Innovation Authority Approves Projects for the Disabled

The Israel Innovation Authority has authorized allocations of 3 million shekels for a variety of projects developing technological solutions for populations with special needs.

Among the approved projects are two applications aimed at children on the autistic spectrum. The first application is intended to help enable more effective communication with autistic children, and the second is intended to help develop their social skills.&

The Authority also approved the development of a technologically innovative system for the benefit of the visually-impaired. The system will enable the visually-impaired to receive information that will help them orientate in public spaces and will even help them carry out various day-to-day activities.&

Also on the list, development of an electro-mechanical device intended for offices open to the public. The device will enable people in wheelchairs to open doors using their cellphones. Another project is developing affordable but accurate communications devices intended to help the disabled with physical limitations, such as ALS patients, communicate through the movement of their eye pupils alone.

Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Eli Cohen said: “These funds have been allocated to develop technologies designed to help people with disabilities meet daily challenges, to increase awareness and to support businesses integrating people with special needs into the economy and society. As a society, we must promote equal opportunity and I commend the use of one of our greatest resources, Israeli innovation, to meet these particular challenges. These projects can effect real change in the lives of real people.”

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