Apps have changed the way we live. From the way we communicate to the manner that we do our day-to-day tasks, this technology has, without a doubt, helped shape our lives. The benefits are universal, its effects are felt and appreciated by people from all walks of life. One segment of the population where apps are making a tremendous impact is people living with disabilities.  

Assistive technology, an umbrella term used for categorising devices and equipment that can help assist and support people with disabilities, has come a long way.  It has evolved from cumbersome and hard to use into useful and accessible technology in recent years. A good example is how apps have transformed from novelties into highly beneficial means of putting technology to good use. 

More and more developers are bringing innovative apps to the market and the options available are now wide-ranging. It can be confusing to sort out which are really useful, and which ones carry features that address a real need and offer practical solutions to real-world problems of people living with a disability.  Here, we list different kinds of apps and explain why these may be relevant to your needs. 

How life-changing technology is helping people living with disabilities navigate through life?

From taking care of more mundane tasks to carrying out vital tasks that can be life-altering, the market is full of apps designed for people with special needs. Here are some interesting kinds of apps that may offer advantages and benefits to people living with disabilities: 

• Reminder apps for people with brain fog or memory issues – Can’t find your eyeglasses? Where did you put your house keys? Have you taken your medications today?  An app that can remind you of little things that can slip through the cracks can be a huge help, even a lifesaver.

• Apps for people with visual or hearing impairment – From apps that connect the visually impaired to a community of people who can assist them to ones that use voice recognition to transcribe words, technology has made Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps possible. These apps support people living with disabilities, enabling them to gain independence, as well as connecting them to a wider community.

• Travel apps for people with disabilities – some apps feature customised searches for places that allow mobility devices such as wheelchairs while others are location-based apps that can provide the user with information on which utilities are available nearby.

• Learning apps for kids with special needs – a wide range of apps are available to help children with special needs navigate through a gamut of challenges, from distinguishing male and female faces to building math competencies.

• Apps for students with learning disabilities – this category offers a wide array of features from apps that support students with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to those that help build emotional intelligence.

• Chronic illnesses tracker – technology has enabled developers to come up with lifesaving apps that can keep track of important medical details such as medications, symptoms of chronic illnesses, triggers, treatments, and reactions to medication, among many others.

• Prescription medicines trackers – For people with several prescriptions, monitoring and keeping tabs on dosage, frequency of intake, and when it’s time for a refill can be challenging. Apps that track details on prescription medicines are a big help not just to people living with a disability but also to their family members or caregivers.

• Grocery shopping apps – shopping for groceries and food ingredients can be tiring and draining. From having to travel to the supermarket to carrying the grocery bags all the way home, everybody can really use a hand. In this case, grocery shopping apps are a big help to people with disabilities who do their own cooking at home, taking care of the tedious task of traveling and shopping for supplies.

• Exercise and fitness apps – travelling can be a barrier to engaging in guided, regular physical activity.  It can be costly and time-consuming as well as tiring. Exercise apps are an excellent way to receive guided training information without having to leave home.

How Healthstin is tapping technology to help bring healthcare services to more NDIS Participants?

Healthstin understands that technology can play a very crucial part in bridging the gap between healthcare services and people living with a disability. This is the reason why we designed and developed our innovative online platform, MyHealthPal. Our app offers the convenience of providing telehealth services remotely as well as the power to avail of expert Allied Health guidance through training videos and relevant health information. 

NDIS Participants will find these features offered by MyHealthPal highly beneficial: 

• Immediate access to Allied Health Services – our app links you to much-needed services anytime you need them and anywhere you may be with just a few keystrokes.
• Affordable and convenient link to Allied Health Services – MyHealthPal is available wherever there is an internet connection, delivering healthcare and health information in an inexpensive and cost-efficient way.
• Provides much-needed services to people who can’t travel – the app opens up a world of information and services without having to leave home. It eliminates the need to travel, saving you precious time and money as well as ensuring continuity of treatment programs in between in-clinic sessions.
• Support in optimising the use of your NDIS funds – MyHealthPal delivers services in a cost-efficient manner, helping you to avoid prematurely exhausting your NDIS funds.
• Access to over 15,000 training videos – Never miss a treatment session just because you can’t travel to our Allied Health Clinic. Our training videos offer expert guidance that optimises outcomes and helps ensure safety.

An app for adults with disabilities 

Healthstin created the innovative online platform, MyHealthPal, as a way to tap into the wonders of technology to benefit everyone’s health. While MyHealthPal is designed to support people of all ages, it can be especially beneficial for adults and older adults living with disabilities. By helping them overcome the barriers of physical distance and costs, our app enables more people to gain access to quality health services in a more convenient and cost-efficient manner. Explore the many ways MyHealthPal can empower you to take control of your health and well-being by downloading the app now. 

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