The iPad has been transformative for the disability community in general, and those with Autism in particular. While I recognize everyone believes they have experienced something transformative with touch devices, only those with disabilities have experienced the exponential impact of overcoming human limits.
The transformative impact of the iPad and touch devices on those with disabilities is plateauing, and will soon be fading. These devices have seen very little innovation since 2012-2013 with the introduction of the Mini and the Air. They are still excellent devices, but their sales have declined for these reasons.
Technological breakthroughs are coming and one of my favorite categories are wearable devices. These devices have greater potential for helping those with disabilities overcome human limits, than anything we have seen in the last two decades.
Digital Trends covered one category of wearable called foldable devices.
Foldable displays and smartphones are typically associated with manufacturing giants like Samsung and LG. Add another player to that list: Lenovo. The company just demoed a prototype foldable tablet and phone at its Tech World convention in San Francisco.
Digital Trends
The first prototype is a narrow-looking phone that McCarthy slapped and wrapped around her wrist — as she says, it was an easy place to keep her phone when she’s wearing a dress without pockets.
Digital Trends
These type of devices will no longer have to be carried, but can be placed on the body, and in time the clothing. Others will be able to be folded for increased portability making mobility easier for the user.
We are some distance from the types of devices the general population will embrace, but when they reach a point of mass acceptance, the leading early adopter market will be those with disabilities.
