Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has been allocated a total of Rs 1,225.27 crore in the <keyword id="20093202" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fiscal-year" source="keywords">fiscal year</keyword> 2024-2025, a marginal increase of 0.02 per cent from the previous year's revised estimate of Rs 1,225.01 crore. The <keyword id="19936553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget" source="keywords">budget</keyword> emphasises the continuation and expansion of key programmes aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities through various schemes and projects. A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to the National Program for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, with Rs 615.33 crore allocated for this fiscal year, up from Rs 502 crore in the revised budget for 2023-24. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has been allocated a total of Rs 1,225.27 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25, a marginal increase of 0.02 per cent from the previous year's revised estimate of Rs 1,225.01 crore. This programme includes Rs 315 crore for <keyword id="22518195" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Assistance-to-Disabled-Persons" source="keywords">Assistance to Disabled Persons</keyword> for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances, an increase from Rs 305 crore. The <keyword id="22518194" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Deendayal-Disabled-Rehabilitation-Scheme" source="keywords">Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme</keyword> has seen a notable increase from Rs 130 crore to Rs 165.00 crore. Additionally, the Scheme for Implementation of the <keyword id="22345050" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Persons-with-Disabilities-Act" source="keywords">Persons with Disabilities Act</keyword> is allocated Rs 135 crore, more than doubling the previous year's revised estimate of Rs 67 crore. <keyword id="21579628" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Educational-support" source="keywords">Educational support</keyword> remains a priority, with Rs 142.68 crore earmarked for Scholarships for Students with Disabilities. This is slightly down from the previous year's Rs 155 crore but continues to reflect a commitment to empowering students with disabilities through higher education opportunities. The department's support for autonomous bodies includes significant funding, although there are some reductions compared to the previous year. The National University of Rehabilitation Science and Disability Studies and the Rehabilitation Council of India maintain steady allocations. However, funding for the Centre for Disability Sports has been reduced from Rs 76 crores to Rs 25 crores. Support to national institutes is set at Rs 370 crore, a decrease from the revised estimate of Rs 408.75 crore. The budgetary support to the national trust is reduced from Rs 35 crore to Rs 25 crore. Public sector undertakings, such as the <keyword id="22518196" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-handicapped-finance" source="keywords">National Handicapped Finance</keyword> and Development Corporation and the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, have been allocated a combined total of Rs 194 crore, maintaining consistent support for these critical organisations. The establishment expenditure for the central administration, including the Secretariat and the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), is set at Rs 42.75 crore. This includes Rs 41.55 crores for the Secretariat and Rs 20 lakh for the CCPD. The department also focuses on regional development, with Rs 75.8 crore allocated for the North Eastern Areas, up from Rs 65.7 crores.

Disability affairs department receives hike of 0.02%, allocated Rs 1,225 crore in budget

