

Conclusion

While these technologies were initially designed with accessibility in mind, their incorporation into mainstream devices has made them convenient and beneficial for all users. So next time you're using any of these technologies, remember their humble beginnings and appreciate how far we've come.

When organisations implement accessible measures in their business, they send a clear message that they welcome all guests and are committed to making their facilities and services accessible to everyone. It's important to continue supporting advancements that make technology accessible for all individuals, as it not only improves their quality of life but also leads to innovative developments that can benefit everyone.