June 2013: A Look Beyond the Horizon

Horses in the jungle? Sea stars in Turkey? Exemplary projects for people with disabilities abroad sometimes go apparently unusual ways. What they can achieve for the particular population by doing so, you will get to know in our Topic of the Month June: For REHACARE.de has A Look Beyond the Horizon.June 2013: A Look Beyond the Horizon - Read more

Ecuador for All: German Women Power Makes it Possible

Over 13 percent of Ecuadors population are officially registered with a disability. But the estimated number of unreported cases is much higher. Especially the bad healthcare system and a lack of information are to blame for this. But two German women are undeterred by the conditions and commit themselves to hippotherapy and accessible vacation offers in the land at the equator.Ecuador for All: German Women Power Makes it Possible - Read more

Over Hedge and Ditch: Wheelchair Travelling Abroad

When wheelchair users travel, they want to be far away more and more. By now, this is possible in many countries because they are widely accessible. But Andreas Pröve does not need any accessibility. On his journeys he prefers looking for the real big challenges.Over Hedge and Ditch: Wheelchair Travelling Abroad - Read more

March 2013: Accessibility and Mobility

On the way to work or during a vacation – particularly wheelchair users feel often confronted with numerous obstacles in the public long-distance and local traffic. To what extent travel assistants can help and how accessible bus and train really are, you will get to know in our Topic of the Month March: Accessibility and Mobility.March 2013: Accessibility and Mobility - Read more

Experiencing the World – without Barriers

Curbsides, pebble ways or prone sidewalks – these obstacles can spoil the holiday mood of wheelchair drivers everywhere in the world. But it does not have to be like that. A good planning and maybe even trained company help.Experiencing the World – without Barriers - Read more

Obligation of Transport Must Be Established by Law

Bus and train bring many people from A to B – fast and easy on the environment. However, the public means of transportation keep on hand some incommodities for people with disabilities. That’s why different working groups and institutes exert themselves for more accessibility in public local traffic.Obligation of Transport Must Be Established by Law - Read more

Software Improves Facebook Accessibility for the Blind

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[18/02/2013] Researchers have developed a software package that adapts Facebook for visually impaired people.Software Improves Facebook Accessibility for the Blind - Read more

Study with Handicap: „Many Students Do Not Want to Come Out“

Listening to a lecture in the lecture hall or reading a book in the library – this is not always possible without restrictions to all students. However, many of them hide this fact, as far as they are able to do it – because of fear or on account of bad experiences.Study with Handicap: „Many Students Do Not Want to Come Out“ - Read more

Device Helps Children with Disabilities Access Tablets

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[12/12/2012] Researchers at Georgia Tech are trying to open the world of tablets to children whose limited mobility makes it difficult for them to perform the common pinch and swipe gestures required to control the devices.Device Helps Children with Disabilities Access Tablets - Read more

Working Towards a Better Hearing Aid

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[31/10/2012] Twenty per cent of hearing aid users in Norway use the equipment for only an hour each day. The reason is often poor fitting and inadequate support. Now all this could change.Working Towards a Better Hearing Aid - Read more

Vehicle Conversions: No off the Shelf Cars

When people with physical impairments want to drive a car, they cannot simply get into any vehicle and start driving. Depending on the disability, the vehicle needs to meet specific conditions; generally, a customization is necessary. The German Association of Disabled Car Owners (“Bund behinderter Auto-Besitzer/BbAB) provides help in regards to conversions.Vehicle Conversions: No off the Shelf Cars - Read more

Senior Citizens: Asking Those to Whom it May Concern

Too small keys, too small writing: The design of the new coffeemaker or of the new mobile phone is not always well thought through. The development of many products often disregards the users. Above all senior citizens can tell you a thing or two about it. Now the Senior Research Group from Berlin, Germany wants to change this.Senior Citizens: Asking Those to Whom it May Concern - Read more

First GPS for the Blind

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[25/06/2012] A new application for devices with Android operating systems, called OnTheBus, helps people find their way and move around in large cities. The application is useful especially for people with visual, hearing or cognitive impairments.First GPS for the Blind - Read more

Globetrotter in a Wheelchair: "Men with Kalashnikovs Have Arrested Me"

Far countries, foreign cultures – this are the challenges Andreas Pröve faces up to over and over again with enthusiasm. His wheelchair does not hinder his thirst for adventure, on the contrary: Just because many people do not think he is capable of doing it, he ventures the apparently impossible.Globetrotter in a Wheelchair: "Men with Kalashnikovs Have Arrested Me" - Read more

