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Technology-Based Social Innovation: Smart City Inclusive System for Hearing Impairment and Visual Disability
Ignacio Chang1, Juan Castillo2,3, Hector Montes4,5
1Facultad de Ingeniería Eléctrica, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, El Dorado, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 15, 2022
Summary
This study developed an Internet of Things system to aid individuals with visual and hearing impairments, enhancing emergency support and social inclusion. The technology facilitates decision-making for users, families, and authorities, improving disaster risk management.
Area of Science:
- Assistive Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Disaster Management
Background:
- Social inclusion gap for individuals with hearing and visual impairments.
- Need for enhanced emergency support systems for vulnerable populations.
- Limitations of current telecommunication systems during emergencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an Internet of Things (IoT) based system to support people with visual disabilities (PwVD) in indoor and outdoor activities.
- To reduce the social inclusion gap and increase emergency support for individuals with visual and hearing impairments.
- To facilitate informed decision-making at operational, tactical, and strategic levels for individuals, families, and authorities during emergencies.
Main Methods:
- Multilayer hardware and software technology integration.
- Development of responsive mobile, dashboard, and web applications.
- Creation of a battery-assisted, clean energy communication infrastructure independent of existing telecommunication systems.
Main Results:
- The proposed system provides a safe space for decision-making for people with visual and hearing impairments, their families, and government authorities.
- Smart data visualization aids Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management (CDRM) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
- Identified critical needs for accessible applications and reliable, independent communication infrastructure.
Conclusions:
- The developed IoT system significantly enhances support for people with visual and hearing disabilities, promoting social inclusion.
- An independent and reliable communication infrastructure is crucial for effective emergency response and daily support.
- The integration of technology offers a scalable solution for improving safety and decision-making for vulnerable populations during crises.
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