ENHANCING ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION WITH ADAPTIVE AND ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

The barriers faced by children with disabilities can significantly hinder their ability to participate in education, social activities, and daily life. Adaptive and assistive devices have become instrumental in addressing these challenges, offering children improved mobility, communication, and engagement. These technologies span from simple tools such as walkers and hearing aids to sophisticated innovations like artificial intelligence-driven devices and robotic exoskeletons. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of adaptive and assistive devices for children with disabilities, their benefits, and their impact on promoting accessibility and inclusion. Additionally, it discusses the challenges in implementing these technologies, including financial, technical, and social constraints, and highlights future trends such as personalized and AI-integrated resolutions. By highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration and policy advancements, this study underscores the importance of bridging gaps to ensure that these devices are accessible to all children in need. This work aims to inform educators, policymakers, healthcare providers, and technologists about the transformative potential of adaptive and assistive devices.