A new app or ‘human rights technology’?

Smartphones are getting…how can I put this…smarter. It seems that every couple of weeks someone releases a new application that can transform the lives of disabled people.

Take MyVoice. It’s a new app developed with help from Google, the Aphasia Institute and the University of Toronto. And it gives people – who find it difficult to speak – a voice.

By using their smartphone they simply tap on the screen to say what they want. The information about themselves, their family, their interest and their lives can be added to create a complete personal library.

Digital vocabulary

Of course, there have been machines around for some years but these tend to be clunky and expensive. The beauty of this app is that its works on a gadget that can be slipped into your pocket.

But that’s not the clever bit. Since MyVoice is web-enabled, it can give you relevant words depending on your location. So, if you’re at a coffee shop, it will suggest beverage-related words. Ditto if you’re at a train station…or the movies…or anywhere, really.

That means you don’t have to wade through thousands of words to find what you want to say. It’s almost like having something a digital vocabulary in your pocket.

To me, it’s apps like this that are making the world more inclusive. Technology is helping people at a disadvantage to live their lives more completely.

Watch the video guide

The video below explains how MyVoice works. At the end, Glen Murray, Ontario Minister of Research and Science says of MyVoice: “This is something that will fully enfranchise people. This is human rights technology as much as it is voice technology.”

“Human rights technology” – what do you think? Let us know below.

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