One Smart Pair of Shoes Designed for the Blind

These shoes are more than just stylish. Designed by Anirudh Sharma of the MIT Media Lab and partner Krispian Lawyrence, these shoes have been dubbed “the world’s first-ever smartshoe.”

Users can simply tell an app on their smartphone where they want to go. Once they start walking, the shoes will vibrate when it’s time to make a turn. If you should take a left, you’ll feel the buzz on the left side of your foot.

Designed with the visually impaired in mind, these shoes can help all get to their destinations independently. 

Click here to read Adam Clark Estes’ article on Gizmodo: "These Smartshoes Help the Blind Navigate City Streets."

Attention All Bostonians!! The Abilities Expo Will be in Boston Sept. 20th - 22nd!

This weekend, the Abilities Expo will be held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Hall C! 

If you missed today, no need to worry, the Expo will be featured tomorrow (11AM - 5PM) and Sunday (11AM - 4PM) as well. Admission is free so if you're in the area, come check it out!

What is the Abilities Expo? As described on their website:

“Imagine everything you need, all under one roof! For more than 30 years, Abilities Expo has been the go-to source for the Community of people with disabilities, their families, seniors, veterans and healthcare professionals. Every event opens your eyes to new technologies, new possibilities, new solutions and new opportunities to change your life. Where else can you discover ability-enhancing products and services, play a few adaptive sports, learn new dance moves, attend informative workshops and only scratch the surface of what Abilities Expo has to offer?”

Click here to visit the Expo's website and see what will be available this year. Also, for a taste of what you'll see, check out the below video of Auti Angel "Dancebassador" and fellow Expo go-ers in action!

Anything is Possible: A Little Motivation to Get Involved in Adaptive Sports

Did you read yesterday’s post and doubt what sport might be possible for you? Did you second guess your abilities and let any limitations you might have hold you back? Well, maybe the below arguments from the CDC and UN might help you to face down the challenges and act…

“Almost 1 in 6 Americans 5-years and older have at least one disability; however, only 12% of all adults with a disability meet the minimum physical activity recommendations (either 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 days a week or 20 minutes of rigorous activity at least 3 days a week). Physical inactivity among people with disabilities has been linked to an increase in the severity of disability and decreased involvement in the community.”

-Centers for Disease Control, Washington, 2010 (courtesy of AccessSportAmerica)

 “Sport has the power to change the lives of persons living with a disability in an equally profound way, by empowering them to realize their full potential and advocate for change in society. Through sport, persons with disabilities acquire vital social skills, develop independence, and become empowered to act as agents of change. Sport teaches individuals how to communicate effectively and highlights the significance of teamwork, cooperation, and respect for others. Sport is also well suited to reducing dependence and developing greater independence by helping persons with disabilities become physically and mentally stronger. These skills can be transferred into other arenas including employment and advocacy work to further self-sufficiency.”

-United Nations, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, May 2008

For a little added motivation, check out the below videos of a few of the many adaptive sports available… For more videos and sports enthusiasts, check out the Reeve Foundation website's "Sports & Recreation" section...

Adaptive Alpine Skiing:

Surfing:

Enjoying the Skate Park:

Wheelchair Tennis:

Swimming:

Handcycling:

 No matter what your limitations might be, there's an adaptive sport out there for everyone!

"Linking Students and Survivors" - An Introduction to the MIT Brain Trust

For those of you in the Boston area, this is definitely a group worth checking out! MIT Brain Trust, a service organization run by students, aims to provide real-world opportunities to all members of the community living with various brain-related conditions. The organization brings together MIT students and those with neurological impairments by promoting Brain Injury Awareness and hosting various fundraising events and social gatherings. Moreover, it collaborates with the Healing Exchange Brain Trust, a non-profit based in Cambridge that helps patients with brain-conditions communicate with others about brain research and support issues.

One of the primary programs of MIT Brain Trust is the Brain Trust Buddies, a program that enables survivors of brain-conditions and students to enjoy a day together and share their experiences. Activities they participate in include going to the movies, sailing in Boston Harbor, and visiting the museums.  

Another big initiative of the organization is to host lectures by professors, researchers, and patients once per semester. This is a great opportunity to learn more about brain diseases and research. Past topics include Humor and the Brain, Hypnosis, Music and the Brain, Autism, and Epilepsy.

For more information or to get involved, check out their website here:

MIT Brain Trust: Linking Students and Survivors

"Disability Etiquette: Tips on Interacting with People with Disabilities," by the United Spinal Association

For anyone out there, disabled or not, who wants to learn to “interact more effectively with people with disabilities,” the United Spinal Association has a booklet just for you. In “Disability Etiquette: Tips on Interacting with People with Disabilities,” you’ll read about how to better understand, communicate, and work with others who may be different than you. From teaching you the importance of “asking before you help” to “speaking directly to a person with a disability, not to his companion,” this booklet has it all!

Click the following link to read "Disability Etiquette: Tips on Interacting with People with Disabilities”

Also, don't forget to check out more of the Free Publications the United Spinal Association has to offer!