Researchers at the <keyword id="55119" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="indian-institute-of-technology" source="Orion">Indian Institute of Technology</keyword> (<keyword id="6354859" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="iit" source="Orion">IIT</keyword>), <keyword id="6357685" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jodhpur" source="Orion">Jodhpur</keyword> have designed robotic trainers which can be used in physiotherapy to treat lower limb disabilities. According to the team, most existing robotic systems treat patients by performing motions only in the sagittal plane - the imaginary plane that divides the body into the left and right parts. For complete limb movement, sagittal movement is not sufficient and movements in transverse (upper and lower body) and coronal (front and back) planes are also essential, they said. The team has proposed a robot manipulator arrangement that is capable of providing motion to the ankle in all three planes -- sagittal, transverse and coronal plane. "Complete rehabilitation is possible if the correct sequence of therapies is executed. Robots will be able to do it without getting tired. The robotic trainer we have designed will help provide physiotherapy to paralytic patients, and for those who have spinal cord injuries that have disrupted their lower limb functions," said Jayanta Kumar Mohanta, Assistant Professor, IIT, Jodhpur. The robotic trainer is a brace or a wearable device like an exoskeleton that supports the leg. It has been provided with a <keyword id="2430604" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="cartesian" source="Orion">Cartesian</keyword> (3-directional) parallel manipulator to perform the required limb therapeutic motions. The design will ensure a large workspace to execute the required range of motion therapies. "The usefulness of the designed stationary trainer was confirmed using computer-based simulations along with a motion control scheme by performing various clinically suggested therapeutic passive range of motions. "The design could execute important essential rehabilitation therapeutic movements like abduction (the motion of a limb or appendage away from the midline of the body), adduction (the motion of a limb or appendage towards the midline of the body), flexion (bending movement), and extension of the hip and knee joints," he added. The trainer proposed by the <keyword id="901000" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="iit-jodhpur" source="Orion">IIT Jodhpur</keyword> team is conceptually simple and has a modular mechanical configuration that is easy to fix and use. Furthermore, since only linear actuators are used for the hip and knee motions, the robot itself is stable, safe and robust during use. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-xr2-gen-1-that-will-power-the-next-gen-mr-and-vr-devices/articleshow/94810165.cms">Qualcomm announces Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 1 that will power the next-gen MR and VR devices</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/samsung-says-will-roll-out-5g-software-update-by-mid-november-in-india/articleshow/94807741.cms">Samsung says will roll out 5G software update by mid-November in India</a>

IIT-Jodhpur researchers design robotic trainers for lower limb rehabilitation

<keyword id="2747429" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pradhan-Mantri-Suraksha-Bima-Yojana">Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana</keyword> (PMSBY) is a part of the three <keyword id="546206" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-security-schemes">social security schemes</keyword> announced by the central government as part of the 2015 budget. This is an accident insurance scheme that provides an accident and disability cover for a period of one year and this can be renewed annually. Enrolment for the program This cover is for a period of one year between June 1 and May 31 of the subsequent year. The subscriber must give the option of joining the scheme by opting for auto renewal by May 31 of every year. Those who wish to keep the policy alive for more years must give their assent for auto debit before May 31 for the further years. Coverage offered by Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) The PMSBY provides a risk cover of Rs 2 lakh in case of accidental death or permanent total disability. Rs one lakh is provided towards permanent partial disability. Permanent partial disability can be understood as the permanent loss of two eyes or both hands or feet or loss of an eyesight or the ability to use a hand or foot. The cover provided under PMSBY can be used in addition to any other insurance plan the subscriber has got. This is not a mediclaim kind of policy as it does not cover hospitalization expenses after suffering an accident which can result in a disability or injury. What it includes and excluded The PMSBY scheme covers accidents, death and disability due to natural calamities and other reasons. Death due to suicide is not covered by this scheme. Death due to murder is however covered. Partial disability without a permanent disability or loss of one hand or foot is not covered. Eligibility criteria All those persons who have a single or joint bank account and belonging to the age group of 18 and 70 years can join PMSBY <keyword id="6406875" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="life-insurance">life insurance</keyword> scheme. If the individual has multiple bank accounts with different banks, they can join the scheme through a single account only. A joint account entails all the account holders to join the scheme. Even NRIs can join the scheme. In the event of a claim by such persons, the benefit will only be settled in Indian currency. Premium amount payable The premium amount for this policy is only Rs 12 per person per year. This will be deducted from the individual’s bank account through auto-debit facility in a single installment on or before June 1 in a year. If the auto debit happens on any other date after June 1, the cover will start from the date of auto debit of the premium. If an individual has joined the scheme through multiple accounts, the benefit will only be disbursed through a single account with the other premiums being forfeited. Validity of the cover The accidental cover will automatically terminate in the following cases. The subject attaining the age of 70. Insufficient funds to keep the policy alive or closure of the bank account.

