Shopping for your loved ones during the holidays is stressful. And that stress can increase if you are shopping for someone with a disability. While technology has advanced over the years to accommodate people with disabilities, it can still be tricky to find the right item. So if you are in need of gift ideas for people with disabilities, we’ve got you covered.
Disability-Friendly Smartphones
The Sesame smartphone is specifically designed for people with disabilities. The phone is completely touch-free and controlled by head movements. The device works by having its front-facing camera track the person’s movements and then the computer vision algorithms create a cursor that is controlled by those head movements. The phone is also integrated with voice control, so even turning it on doesn’t require pressing a button.
Prosthetic Socks
We all know about the classic “tube socks” present, but socks actually can be a great, practical gift, especially for someone with an amputated leg or foot. Prosthetic socks provide cushioning and a way to adjust the volume of the socket. Most amputees experience changes in volume throughout the day. Comfort is of the absolute importance, and prosthetic socks help protect the skin from pressure and friction—a key component in an amputee’s comfort. The socks typically come in various materials like wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers.
Finger-Mounted Computer Mice
Holding a computer mouse down and controlling its movements is not always easy for a person with a disability. Thankfully, a host of devices are available to help people with disabilities maneuver a cursor. Finger-mounted computer mice are one such item. These wearable devices control a cursor’s movements with a person’s finger mid-air.
Sign Language Translators
To make communication simpler between those who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are not, researchers have developed tools that can translate American Sign Language into English. This is usually done with technology-enhanced gloves that capture the signing motions. Getting a pair of gloves for your friend can be a thoughtful gesture and help you two have better conversations.
Bark-Activated Washers
For people with disabilities, even doing chores can be overwhelming. A bark-activated washing machine works by having a support dog activate the washer by barking. A voice sensor recognizes the sound and begins washing the clothes.
Portable, Self-Contained Toilets
For someone in a wheelchair, using the restroom can be tricky. Portable, self-contained toilets and other alternative toilets offer suitable toilet height, grab railings, and other maintenance issues. Having a portable design helps to adjust the toilet height for the individual. A toilet might not seem like a glamorous gift idea, but it is certainly a practical one.
Adaptive Skiing Equipment
For the winter outdoor enthusiast, who is also disabled, finding sports equipment that accommodates their disability isn’t easy. A handful of companies provide adaptive skiing equipment so they can still hit the slopes with ease.
Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids often have difficulty picking up sound from phones and television. With Bluetooth hearing aids, however, you can stream high-quality sound from your electronic devices as well as picking up everyday conversations.
Closed Captioning Spectacles
Another great device for the hearing-impaired are glasses providing closed captioning. A projector at the top of the glasses’ frames displays subtitles while the movie is playing. With these subtle glasses, going to the movies can now be a carefree experience for people with disabilities.
