From the moment we’re born, our world is filled with apps. From maps to social media and games – there are literally hundreds of thousands of applications just waiting for you on your device. But what about people who have spinal cord injuries? Is it possible that someone could create a personalized app designed specifically (or almost) exclusively for those living with SCI? Not exactly, but luckily many excellent products already exist which can help make life easier if you happen to be in this very unique situation.
HabiTimer
HabiTimer is the alarm clock that lets you manage your routines with ease. With unlimited alarms, it’s easy to make sure every part of your day gets done at a time convenient for you while still giving yourself reminders along the way. For example, if you need more than three alarms on any given night to get up in enough time and be ready for work or school then HabiTimer can help set them all easily as well as turn off groups of these multiple-alarm settings just by pressing one button!
Wheelmate
WheelMate is a helpful app for people with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women and those suffering from incontinence, that can be used to find accessible toilets or parking spaces. The free Wheelmate App currently has more than 30,000 locations across 45 countries- and this number continues to grow as we add new places every day according to their description in the Apple Store. Users of this app are able to see what other users have recommended. So, they may not always know where an accessible toilet might be but will at least be aware if anyone else has been there before, which helps create a richer user experience overall.
The idea behind Wheelmate was created by two business partners who had difficulties finding clean bathrooms while traveling abroad together.
Gravity Screen
When you have a spinal cord injury, the thing that may be hard is fine motor skills. This can make it difficult to touch individual buttons on your screen. With Gravity Screen, this problem is solved by allowing you to change how and when your phone turns off in different ways. So, even if someone with an injury cannot physically press their own power button anymore, they will still be able to turn it off- keeping them safe from accidentally making calls or sending texts without meaning to.
The key features that may be most useful to someone with spinal cord injury are:
-Pocket Sensor which automatically turns the screen off if your phone is in your pocket. This feature doesn’t waste battery life and prevents any accidental button presses while you’re on the go!
-Table sensor detects when you lay your phone down on a table. It will turn it off, if not in use; this saves power and protects against unintended activation of buttons while resting or set aside, since there’s no need for touch input at all.
The device has 3 different vibration patterns as an alternative method of notification, so even people without sight can tell how many notifications they have waiting. What other phones offer such thoughtful functionality? None.
Gravity Screen is a must-have for anyone who has been embarrassed by their phone’s buttons. You can stop the awkward pauses and pocket dialing.