What you should know about the government’s accident and disability scheme

This is Qian Hongyan, an 18-year-old girl who lives in <keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="China">China</keyword>. She may seem like your average teenager, but she has a pretty unique backstory.
<div class="image-container"><div class="image">REUTERS/Jason Lee</div></div>
Qian lost both her legs in a car accident in 2000 when she was just four years old. Growing up in rural Luliang county, southwestern China's Yunnan province, her family had to improvise.
<div class="image-container"><div class="image">REUTERS/Chen Yawei </div></div>
These pictures, taken in 2005 when Qian was just ten, show how. Qian learned to walk on her hands, using a basketball cut in half to steady herself. According to Xinhua news agency, she <a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2011-08/21/c_131064016.htm">was dubbed "basketball girl" by locals</a>.
<div class="image-container"><div class="image">REUTERS/China Daily</div></div>
In 2005, after attention in the Chinese press, Qian traveled to Beijing to receive free artificial limbs at the China Rehabilitation Centre. This photo, from 2007, shows her receiving a larger set of limbs after she had grown.
<div class="image-container"><div class="image">REUTERS/Jason Lee</div></div>
Xinhua <a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2011-08/21/c_131064016.htm">reports that Qian was born to an impoverished family</a>, and that she had to accept that when her medical treatment ended in 2007, she would not be able to continue her education with her peers. She was 11-years-old.
<div class="image-container"><div class="image">REUTERS/Jason Lee</div></div>
However, Qian found other opportunities. She joined a local <keyword id="13988" type="SPORT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Swimming">swimming</keyword> club for the disabled, the first of its kind in the country, sponsored by the Yunnan Provincial Federation of the Disabled.
At first, she found it difficult.
"I had to give much more than other kids when I learned to swim," Qian told <a href="http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/life/2011-10/16/content_13915294.htm">China Daily in 2011</a>. "It seemed there was no way I could float in the water. I was choked."
<div class="image-container"><div class="image">REUTERS/Jason Lee</div></div>
However, she went on to become a successful athlete, training <a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/photo/2011-08/21/c_131064016.htm">for four hours every day</a>. She hopes to one day win medals for her country in the Paralympic Games.
<div class="image-container"><div class="image">REUTERS/Jason Lee</div></div>
This week, she returned to the China Rehabilitation Centre in Beijing. Now 18 years old, she is ready for her adult prosthetics.
<div class="image-container"><div class="image">REUTERS/Jason Lee</div></div>
Qian Hongyan, the so-called "basketball girl," has become something of a celebrity in China. Reports on the progress of her artificial limbs make national news. Her fame has even spread abroad, with <a href="http://www.dailydot.com/society/facebook-qian-hongyan-handicapped-photo/">photographs of becoming viral sensations on</a> Facebook.
Her success may mark the changing fortunes of China's disabled. "In the past," Her coach, Li Ke-qiang, <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7556652.stm">told the BBC in 2008</a>, "people despised the disabled. They thought they were all beggars, just asking for money."
"But now, when they see disabled swimmers like these, they can see how hard they're driving themselves. And that's a start."
<div class="image-container"><div class="image">REUTERS/Jason Lee</div></div>

China's Inspirational 'Basketball Girl' Gets New Legs

New Delhi, Mar 2 () The MSME Ministry will soon announce a new scheme on entrepreneurship and skill training for disabled persons as it looks to expose their talents and provide market for their products, said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday.Inaugurating "EKAM Fest", a week-long exhibition and sale of handicrafts, textiles and hand-looms products of artisans, traders/ entrepreneurs, belonging to 'people with disability', Gadkari said the scheme will be worked out in consultation with the ministries of Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE) and Textiles."I assure you that the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) ministry will work (out) a special scheme for the entrepreneurial and skill development of persons with disabilities very soon as the government wants to encourage, expose and provide opportunities for the products of such persons. The scheme will be worked out in consultation with the ministries of SJE and Textiles," the MSME minister said.Gadkari also assured that the ministry would arrange business loans through the financial institutions to the disabled entrepreneurs without any collateral security.He also said that 29 per cent of the country's GDP and 48 per cent of exports are contributed by MSMEs.Textiles Minister Smriti Irani has assured international marketing assistance to the textile/handloom products produced and marketed by the disabled entrepreneurs.She has also promised free distribution of handloom tool kits for the disabled weavers through the textile ministry.Social justice minister Thaawarchand Gehlot said the exhibition, organised by the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHDFC) under his ministry, was aimed at providing an avenue for the display and marketing of the products made by people with disabilities.The ministry is providing assistance by way of supplying raw materials, production and marketing of products generated by the disabled entrepreneurs, he added. JBL BAL

