When Apple released the iPad in April of 2010, every retail and electronic store was mobbed, as it was the only device that could be used for gaming and business purposes. That is what people thought at first, but, it has evolved into something that changed lives, particularly for people with disabilities, potentially forever.
This eye-opening device broke down a door for people with disabilities that nobody even knew about as it gave them a sense of freedom that they never had before and they are never going to look back, especially with the growth of Android and Windows.
Instead of having to sit home and look at people go to work and just hope that they would be part of that someday, those with disabilities could get in on the action and be one of those people who get up and have to do something that someone else asks of them.
Before tablets, somebody with a developmental disability would have to get up really early in the morning just to get to their job in time and then worry about whether someone is going to understand what they are saying.
With the iPad or something similar to it, they have multiple options. They could either choose to do it the old-fashioned way and go to a workplace and use the tablet instead of a desktop computer and a communication device or they could decide to work from home and communicate with their supervisors and coworkers through email.
Let’s say that a person in a wheelchair decided to go to a physical workplace on a daily basis. With a few minor accommodations, they could have an arm connected to the frame of the chair with a tablet holder on the end, placing the tablet almost on their lap while propping it up in front of them. That way, they could do their work while remaining totally independent.
Because some disabilities impair the ability to speak clearly, the idea of flawless communication is also very attractive to those with disabilities. Instead of having to assume that the people understand what they are saying, people with disabilities can assure themselves that people know exactly what they are talking about.
The invention and growth of the iPad and other tablets have, not only changed the lives and the future of everyday people, but, it has evolved into the turning point of the lives of people with disabilities.
Thank God for the technology of today, that is sure to only get better in time, as you are testament to it. I see you totally independent.