According to the World Health Organization (WHO) around one billion people, or 15% of the world's population, experience some type of disability. In developing countries this group of people is even larger.

Having some kind of disability, even in these times, is not something that can be dealt with in a very simple way since between 20 and 40% of people with disabilities > are not satisfied with the assistance they receive to carry out their daily tasks.

In both developed and developing countries, the vast majority depend on their friends and family to carry them out. 

But technology can be a great watershed so that this percentage decreases and people with disabilities find their daily tasks easier.

What is inclusive technology?

Inclusive technology is one that is designed to be accessible and easy to use for all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. With inclusive technology, people with disabilities can perform everyday tasks, communicate and fully participate in society.

How can technology help people with disabilities?

Inclusive technology is designed so that all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can use it. This means that technology can make the daily lives of people with disabilities easier and more accessible.

For example, if you're visually impaired, you can use screen readers that convert text to audio, allowing you to listen to anything from books to emails. If you have a motor disability, you can use adaptive keyboards and mice designed for people with motor disabilities, which will allow you to use a computer without having to use your hands.

Technology can also help people with disabilities in their daily lives. You can use mobile applications to do your shopping online, order food at home, and access adapted transportation services. Additionally, technology can be a great communication aid, allowing you to use voice communication apps, sign language, and eye-tracking technology to communicate effectively.

Inclusive technology aims to remove barriers and create a more inclusive society for people with disabilities.

What types of inclusive technology exist?

assistive technology

Refers to devices, software, and tools that help people with disabilities perform everyday tasks. Assistive products serve to maintain or enhance a person's autonomy and ability to manage themselves, thereby promoting their well-being.

Some examples include:

• Screen readers: convert text into audio for people with visual impairments.
• Adaptive keyboards and mice: Designed for people with motor disabilities, they allow the use of a variety of input devices.
• Voice recognition systems: allow people with motor disabilities to control devices with their voice.

web accessibility technology

Refers to the technology used to make web pages accessible to people with disabilities. Examples include:

• Subtitles and Audio Descriptions: Make videos accessible to people with hearing or visual impairments.
• Semantic Markup – Allows screen readers to navigate a web page efficiently.
• High Contrast Options: Make content easier to see for people with visual impairments.

Alternative and augmentative communication technology

refers to devices and tools that help people with communication disabilities to communicate effectively. Examples include:

• Augmentative and alternative communication systems: such as communication tablets or voice communication applications, which help people to communicate effectively.
• Eye Tracking Technology - Allows people with severe motor disabilities to control devices with the movement of the eyes

universal design technology

refers to technology that is created to be used by anyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Examples include:

• Interaction design: such as intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces that do not require specific skills to operate.
• Product design: as devices that can be easily adjusted to suit the individual needs of users.
• Architectural design: such as buildings accessible to people with physical disabilities.

Applications and inclusive technology

Below we will show you some of the many inclusive applications and technologies available today. Inclusive technology has the potential to make life easier and more accessible for people with disabilities, if you know someone with a disability and you think that any of these tools will be useful to them, do not hesitate to share it with them. .

1. Be My Eyes: An application that connects visually impaired people with volunteers who can help them through video calls in real time. The volunteer can help with everyday tasks such as reading a product label or indicating where an object is located in a room.
2. VoiceOver is an Apple technology that allows visually impaired people to use iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices without seeing the screen.
3. Dragon NaturallySpeaking: A speech recognition software that allows people to type and control their computer using voice commands.
4. Seeing AI : Another application for people with visual impairments. Use the phone's camera to read text, identify objects, recognize faces, and describe scenes.
5. FingerReader: A portable device that allows visually impaired people to read printed text on paper. The device glides over the text and a synthesized voice reads the text aloud.
6. Proloquo2Go: An augmentative and alternative communication (ACA) application for people with speech or language disabilities. The app uses images and symbols to help people communicate.
7. Ava: A live transcription application that uses speech recognition technology to transcribe what is being said in real time. It is especially useful for people with hearing impairment.
8. SmartNav: An eye-tracking device that allows people with physical disabilities to control their computer or mobile device through eye movements.
9. 3D printing of prosthetics: 3D printing has revolutionized prosthetic manufacturing, allowing for greater customization and access to affordable prosthetics for people with physical disabilities.
10. Microsoft Windows Ease of Access Center: A set of tools built into the Windows operating system to make computers easier to use for people with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive disabilities.
11. Aira: A remote assistance application that allows blind or low vision people to receive real-time help from a specialized agent. Agents can help with tasks like navigating the city or reading a letter.

What other things do you think are needed to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities?

​Unmanned vehicles are known as drones, and are capable of moving through the air without the need for a pilot on board. They are controlled remotely or through programming using software and GPS.