New scheme for entrepreneurship development of disabled persons: Gadkari

The renewable energy industry is upbeat after Finance Minister <keyword id="42575" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arun-Jaitley">Arun Jaitley</keyword> presented the Budget today. 
 Mr <keyword id="250135" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ratul-Puri">Ratul Puri</keyword>, Chairman of <keyword id="2043646" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindustan-Powerprojects">Hindustan Powerprojects</keyword> - one of the first companies to set up solar projects in India - shared what he feels the Budget has in store for this key sector. Here's what he said: 
<ul>
	<li>
		The government’s plan to meet the fiscal target is a welcome move as this will allow reduction in interest rates which will benefit all sectors of the economy. </li>
	<li> The focus on infrastructure spending through <keyword id="3265349" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Deendayal-Upadhayaya-Gram-Jyoti-Yojna">Deendayal Upadhayaya Gram Jyoti Yojna</keyword> and the Integrated Power Development Schemes is clearly visible with a massive outlay of Rs 221,246 crore for 2016-17.</li>
	<li>
		The thrust on connecting the unconnected by May 1, 2018, augurs well for the Country and the sector along with the ‘ease of business’ will catch the attention of the investors for the sectors. This would be another significant goal post that government would have scaled, once UDAY is successfully implemented. </li>
	<li>
		The Government has also set itself a target that could be difficult to achieve – double farmers' income in the next five years and they should have also addressed the skilling issue that is likely to face in the near term with 10 million joining the employment market every year.</li>
</ul>

The Renewable energy industry seems upbeat after the Budget, here's why

Narendra Modi’s Government has from time to time launched schemes to benefit the urban, rural, entrepreneurs, states, etc. 
 
Some of the schemes unveiled by Modi, whose educational qualifications were recently under limelight, were applauded and also benefitted a large section of the society. 
 
Modi’s vision somewhat turned everyone’s attention to India and not only the business-class benefitted, as he is known to be close to the Ambanis, Adani, even the entrepreneurs embraced the schemes. 
 
In the last two years, these schemes mostly have shown that India has come a long way under the BJP-led Indian government. 
 
Here are the 10 schemes that have been working rather well for the people: 
 
Startup India, Standup India: 
Modi gave flight to entrepreneurial dreams of people and came out with a host of policies to support startups. 
 
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana or <keyword id="6569577" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Skill-India">Skill India</keyword>: 
With this scheme, Modi ensured that youth is not unemployed and concentrated on enhancing skills of a person in diverse fields. Modi wants to leave China behind and represent India as ‘human resource capital’. 
 
Make in India: 
The Modi-led government wants to transform India’s image into ‘manufacturing hub of the world’. He is asking global leaders and CEOs to manufacture in India and assuring ease of doing business. 
 
<keyword id="1929810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Digital-India">Digital India</keyword>: 
The BJP government aims to go paperless and ensure that everything is available just a click away. The Centre wants to electronically improve the functioning of the government and make everything transparent. 
 
Jan Dhan Yojana: 
Everyone wants financial security and Modi gave it to them. He aimed at financial inclusion of all Indian households and launched a campaign under which last person residing in India could also open a bank account. 
 
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or Housing For All: 
The government plans housing for all and create an environment for better living. So far, the Centre has identified 305 cities and towns across nine states for implementation of this scheme. 
 
Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao, or Save the girl child, educate the girl child: 
Modi government is trying hard to eradicate female foeticide and has come up with many initiatives for girl child. This scheme was launched with initial amount of Rs 100 crore and aims at improving the declining sex ratio. 
 
Atal Pension Yojana, or Pension Fund Scheme: 
Under this, for every contribution made to the pension fund, the Modi government would co-contribute 50 per cent of the total contribution or Rs 1,000 per annum, whichever is lower. The minimum age of joining this is 18 years and maximum age is 40 years. 
 
Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, or electricity for all: 
This is one of the flagship programmes of the power ministry, which will facilitate 24x7 supply of power, even in the rural areas. Under this, strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution network will also be taken. 
 
<keyword id="6377036" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="smart-cities">Smart cities</keyword> 
Under the Smart Cities Mission, Modi wants to overhaul of towns and cities and integrate multiple information and communication technology (ICT) solutions.

Look back: Top 10 schemes that Modi unveiled in last 2 years

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image">Erin Brodwin/Business Insider</div></div></div>No trip to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to the country's only <a href="http://www.slothsanctuary.com/">Sloth Sanctuary</a>, a place where abandoned baby sloths and those with physical disabilities are rescued, rehabilitated, and given another chance to thrive.In other words, it's a place where dreams come true.Here's what it's like hanging out with the sloths:

I spent a day at a Costa Rican sloth sanctuary, and it was one of the most magical moments of my life

The Indian Space Research Organisation (<keyword id="6358064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="isro" source="Orion">ISRO</keyword>) on Friday said it has developed a microprocessor-controlled knee (MPK) which is ten times cheaper against imported ones. According to the ISRO, the MPK will benefit above-knee amputees to walk with a comfortable gait. With microprocessors, the artificial limb offers additional capabilities for the amputee than those offered by the passive limbs without microprocessors. The space agency said the MPK has enabled an amputee to walk about 100 metre in a corridor with minimum support and efforts are underway to improvise the performance. These smart MPKs are being developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO under an MoU with National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (Divyangjan) (PDUNIPPD (D)), and the Artificial Limb Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO). An MPK consists of a microprocessor, hydraulic damper, load and knee angle sensors, composite knee-case, Li-ion battery, electrical harness, and interface elements. The microprocessor detects the state of gait based on the sensor data. The control software estimates the real-time damping needed to attain the desired gait by changing the stiffness of the system that is achieved by a hydraulic damper operated by a DC motor. Walking parameters specific to amputees can be set using PC-based software to improve one's comfort. The interface plots the parameters in real time during walking. After testing the MPK with a normal person, the artificial limb was tested with an amputee, identified by NILD for conducting walking trials. The trials were conducted at a NILD lab jointly by the NILD and the VSSC. The socket and fitment of MPK to amputee were realised by the NILD. The VSSC tuned amputee-specific parameters. Initial walking trials were conducted with the support of parallel bars. Subsequently, the amputee could walk about 100 m in the corridor with minimum support. All the sub-systems of the knee performed satisfactorily. According to ISRO, the MPKs currently available in India are imported and priced between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 60 lakh based on the complexity and functionality. The ISRO MPKs, once commercialised, are expected to cost around Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Optimisation of MPKs in terms of mass and envelope size is underway. More intelligence is being incorporated into the system to help the amputee walk through uneven terrains with advanced features for more comfort, ISRO said. However, ISRO did not specify the timeline for coming out with the final product that would be commercialised. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/online-e-commerce-player-meesho-is-the-new-crorepati-factory/articleshow/94399429.cms">Online e-commerce player Meesho is the new crorepati factory</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/amazon-great-indian-festival-sale-best-deals-and-offers/articleshow/94004700.cms">The best Amazon Great Indian Festival deals and offers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rupee-likely-to-touch-82-against-the-greenback/articleshow/94399853.cms">Rupee likely to touch 82 against the greenback</a>

