James Mueller
Jim Mueller is an industrial designer with more than 20 years of experience in assistive technology, disability management, and universal design. He is recognized as one of the most experienced practitioners and advocates of universal design – design for people of all ages and abilities – and is one of the authors of the 7 […]
AXS Maps
AXSMap is a crowd sourced accessibility map that allows people to share their reviews of the accessibility of local restaurants, stores, hotels, and other public venues. Once registered on the site, users can contribute their reviews of a location’s entry, ramps, elevators, restroom accessibility, Braille menu availability, signage, and other similar criteria. Users of the […]
Meet MIT AgeLab’s A.G.N.E.S
Ever met a youngster who complains more than an elderly person? The Age Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has created a unique suit called “Age Gain Now Empathy System” (AGNES) that gives the wearer an idea of what it might feel like to be limited in everyday tasks that may be taken for […]
Disabled Vets Get Hot Wheels Despite Their Wheelchairs
The minivan has long been the standard vehicle to adapt for wheelchair accessibility, because of its low height, large interior, and capacity to carry the extra weight of an electric wheelchair. According to USA Today, however, the young vets are prompting some rethinking within the accessible vehicle industry. These young vets, mostly men in their […]
Claire Lomas Finishes The London Marathon Using The ReWalk
In an astounding feat of endurance and perseverance, 32-year old Claire Lomas became the first paralyzed person to complete a marathon using the ReWalk, a bionic suit that allows any individual with lower body paralyses to stand, walk, and climb stairs. The London Marathon, sponsored by Virgin, is an annual marathon spanning 26 miles from […]
Designing Technology for Older Adults
The Monitor has a wonderful interview with Wendy Rogers, PhD, director of the Human Factors and Aging Laboratory at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, describing how she understands the process of designing and developing technology for older adults. Rogers talks about the labratory’s “Aware Home,” a house-like environment where they can test out new technologies, like […]
Designing Technology for Older Adults
The Monitor has a wonderful interview with Wendy Rogers, PhD, director of the Human Factors and Aging Laboratory at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, describing how she understands the process of designing and developing technology for older adults. Rogers talks about the labratory’s “Aware Home,” a house-like environment where they can test out new technologies, like […]
Parking in Sweden – Laziness Not a Disability
In a passionate attempt to stop “lazy” people from parking in disabled parking spaces, members of a Swedish town’s Disability Council are seeking to post signs at each space. The signs will read, “Laziness is not a disability.” Unfortunately, due to the emotive nature of the sign, the town’s community development officer does not intend […]
Action Trackchair
The Action Trackchair is an off-road electric wheelchair for those who want greater access to outdoor activities like hunting, hiking, going to the beach, and fishing. The Action Trackchair uses large treads to gain traction over uneven or slippery terrain. The chairs are wider than standard electric wheelchairs, with models running from 37″ to 43″ […]
Chess for Persons With Seeing Impairment
Accessibility features are becoming more prominient and widely accepted in all aspects of life. From theatre to video games, product designers are recognizing the importance of inclusive design. Duncan McKean has managed to apply these concepts to one of the most popular and mentally challenging board games – chess. Although this game was created with […]