Advances in wireless technologies continue to benefit all consumers, including those with disabilities. Despite progress, many wireless users are challenged by visual, hearing or cognitive impairments. However, with innovative wireless services, specialized and mainstream wireless applications are becoming more accessible to those with disabilities. But, there are still many challenges and hurdles to overcome.

 

A 2009 survey suggests that more than 80 percent of people with disabilities own or have access to mobile communications devices. In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the International Association for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry CTIA (News - Alert) has dedicated the July edition of 'Wonder of Wireless' (WOW) webcast and its blog to focus on accessibility and disability issues in wireless devices.

 

In this month's 'Industry Insider,' CTIA talks with Wireless Rehabilitation and Engineering Research Center Project Director Jim Mueller about the newest developments in this area.

 

Besides highlighting recent advances in this field, and the work of wireless RERC, Mueller talks about upcoming challenges and hurdles for the people with mental disabilities and cognitive recognition limitations.

 

"We have recognized people in wheelchair as those with disabilities," Mueller said. "But, not much has been done for those with mental or cognitive limitations."

 

He identified applications for those with mental disabilities as an upcoming challenge for the wireless industry.

 

While July's 'Wireless at Work,' segment focuses on an application that's designed for smart phones. It uses object recognition technology to identify objects for visually impaired or blind wireless users. And then tells what this object is to the user. It can even transmit images, such as a street intersection, to another wireless user, who can in turn provide information about the user's location. The company showing a video demonstration of this application is iVisit.

 

The wireless industry has a long history of developing and supporting services for the disabled community, and this month's WOW 'Policy Point' takes a look at some of those services.

 

The January 2010 earthquake in Haiti was a horrific catastrophe, but wireless communications played a vital role in the rescue efforts that saved thousands of lives. The Coast Guard Auxiliary's Ryan Bank is featured in the 'Wireless Lifesaver' for his development of a social media wireless application that was successfully implemented in the Haitian relief efforts.