ISRO develops microprocessor controlled knee

Nearly 40% of India’s 1.2 billion residents do not have access to reliable electricity and like all other sectors, power has also been on the priority when it comes to announcing big schemes. Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> has pledged to eliminate the void that has crippled the sector for the past two years. To achieve the target, the centre has launched the Deendayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and approved Rs. 43,033 crores to strengthen sub-transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas. But one of the main challenges that the government is facing right now is last mile connectivity. Though 96.7% villages are connected, according to 2011 census only 33% households, that is around 8 of 24 crores, do not have electricity. Modi has announced measures for this too. The centre has got state run enterprises to invest over Rs. 55,000 crores for better grid connectivity. But the whole mission is full of challenges that the government needs to pass in order to ensure <keyword id="3249173" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="24x7-power-for-all">24x7 power for all</keyword> by 2019. Experts see 2019 as only a far-fetched dream with the present conditions. 

	Challenges
 

	1. The real test is to connect the grid efficiently between producers and distributors. The current transmission system is insufficient to transfer power from surplus parts of the country to the deficit parts. States are also unable to buy cheaper power.
 

	2. Another fundamental issue is the gap between the cost of delivery and the ability of the customers to pay for that power.
 

	3. To ensure recovery of debt-ridden distributors so that they are able to set tariffs that reflect the true cost of power is another test the government has to pass.
 

	4. India also needs to increase the amount of coal it mines, while also cutting down on theft.

	 
	 
	(Image credits: indiatimes)

Budget 2016: Too little too late to ensure 24x7 Power for All by 2019?