The BunBos: a Coloured Fleet

In Plaue at the Havel, Germany, the most unusual houseboats far and wide start: the BunBos. Also with bag and baggage there is enough tyre freedom on board for wheel chair drivers. Thus, adventurers can spend day and night on the water. Travelling can hardly be more uncomplicated.The BunBos: a Coloured Fleet - Read more

Tongue Drive System Goes Inside the Mouth

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[27/02/2012] The Tongue Drive System is getting less conspicuous and more capable. Tongue Drive is a wireless device that enables people with high-level spinal cord injuries to operate a computer and manoeuvre an electrically powered wheelchair simply by moving their tongues.Tongue Drive System Goes Inside the Mouth - Read more

Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[08/02/2012] Kessler Foundation awarded a Signature Employment Grant in the amount of 425,000 Dollars to the Office of Research Services at the University of Hawaii, to advance employment opportunities for people with disabilities.Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities - Read more

Shopping Mall for Persons with Handicap

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[01/02/2012] Researchers of the University of Montreal construct a first shopping mall specifically adapted to persons with a physical handicap.Shopping Mall for Persons with Handicap - Read more

Access-City Award 2012

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[17/08/2011] The European Commission nominates of the “Access City Award” - the European Award for Accessible Cities. The annual prize aims to showcase and reward cities which take exemplary steps to improve their accessibility for people with disabilities in fundamental aspects of city living.Access-City Award 2012 - Read more

Breaking Down Barriers to Voting for Seniors

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[18/03/2011] A study of a process called mobile polling – where election officials register voters onsite, then bring voting ballots to long term care residents and provide voter assistance as needed – found that nursing home residents, staff and election officials all agreed that mobile polling is better than current voting methods.Breaking Down Barriers to Voting for Seniors - Read more

How the Elderly Find their Ways

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[14/01/2011] The research project “Older People's Use of Unfamiliar Space” examined the strategies used by older people to find their way in unfamiliar spaces as pedestrians and users of public transport.How the Elderly Find their Ways - Read more

Inaccessible Kiosks: Airline Discriminates Blind Passengers

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[08/11/2010] United uses airport kiosks that employ touchscreen technology in a manner such that they cannot be used by blind passengers. Inaccessible Kiosks: Airline Discriminates Blind Passengers - Read more

Blind Inventors Revolutionise Computer Access

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[13/10/2010] For many blind people computers are inaccessible. It can cost upwards of AUD$1000 to purchase "screen reader" software, but two blind computer programmers from Australia have solved this problem.Blind Inventors Revolutionise Computer Access - Read more

Barrier-free living

When living in one’s very own four walls, people utter the desire, “This is where I want to grow old!" However, when retirement does come along other problems follow that weren't considered before. That may not pose a problem yet, but for people in wheelchairs, for example, these things can be a huge burden. Barrier-free living - Read more

Design Opens Door to 'Full Screen' Braille Displays

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[03/05/2010] New research is moving us closer to the development of a display system that would allow the blind to take full advantage of the Web and other computer applications.Design Opens Door to 'Full Screen' Braille Displays - Read more

Playing 'Pong' with the Blink of an Eye

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[29/03/2010] University students have developed a computer game that is operated by eye movements, which could allow people with severe physical disabilities to become 'gamers' for the first time.Playing 'Pong' with the Blink of an Eye - Read more

Facilitating Internet Use for People with Handicap

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[24/03/2010] In his PhD thesis a researcher tested a system that facilitates creating a more personalised Internet for the disabled. He also devised innovative techniques for experts in adapting web pages.Facilitating Internet Use for People with Handicap - Read more

Elderly at Risk of Elevator-Related Injuries

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[26/02/2010] Older adults are more likely to use elevators than stairs or escalators. While elevators are one of the safest forms of transportation, they can pose a real danger for the aging population.Elderly at Risk of Elevator-Related Injuries - Read more

Special Gloves Help Understanding the Effects of Arthritis

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[08/02/2010] A pair of arthritis simulation gloves, which reproduce the reduction in functional capacity experienced by persons with arthritis, helps better understand how arthritis affects a person's ability to grasp, pinch, turn, lift and twist objects.Special Gloves Help Understanding the Effects of Arthritis - Read more

Barrier-Free Travelling Is Impaired

Travelling to distant or nearby countries can be the most wonderful thing to do. Approximately 10 percent of the Germans cannot be carefree when it comes to planning a vacation. For severely disabled people planning a vacation is difficult from the very beginning. Just flying away without further preparation – that is completely unthinkable. A new information platform intends to help.Barrier-Free Travelling Is Impaired - Read more

