Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 55 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

How Steep Is That Sidewalk? A Digital Map for People With Disabilities

Megan Wildhood

August 21, 2019 |

Yes! Magazine |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Seattle, Washington

Crowdsourcing data allows developers to help those with limited mobility find accessible routes. The AccessMap Seattle project, in collaboration with the Taskar Center for Accessible Technology at the University of Washington and OpenStreetMap, has tested and is improving a map where users can find and edit information about the elevation of rotes, sidewalks, and crosswalks to serve those who are challenged with their mobility.

Read More
Go to Original Story
A Public Library Brings Opportunity to the Blind

Deborah Fallows

June 29, 2019 |

The Atlantic |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library is a branch of the New York Public Library system that offers a wide array of services for vision-impaired adults and children. They hold the largest physical collection of braille books in the country, as well as thousands of downloadable digital braille books, audio books, and newspaper subscriptions. Included amongst these offerings are also the Talking Books program which records and distributes their collection of 200,000 recorded books, hardware and software tech to help illustrate things like tactile maps or diagrams, and simple community classes.

Read More
Go to Original Story
More Benches, Special Goggles: Taking Steps to Assist Older Travelers

Julie Weed

April 22, 2019 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

As the number of people over 60 years old continues to rise, airports and hotels around the country are implementing features and senior-friendly design into their spaces. Some of the changes are simple – new benches, brighter lights, or luggage assistance – but some are much more complex, like installing systems that transmit airport announcements directly to a travelers’ hearing device.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Anyone Who Needs Help Seeing Has 2 Million Pairs of Eyes Available With This App

Monica Humphries

April 17, 2019 |

NationSwell |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Denmark

Using the camera of a smartphone, individuals who are blind or visually impaired can receive quick and easy help from volunteers. The Danish company, Be My Eyes uses a smartphone application to connect those who are blind or visually impaired to an international network of sighted volunteers ready to assist. The on-demand access to assistance provides visually impaired individuals with more independence in their daily lives.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Seniors' technology has come a long way since 'I've fallen and can't get up'

Carl Hunnell

February 26, 2019 |

Richland Source |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Mansfield, Ohio

Assistive technology meant to support senior citizens looking to age in place is getting better at responding to senior needs. Security systems, health monitors, and more advances are helping seniors live independently for longer and saving families money as they consider options to allow family members to age with dignity and care.

Read More
Go to Original Story
When refugees need emergency help with a language barrier, this app connects them to a translator

Adele Peters

February 07, 2019 |

FastCompany |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States

A new mobile app called Tarjimly connects refugees with much needed translation services, especially in times of emergency. With over 8,000 volunteer translators who speak over 90 languages, the adaptable app can break down language barriers in any situation in which a refugee has access to a mobile phone.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The Turkish App to Help Autistic Children Learn

Vibeke Venema

January 22, 2019 |

BBC |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Turkey, Ankara

Education for children with autism can be a costly challenge to procure, but an app called Otsimo aims to democratize education by providing software designed specifically for autistic children. Now 3 years old with over 70 games and 100,000 users in three countries, parents, specialists, and kids testify to its efficacy and engagement.

Read More
Go to Original Story
These tactile blocks teach blind kids to code

Adele Peters

January 22, 2019 |

FastCompany |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Worcester

Microsoft recently piloted the Code Jumper, a kit that allows children with visual impairments to learn how to code using tactile and auditory responses. The Code Jumper kit features several "pods" that correlate to a line of code; when the pods fit together correctly in a string of code, the Code Jumper creates a funny song or other auditory response.

Read More
Go to Original Story
With search for Alzheimer's drugs failing, tech firms try to offer solutions

Casey Ross

January 10, 2019 |

STAT |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Las Vegas, Nevada

With little progress made on a successful treatment for Alzheimer's and prices for monitored care and medications rising, several technology companies are focusing on better ways to manage care. Through tactics such as virtual reality, robotic animals and facial analyzation, these companies are trying to both better serve the patient as well as support the families.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Steps toward age-friendliness in West Sacramento

Courtney McNaull

December 13, 2018 |

Richland Source |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Sacramento, California

As part of a larger effort to make the city of West Sacramento more friendly to their aging population, an on-demand ride-sharing app was developed to make transportation more accessible for seniors who cannot easily use public transportation. The response has been overwhelming, and the project will soon be able to support itself financially. The city is also using another app to help connect seniors with volunteer opportunities that make use of their skills, which was something else they learned was desired by doing focus groups.

Read More
Go to Original Story