<ul class="summary-list"><li>AI and robotics are driving innovation in assistive technology.</li><li>But there's still work to be done to ensure that the tech is affordable and widely available.</li></ul>The first time Esther Klang tried the Atalante X, a self-balancing robotic exoskeleton, she was elated.Klang, who is quadriplegic, works with Fable, an accessibility-testing platform that pairs product developers and people with disabilities who test and give feedback on assistive technology.At first, Klang was skeptical. It took a few minutes for physical therapists to strap her into the exoskeleton. "It empowered me to stand up and walk independently for the first time in 18 years," she told Business Insider. She credited assistive technologies more broadly with saving her from "desperation and extremely dark thoughts."The Atalante X is made by Wandercraft, a company founded by a group of engineers in 2012 that develops mobility technologies. The exoskeleton recently gained attention when Kevin Piette, a Paralympic athlete, wore it to carry the Olympic torch.<div type="image" title="Kevin Piette wearing Wandercraft's robotic exoskeleton device and carrying the Olympic Torch on a street in Paris." height="853" width="1280" msid="114293346" hostid="261" sizebytes="96656"></div>The Atalante X is one of many game-changing developments in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/what-is-assistive-technology">assistive technologies</a>, a market predicted to exceed $12 billion by the end of 2036. Innovations like AI-powered or robotic mobility aids and communication tools are poised to transform everyday life for millions of people. But widespread adoption hinges on ensuring that the tech is affordable and reaches the people who need it.<h2 id="6b8634a2-d442-4b58-b920-512b06194598">Advancing rehabilitation</h2>Dr. Laurent Metz, Wandercraft's global chief medical officer, described the Atalante X as a "walking robot full of sensors." The exoskeleton uses AI to predict which motions are needed to keep the user upright and moving, translating these into commands that are sent to a series of motors. "It's an interactive process that's repeated a thousand times a second," Metz said.This process takes place in rehabilitation hospitals and walking centers across the US, Europe, and Brazil under the guidance of medical professionals. One rehabilitation center said it <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/villa-beretta-rehabilitation-research-innovation-institute_prof-matteo-parsani-during-a-training-session-activity-7188120806672003073-f1UX/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop">conducted 750 sessions with more than 60 patients</a> in just over nine months and that its patients had taken more than a million steps in the Atalante X.Wandercraft is preparing to move out of hospitals and launch a personal exoskeleton. While the company hasn't provided a timeline for the tech, its work is part of efforts to expand the availability and capabilities of assistive technology.ReWalk Robotics has also been modifying an at-home exoskeleton to help users mount stairs and curbs. The exoskeleton was approved for personal use in 2014, but until recently it could be used only on flat ground. ReWalk says the modifications are designed to make more daily environments and activities accessible to people with spinal-cord injuries.<h2 id="5b8f2dff-a16f-4f8d-a003-2319b441fd59">Assistive tech for everyday use</h2>Accessibility technologies are already being used in homes nationwide. "You probably don't think of a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/best-robot-vacuum">Roomba vacuum </a>cleaner as an assistive technology, but it is," said Elaine Schaertl Short, an assistant professor of computer science at Tufts University.While the tech can be a quick fix for people who don't have time to vacuum, Short said, it also aids those with physical challenges. "I also have a mobility impairment, so vacuuming isn't the best use of my energy — I have this robot do it for me," she said.Other assistive technologies are <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virtual-reality-physical-therapy-pain-relief-coordination-exercises-2024-8">redefining accessibility and mobility</a>. For example, the Tatum T1, developed by Tatum Robotics, is a robotic hand designed to translate live voice and text output into American Sign Language. And Chronus Robotics has developed Kim-e, what it calls a hands-free "invisible wheelchair" with an adjustable seat that can be raised to standing height.Robotics are also advancing the capabilities of prosthetic limbs. Dani Clode, an augmentation designer based in the UK, has worked alongside neuroscientists for several years to create and fine-tune <a target="_blank" href="https://www.daniclodedesign.com/thethirdthumb">the Third Thumb</a>, which she describes as a "flexible, 3D printed thumb extension for the hand."<div type="image" title="Person looking sideways at the Third Thumb device attached to their right hand." height="3394" width="4751" msid="114293347" hostid="261" sizebytes="252202"></div>Clode said developing the Third Thumb was a trial-and-error process, involving "several iterations and prototypes, refining both the mechanical design and the wireless control system." The tech was the result of Clode's quest to "design something that could be an extension of the body, accessible to everyone."<h2 id="91e6fa93-4c34-4672-9b64-06447b95f8f9">The road to accessibility</h2>While there are small-scale examples of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-does-a-personal-assistant-robot-cost-roomba-humanoid-2023-12">assistive robots</a> offering help in the house, technologies like robotic exoskeletons, limbs, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_1043333_en.html">guide dogs</a> have a long way to go before they become widespread.In the meantime, researchers like Short and product testers like Klang work alongside engineers to ensure that marginalized people are factored into the development process.Klang said it's crucial that product-development teams "listen to and incorporate the insights of people with disabilities" as early in the process as possible. "We know what works for us and what doesn't," she added, describing it as "deeply frustrating" when products claim to be accessible but fall short.Assistive technologies can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. That's a problem for many Americans with disabilities, whom the National Disability Institute has found are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/disability-race-poverty-in-america.pdf">more likely than their able-bodied counterparts to live below the poverty line</a>.Short said she's confident that prices will decrease. Fifteen years ago, assistive robots like the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/a-look-back-at-willow-garage-2016-2">PR2</a>, which is no longer available, cost about $400,000. Now, similar tech — such as the Stretch 3 by Hello Robot — is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://hello-robot.com/stretch-3-product">available online for $25,000</a>. "It's still not accessible to most people," she said, "but it's an improvement."Still, Short told BI she considers most robots to be decades away from reaching the American home.Short said she urges tech developers to consider "nonnormative users," or people who aren't able-bodied. Short pointed to the cellphone as an example of how technology can evolve to serve a wider range of users. "This is an incredible piece of assistive technology, but it wasn't invented for disabled people," she said. "There was a lot of catch-up work that had to happen on accessibility, but that work transformed a cellphone into something that could be used as assistive technology."While accessibility improvements take time, they can result in meaningful progress. Klang said her experience with the Atalante X has been life-changing.Klang credits assistive technologies with enabling her to walk independently, adding that her work as an advocate and consultant for disabled communities feels life-affirming."I'm filled with anticipation for the continuous and rapid advancements in the assistive technologies which have significantly enriched my life," Klang said.

