Living with a disability can be very challenging and requires extra care and attention to ensure safety of persons living with a disability. Recently, however, technology has played a crucial role in enhancing accessibility and evacuation solutions for people with disabilities.
The CEO of Evac+Chair, Gavin Glass explains that technology has helped to address some of the barriers that people with disabilities face in terms of access to information, physical barriers, and communication challenges during emergencies.
“Some of the ways that technology has enhanced accessibility and evacuation solutions for people with disabilities include remote assistance, communication aids, and mobile applications to name a few”
Technology has helped to develop communication aids that assist people with disabilities to communicate effectively during emergencies. For example, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and speech-to-text software can help people with hearing and speech impairments to communicate effectively.
It has also been used to create smart buildings that can automatically detect the presence of people with disabilities and provide them with the necessary support. For example, smart buildings can provide wheelchair-friendly ramps, automatic doors, and voice-activated elevators.
In the case of an emergency, technology has been used to develop evacuation planning software that considers the unique needs of people with disabilities. This software can help emergency responders to plan and execute safe and efficient evacuations, taking into account the needs of people with disabilities such as making use of the evacuation chair.
“Technology has enabled remote assistance for people with disabilities during emergencies. For example, video conferencing technology can be used to connect people with disabilities to emergency responders who can provide guidance and assistance during evacuation” adds Gavin Glass, the CEO of Evac+Chair.
Mobile applications that provide information on evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and other important information during emergencies have also been very useful. These applications can be especially useful for people with disabilities needing additional information and support during an emergency.
Gavin Glass, CEO of Evac+Chair concludes that technology has played a vital role in enhancing accessibility and evacuation solutions for people with disabilities. By using technology, we can remove some of the barriers that people with disabilities face during emergencies and ensure that they have equal access to information and support.
