The Brazilian company Hoo-Box.com has developed a Wheelie Kit (shown left), which uses a 3D camera to read 14 facial expressions (even a wink or a raised eyebrow) to navigate a wheelchair. The technology is particularly helpful for people who lack the ability to move their body below the face or neck. It uses AI and machine learning—and as Hoo-Box-ers like to say, it’s fully smile-compatible. Here’s an interview with their founder, Paulo Pinheiro. SEE THE VIDEO
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New Emojis Can Help People With Disabilities Feel More A Part of the Smartphone World
This month the Unicode Consortium released a 2019 update to their collection of emojis with some people, but not all, praising designers’ efforts to be more inclusive and diverse. The symbols, now ubiquitous in electronic messages, will be available on most platforms in the fall. Of the 230 just-released emojis, Unicode includes more options for people (of varying gender, skin and hair color) who use hearing devices, prosthetics, a white cane, guide dogs, service dogs, and wheelchairs, according to Forbes.com READ MORE
Deaf Standup Comedian Performs at Caroline’s on Broadway
Standup comedian Tom Willard (left) made his Broadway debut on December 3, 2018, at New York City’s Caroline’s on Broadway, one of the top comedy clubs in the country, according to a recent story in Disabled-World.com. Willard, 61, spoke and signed his jokes as part of Caroline’s New Talent Showcase. He explains that he lost his hearing gradually as he was growing up and started doing standup only about two years ago. He has performed in a dozen cities and continues to seek out new opportunities. READ MORE
Are “Drive-by” ADA Violation Lawsuits Targeting Small Hotels Fair?
Interview: Ms. Wheelchair California Reports from CES 2019
Krystina Jackson, a northern California resident for 27 years, earned the title of Ms. Wheelchair California 2018 this past March. With a background in corporate finance and a BS in Business Administration, Krystina is passionate about encouraging women with varying abilities to pursue their passions fearlessly. Here are her thoughts from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show:
Q: What were your impression of CES this year, from an accessibility product/technology perspective?
A: I was blown away by the products and services presented at the expo. It’s safe to say the future is looking extremely bright for accessible travel.
Q: As TravelAbility’s correspondent, could you tell us about the products you think have you saw that have the most potential to make traveling easier for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, here are my four favorites:
- AISINO is a smart hotel check-in that uses facial recognition for guests. It removes many of the physical challenges surrounding checking in. It allows guests of all abilities to be able to select the amenities they prefer for their needs.
- WHILL is an autonomous personal electric vehicle (PEV). PEVs have leveled the playing field for people with mixed abilities so that they can enjoy the same recreational activities together.
- WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT (WWE) is engaging the disability community by allowing families with mixed abilities to enjoy the sport together
- PANDORA is addressing the six dimensions of sound to create a more harmonious audio experience during travel. It’s ideal for people with varying mental and physical abilities.
Q: Who were the most interesting and fun people you met?
The met the most amazing people, including executives from WWE; Sinbad, an American actor, and comedian who currently has a show on Hulu called Rel; and my top pick, of course, is Stevie Wonder—that’s me grabbing a photo with him (left). He was wonderfully warm and inviting. As a musician with a disability, he is a blessing to have as a role model.
Q: How did you become disabled and what is the extent of your disability?
A: I broke my neck while snowboarding in 2002. I fractured my C4 and C5 vertebrae resulting in paralysis from the chest down. Initially, I wasn’t able to breathe well enough to even speak or move my arms. I am tremendously grateful for my recovery and rehab remains a part of my daily lifestyle.
Q: Why did you enter the Ms. California Wheelchair competition?
A: I entered to have an impact and to make a difference. Many tell me I’m a natural born leader and I feel like those type of gifts are given to be shared. I have a responsibility to serve my community with the best of my abilities and I feel empowered doing so.
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