Mumbai: Exhibition features gadgets and devices for the differently-abled

A black box that looks like an oventoaster hybrid sits on a table Peep into it and you can see steel rods and trays When it begins to whir instead of a crispy toast what comes out are A3 sheets embossed with dots Thats Braille Box for you a printer that converts text to Braille helping visuallyimpaired persons read their own and other peoples textsNext to it is Domino Classic a WiFienabled listening system that amplifies speech and filters background noise which can be used by the hearingimpaired These among 20 innovative products specifically created for Persons with Disabilities PwDs are part of Design For Dignity a Swedish exhibit that makes its debut in the city next week Hosted by Consulate General of Sweden along with the Swedish Institute SI the roving exhibit will park itself at Matungas LN Welingkar Institute for over a week before travelling to Singapore Macedonia Belarus Latvia and BrazilThe exhibition aims to create awareness and encourage social inclusion for individuals with disabilities It also aims to strengthen IndoSweden ties and add on to the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of health care and public health which was signed between the two countries in 2009 It is important that we take proactive measures to bring PwDs into the development process as policy makers implementers and beneficiaries says acting consul general Jan Campbell Westlind All the products displayed at the exhibit will be available onlineAt the venue you can also check out AccessAbility a photoexhibition showcasing portraits and personal accounts of individuals with different disabilities mdash 14 from Sweden and 11 from India clicked respectively by Swedish photographer Markus Marcetic and Indian photographer Sunil Thakkar produced by the SIFrom September 20 to 2911 am to 4 pm AT LN WelingkarInstitute of Management Development amp Research Matunga CentralTobii Dynavox I12 Gaze InteractionUseful for people suffering from autism cerebral palsy and other speech and motor impairments the device is controlled by eye movements instead of a traditional mouse and keyboard It enables effective communication mdash whether it is speech generation the computer speaks aloud messages written via eye movements computer access sending texts via SMSacircu00c2u0080u00c2u0088or emailsacircu00c2u0080u00c2u0088or environmental control appliances like TV airconditioner can be operated by infrared remote controlLog on to wwwtobiidynavoxcomBraille Box V4Compatible with smartphones and PCs the printer helps convert text to Braille It uses sheetfed technology to print booklets in A4 and A3 formats and enables doublesided Braille printing tooLog u00c2u0080u00c2u0088on u00c2u0080u00c2u0088to wwwindexbraillecomPenny TalksYes this pen really talks Mainly used in schools for the visuallyimpaired the pen reads the recorded information as the tip is drawn across the label From recording translations to marking your CDacircu00c2u0080u00c2u0088collections and spice jars the pen helps organise daily life with tactile audiolabelsLog on u00c2u0080u00c2u0088to wwwirishjalpmedelseThe ComforterA weighted blanket designed to relieve anxiety and insomnia and improve body awareness the cognitive device has a particularly positive effect on children with Attention DeficitHyperactivity Disorder ADHD It can be used by caregivers for stress therapyLog on to wwwsomnaeuFia TouchDesigned like Ludo the board game features submerged pockets to hold the playing pieces in place The gripfriendly pieces are also equipped with raised pattern markings to help visually impaired play by touchLog on to wwwmartalleuTwicegrip TungstenThe antislip guards help those recovering from femoral fractures many of which are a result of falling on slippery surfaces They can be fit over a pair of shoes while walking on a wet floor The guards also include resilient studs which can help one walk on dry surfaces tooLog on to u00c2u0080u00c2u0088wwwtwicegripcomFrom AccessAbilityAn Indian portrait in the photoexhibit is of Sunil Gujara Left hearing and speechimpaired after a childhood accident Gujara taught himself to lipread till class VIII After doing odd jobs as a tea server and offering professional massages he discovered his love for dancing As part of an allmale dance troupe he crossdresses and performs the traditionally female role in Maharashtrian LavaniLets FlyA fourwheeled foldable rollator rolling walker that includes suspension for a smoother rideLog on to wwwtrustcareseF110 Foldable RampIts a portable ramp with antislip protection that helps wheelchairusers access elevated spacesLog on u00c2u0080u00c2u0088to wwwfealse