Access on Main Street

The Soundball looks like an ordinary soccer ball, but it’s been outfitted with motion sensors that “knows whether it’s being hit, thrown, or spun.” This information is then transmitted, via Bluetooth, to a computer, which produces different noises based on how the ball was handled. We could see this modified and used as a very simple communication device, particularly for individuals with disabilities like autism that do not necessarily affect their agility; for example, kicking the ball could produce the computerized response, “I’m hungry” while spinning it could produce “I’m tired.”

Core77: Aleksei R. Stevens’ SoundBall

Someone at International Fashion Machines decided the world needed a $99 light plate with a toggle switch that looks like a tablet-shaped piece of shag rug. It does have some interesting access-type design features: it’s large and highly tactile, making it easy to find for anyone with minimal usable vision, and it requires minimal pressure and dexterity to activate (the manufacturer’s snapshots depict it as Baby’s First Light Switch).

Gizmodo: Soft Touch Light Dimmers Turn High Tech Into High Touch

Chalk this up as another Cupertinovation: users can send and receive text as voice, without requiring a speech synthesizer in either end unit. The sender specifies what data gets converted and what kind of speaker’s voice is to be used, a voice channel is opened up between the two end points, and the speech is delivered. It can also be stored along the way if the recipient is not available.

So, could this give us talking iPhones without any special software?

MacNN: Apple Patents New Tech

Slightly off topic, but irresistible: Apparently the way to make hearing aids acceptable to Boomers is to rename them “personal communication assistants,” manufacture them in kicky metalic colors, and sell them for $5,000 and up. No wonder the SF Chronicle describes the Audeo as “the latest toy” rather than as assistive technology.

San Francisco Chronicle: New hearing aid the latest toy for stylish Boomers

Apple has filed a patent for a means of displaying and highlighting lyrics in a text form while songs are playing. This would be a boon for people with hearing or learning disabilities, especially if it can also be used for podcasts and other spoken text. On the other hand, it could prove fatal for mondegreens–or cause them to multiply like bunnies, depending on transcription quality.

Apple Insider: Apple working on dynamic lyrics display for iPod and iPhone

Dial Directions is a new service that provides an interesting alternative to GPS systems. Call the Dial Directions number (347-328-4667), describe where you are and where you want to go, and the service will send you a text message with step-by-step directions. The service is free but supposedly appends ads to the directions (when we tried it, there were no ads). Obviously useful for blind travelers; might also be helpful for some people with cognitive disabilities.

SF Gate: Directions via phone ringing true

The wall-mounted Gaggenau BL 253 Lift Oven has a pretty innovative design: instead of making you reach inside to put food in or take food out, it has a base that can be pulled down or pushed up. Likely to be welcomed by people with manual disabilities as well as wheelchair users, as long as they don’t mind ponying up over $3,000 for it.

Home Improvement Ideas: Gaggenau BL 253 Lift Oven–Where’s the Door?