High tech benefits the disabled

A volunteer skillfully controls the exoskeleton robot. Technology was the major theme of this year's National Disability Day, which fell on Sunday, as emerging technologies ranging from wearable devices to brain implants help people with disabilities better connect with society, according to the China Disabled Persons' Federation. The technology could potentially help tens of millions of Chinese with walking disabilities due to nerve damage caused by a range of conditions such as hemiplegia, paraplegia and cerebral palsy, said Shuai Mei, a Beihang University professor specializing in robotics. "These robots help paralyzed individuals stand, walk and engage in smart rehabilitation training," Shuai said, adding that the devices provide high-intensity, repetitive training that improves walking consistency and effectiveness. Other innovations that are improving accessibility for people with disabilities include intelligent speech-to-text technology; homegrown cochlear implants; augmented reality solutions for improved information accessibility for the hearing impaired; Braille and tactile graphic display technology enabling blind individuals to interpret graphics; intelligent prosthetics; and neurostimulation rehabilitation devices that target urinary issues in those with spinal cord injuries.