A Yellow Eye-Catcher - Kenguru The Cruiser

It is bright yellow and a real eye-catcher - Kenguru The Cruiser, the electric car for wheelchair users. István Kissároslaki, Managing Director of Kenguru, explains the functioning of the agile car.A Yellow Eye-Catcher - Kenguru The Cruiser - Read more

Petition: Safe Airplanes for Travellers with Disabilities

[16/10/2009] The Association for Airline Passenger Rights endorsed a petition for wheelchair accessibility on airplanes. Petition: Safe Airplanes for Travellers with Disabilities - Read more

Preventing Dangerous Slips and Falls

[15/05/2009] In honour of Older Americans Month, a new series of videos on preventing dangerous, unintentional falls among seniors with vision loss has been launched. Preventing Dangerous Slips and Falls - Read more

Barrier-free Travel by Plane regulated

[28/07/2008] New rules entered into force to offer the disabled and the elderly access to air transport comparable to that of the other passengers flying from airports in the European Union.Barrier-free Travel by Plane regulated - Read more

Vision Loss: New Web Site

[20/04/2007] To help families, caregivers and people directly affected by vision loss, the American Foundation for the Blind, New York, launched a new, totally accessible, multimedia web site.Vision Loss: New Web Site - Read more

Canadian Census Forms Are fully Accessible

[29/03/2006] Census Day is May 16, 2006, and for the first time, the entire country will be able to take part by using an accessible online form. Canadian Census Forms Are fully Accessible - Read more

CNIB Award for Setting New Standard for Accessible Pedestrian Signals

[23/09/2005] The innovation is called Navigator II and is an accessible pedestrian signals (APS) system that does more than just beep.CNIB Award for Setting New Standard for Accessible Pedestrian Signals - Read more

Using Simple Forms in Hospital Can Improve Stroke Care

[19/08/2005] Using standardised forms at the time stroke patients are admitted to and discharged from the hospital can improve care. Using Simple Forms in Hospital Can Improve Stroke Care - Read more

Debenhams Becomes First Prosecution under DDA

[01/08/2005] Debenhams will become the first retailer to be prosecuted under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) for failing to improve physical access to goods and services within its Derby store, the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) revealed.Debenhams Becomes First Prosecution under DDA - Read more

Harry Potter Leads Way for Blind Fans

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[18/07/2005] ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' by JK Rowling will be the first ever novel in the UK to be published simultaneously in braille, large-print and standard print.Harry Potter Leads Way for Blind Fans - Read more

New Study: How Can Television Be Improved for Deaf Children

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[25/04/2005] BBC Broadcast and The National Deaf Children's Society have begun a joint study into how subtitles and sign language on children's television programmes could be improved. New Study: How Can Television Be Improved for Deaf Children - Read more

Open Up: New Guidance for Events Organisers

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[06/12/2004] Event organisers wanting to stay on the right side of new disability access laws can receive helpful advice from guidance published by the Disability Rights Commission.Open Up: New Guidance for Events Organisers - Read more

Museums and Galleries Month: Disabled Access Laws

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[07/05/2004] Curators and trustees should use Museums and Galleries month to finalise plans to ensure disabled access to the nation’s heritage, the Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission, Bert Massie, said today. Museums and Galleries Month: Disabled Access Laws - Read more

Accessible Hotels: Not just for, but Run by People with a Disability

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[01/03/2004] Accessible hotels offer handicapped people a great opportunity to relax and rest. Or to work. For example at the Stadthaushotel in Hamburg, where disabled employees provide a three star service for nearly ten years now.Accessible Hotels: Not just for, but Run by People with a Disability - Read more

Tourism: Accessibility Pays!

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[01/03/2004] A lack of accessibility in hotels and restaurants is not just annoying for disabled travellers, but handicaps the economy as well: In Germany alone, 5 billion Euros could be gained by barrier-free tourism, equalling a total of 90.000 new jobs.Tourism: Accessibility Pays! - Read more

Accessibility online – more than just ‘click here for text-only’

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[01/01/2004] Slowly, web designers are striving to make their site accessible for everyone. But not each website really delivers what the label ‘accessible’ promises, as many of the pages still present barriers for some people with disabilities. But sticking to some basic rules should help making more parts of the web available for people with handicaps.Accessibility online – more than just ‘click here for text-only’ - Read more

Accessible Websites – Barrier-Free Surfing

( Source: REHACARE.de )

[01/01/2004] Especially for people with disabilities, the internet could offer easier access to information, facilitate shopping and could be the much proclaimed window to the world. But no: Many websites are not accessible for people with handicaps – although they are even more interested in the internet than the average citizen.Accessible Websites – Barrier-Free Surfing - Read more