Drones are used in a wide variety of areas ranging from the military field, professional photography and even personal use. They can move quickly over uneven terrain and easily overcome obstacles, this gives them great versatility. This industry has experienced exponential growth in recent years and that is why it is more common to see them with recreational use.

If you want to get started in this hobby, it is necessary to take several things into account since there are a large number of drone modules, all with different characteristics and prices.

What types of drones are there?

Drones for civilian use

Within civil use, many other uses can be distinguished, from toys to those used for commercial use. Therefore there are drones for children's use, designed for indoor flights and easy to use and at an affordable price. For adults and those who already show a little more experience or interest in this type of device, the next leap is drones for amateur use.

These types of drones have a higher price since they are more equipped drones and with more sensors, motors and offer other types of benefits. Before purchasing this type of drone, we advise you to read our recommendations.

And finally, there are drones that are for professional use. These types of offer a greater flight range and are usually equipped with all kinds of systems that promote safer flight outdoors and may have GPS in real time to be able to locate them at all times.

Drones for military use

The first drones were born for use in the military field and to this day they continue to be used for many tasks within this field. Within the military industry, drones are not only used for combat, they also have other functions such as supplying supplies, locating human lives and examining terrain that is difficult to access.

How are drones classified?

Rotary wing

They are the most widespread type of drone and used both at a leisure and professional level. They are also known as multirotors and can be classified in turn into:

• Tricopters (3 engines)
• Quadcopters (4 engines)
• Hexacopters (6 engines)
• Octocopters (8 engines)

They are drones that can take off and land vertically and from practically any surface, their great drawback is related to the flight autonomy they offer. For some types of tasks we must have several spare batteries to replace them.

Fixed wing

Fixed-wing drones are those that are capable of taking advantage of the air and generating forces that allow them to stay in the air, taking advantage of their aerodynamics. They have a design and aesthetics similar to that of an airplane and are usually used to map large areas thanks to their great autonomy.

The main drawback with respect to rotary-wing drones is that fixed-wing drones cannot maintain flight over a certain point and that they cannot take off autonomously. These types of drones require that we drive or launch ourselves to start the flight.

How to choose my first drone?

If you want to buy your first drone and you don't know where to start, we suggest you take into account the following characteristics.

• Handling: The most important feature if you are starting out in this hobby. What you should keep in mind is that the drone has a flight stabilizer, this technology allows it to remain stable vertically. In this section we also recommend you investigate whether the drone has its own remote control or the smartphone is used for that, since you may feel more comfortable with one of the options or you will need more practice time to use it outdoors.
• Autonomy: Look for a drone with an acceptable flight time, this way you can enjoy more flight time and have more time to practice. Some drones can overheat so it is advisable to let it rest for about 15 minutes between flights.
• Resistance: Look for a drone that is resistant to blows, since in your first hours of flight it will most likely receive many of them. Don't forget to use the propeller guards as an extra protective measure.
• Camera: If you are looking to use the drone for audiovisual purposes, then you should review the characteristics of the camera and find which one suits your needs.

What are the best drones for beginners?

DJI Tello

The DJI Tello is a great option to start with the hobby of drones. It has 720p HD transmission and a 100-meter range, the DJI Tello Mini is the most stable model you will find for beginners, it reduces vibrations and movements during video recording and image capture.

Syma X5C

The Syma X5C is a drone for beginners with an HD camera that has powerful motors that will allow you to perform stunts and make it roll up to 360º on its own axis.

It is very small, at only 150 grams it is capable of combating moderate winds and it comes with a satisfactory battery life. Although if you plan to take it on a trip, we recommend that you buy another extra battery.

Xiaomi MITU

The Xiaomi MITU Mi Rabbit is one of the best camera drones on the market since it is equipped with an HD camera and is great for taking selfies, you can also take it with you comfortably since it is controlled from a mobile or tablet and does not need a radio control .

The body of the drone is made of polypropylene, a shock-resistant material, and the propellers are made of fiberglass. So it will resist how many blows you give it while you learn to fly it effectively.​

Sansisco D15

This is one of the best drones for beginners since it has a great value for money, for little money it has a foldable drone with an HD camera, it can maintain altitude and it is controlled with gestures.

A perfect drone for those who are looking for a device with which to start flying making aerial videos. Due to its size, it is perfect for both indoor and outdoor flights without wind.​

Potensic T25

The Potensic T25 is fast, small enough to fly indoors, and comes with Follow Mode for first-time users. It incorporates a 2K camera. The radio control has a support to place the smartphone and drive watching the images in real time.

Thanks to the GPS positioning system, the drone can return to the take-off location with tremendous precision. In addition Potensic has used high quality plastic for the construction. The drone feels solid enough to absorb a few bumps, so it'll be safe while we learn to fly it.

Would you like to fly drones or do you already? What other advice could you give to someone who is starting out in the hobby of flying a drone? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.