Advances in technology in the past few years have continued to break down barriers and improve the lives of disabled individuals. The world is becoming more and more accessible all the time through the invention and popularization of mobility aids, communication tools, personal emergency response systems, and so much more, empowering individuals with disabilities in their daily lives and enhancing their autonomy. To help you learn more about how these tech gadgets and apps can make a difference in your own life, take a look at these gadgets and apps designed to enhance independence for adults with disabilities.
Communication Technologies for Adults with Disabilities
One of the most common things that adults with motor and cognitive disabilities struggle with is communication, whether it be verbal, digital, or any other method, making it extremely difficult to express feelings, thoughts, opinions, and more. In recent years, advancements in application technology have made it easier for folks to connect with their loved ones and the rest of the world. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps like Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, Tobii Sono Flex, and Jellow Care AAC Communicator are just some examples of the many available technologies that use easy-to-read-and-understand onscreen signs, symbols, images, and words to help users express exactly what they want to communicate with the touch of a button or the use of eye tracking technology. These apps for disabled adults are conveniently available on most smartphones, tablets, and laptops. No longer will you have to rely on a caregiver or a loved one to interpret your needs—your voice will be heard!
Text to Speech, Speech to Text
Another huge technological adaptation to emerge in recent decades is the ability to automatically convert speech to text and vice versa. This technology is now widely available on most smart devices regardless of what brand they come from as either an app or a setting feature, and it can make a world of difference for individuals with disabilities. For example, for folks with visual impairments and 
even total blindness, the text to speech feature on these devices allows them to take in the contents of web pages, documents, articles, books, emails, and messages with ease, as well as write and create using the opposite feature, speech to text, or as it is more commonly called, dictation. For those with motor disabilities who may find it difficult to type or write, this feature allows them to do just that using only their voice, eliminating the need for another person to be present for dictation. This technology empowers individuals with disabilities to take charge of their communication, creation, and knowledge.
Accessibility Trackers and Maps
For individuals who rely on accessibility features like ramps, lifts, accessible bathrooms, service animal accommodations, and wheelchair-friendly door frames in order to best go about their day, it can be a daunting and difficult thing to simply go out in the world when you need or want to. This can feel very limiting to disabled individuals and even lower your quality of life. This is why there are map apps for disabled adults specifically made to help you find accessible places 
wherever you go, so you never again have to worry about being faced with unexpected inaccessibility out in the world. Apps like WheelMap, AccessNow, Route4U, and even common ones like Google and Apple Maps (with accessibility features turned on) can not only show you what places and events are accessible, but what kind of accessibility features they have, so you always know exactly what to expect. This way, you can be confident leaving your home and going about your daily activities without the fear of inaccessibility holding you back. These apps are available on most smart devices, as well as on their respective websites.
Smart and Adaptive Home Devices
Perhaps the most well-known kind of tech gadgets and apps for adults with disabilities are home devices. Many adults with disabilities may find it difficult to live independently without a caretaker or loved one to assist them, but in recent decades, more and more devices have been invented to help. For some, their main concerns may be mobility and motor issues. Devices and gadgets like stair lifts, handrails, adapted utensils, grab bars, pull-down shelves, and so much more can be installed or added to a home to make it far more accessible for these individuals and therefore easier for them to live independently. For other disabled adults, their concerns may be with cognitive abilities or visual or auditory impairments, which can also make it difficult to stay safe while living independently. In recent years, the advent of smart home devices have significantly improved the lives of these individuals and helped allow them to live as they want—independently. Devices like the Amazon Echo, smart locks, voice-activated electricity and heating, alert devices for visual or auditoryimpairment, and so much more can be added to the home in order to help disabled adults live comfortably, efficiently, and independently. There is so much to explore, and so much available to help you live the life you want.
Having the right technology to help you in your daily life can greatly boost your independence and allow you to live the free and autonomous life you deserve—and it will only improve from here. Though we mentioned a number of tech gadgets and apps for adults with disabilities in this post, there are far more out there. Whatever your needs on account of your disabilities, there is a gadget, app, or other kind of technology that can greatly help you. We here at Delta Center are proud to offer you resources to help you find the best tech for you needs, by providing connections to Missouri Assistive Technology, disability-specific research and resources, and our own adaptive telephones, which can serve as a huge communication help to individuals with visual impairment, cognitive issues, spinal cord injuries, and much more. We are here to help!