Robots and AI-powered assistive tech are poised to transform accessibility and mobility   

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A November lawsuit against the Walt Disney Group has been assigned to a judge.</li><li>The wrongful death suit alleges a disabled died as a result of injuries she received from falling while exiting Disneyland's Jungle Cruise ride.</li></ul>A disabled woman's family has hit Walt Disney Group with a lawsuit that accuses Disneyland employees of laughing at her after falling on Disneyland's Jungle Cruise ride — she died five months later.The family of Joanne Aguilar, 66, of Ventura County, filed a <a href="https://www.ocregister.com/2023/01/18/disneyland-employees-laughed-at-struggling-disabled-guest-before-deadly-fall-lawsuit-alleges/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrongful death lawsuit against Disney that claims she broke her leg in the August 2021 incident</a> and died in January 2022 as a result of complications, Southern California News Group reported this week.According to Disney's official site, the Jungle Cruise ride is a guided tour of the theme park along a river. Earlier this month, the suit was <a href="https://www.news10.com/business/ap-business/ap-lawsuit-claims-womans-death-stemmed-from-disneyland-fall/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">assigned to US District Judge Cormac Carney</a> at the Santa Ana courthouse, local news reported.Aguilar's daughters, Andrea Mallul and Zenobia Hernandez, accompanied her to Disneyland on Aug. 22, 2021, and helped her get on the boat. But when she tried to get off the boat, they had trouble getting her up "small unsecured blocks on top of the existing steps inside the boat," reports said.Their mother fell and fractured her femur, the lawsuit said, while Disneyland employees laughed at the woman."Exiting the boat was more difficult as it required her to propel her body upward with her lower legs, which due to her disability was not possible," the lawsuit, which was filed in November, said, according to SCNG. "The struggle was apparent and Disney cast members began snickered [sic] and giggling as they watched Ms. Aguilar try to safely exit the boat."Aguilar was taken to an Anaheim hospital for surgery to repair the injury. She remained there for 10 days after the fall, then went to a rehabilitation center for five months. But Aguilar eventually went into septic shock due to an infection and died on January 29, the SCNG reported.In the lawsuit, the family said Disneyland violated the Americans with Disabilities Act when they told the physically disabled Aguilar that a wheelchair-accessible Jungle Cruise boat was unavailable. One month after the suit was filed, on Dec. 29, Disney's lawyers <a href="https://apnews.com/article/disneyland-disability-lawsuit-jungle-cruise-c822115557bbde72316a8f8abd9f250f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">denied the accusations in a written statement and said the company is seeking a jury trial</a>, according to AP News.Aguilar's family is seeking monetary damages for pain, mental suffering, humiliation, medical costs and funeral expenses, the report reads.

You Searched For "Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme" and got 12 results

Disability affairs department receives hike of 0.02%, allocated Rs 1,225 crore in budget

PTI

IIT-Jodhpur researchers design robotic trainers for lower limb rehabilitation

PTI

What you should know about the government’s accident and disability scheme

BI India Bureau

China's Inspirational 'Basketball Girl' Gets New Legs

Adam Taylor

New scheme for entrepreneurship development of disabled persons: Gadkari

PTI

The Renewable energy industry seems upbeat after the Budget, here's why

Anushree Singh

Look back: Top 10 schemes that Modi unveiled in last 2 years

Akanksha Jain

I spent a day at a Costa Rican sloth sanctuary, and it was one of the most magical moments of my life

Erin Brodwin

ISRO develops microprocessor controlled knee

IANS

Budget 2016: Too little too late to ensure 24x7 Power for All by 2019?

Usha Rani Das

Robots and AI-powered assistive tech are poised to transform accessibility and mobility

Jake Hall

Family files lawsuit against Disney claiming workers laughed when disabled mom, who died months later, fell getting off Jungle Cruise

Jordan Hart

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides