Ask HN: Startups/tech/advancements in the intellectual disability space?

2 pointscostcopizza1y ago3 comments

Hi HN, as a family member to someone with an Intellectual/Developmental Disability [0], I am wondering if there are any startups, products, advancements directly or indirectly addressing this population.

I know it's a broad umbrella, as not only do many different disabilities exist, but their severity as well.

For the people I am often around, living independently is the most shared goal. That in itself encompasses many things like motor skills, ability to keep routines, assistance for daily tasks, etc.

I realize this may be niche so I welcome adjacent findings as well.

Thank you!

[0] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6040-joubert-syndrome

3 comments

brudgers1y ago

There are small businesses in the space. But because every person with a disability is unique, there aren't universal solutions. It's wetware not software. Good luck.

costcopizzaOP1y ago

Thank you. Yeah definitely a shot in the dark.

My mind was initially thinking of an AI assistant focused on guiding users through daily tasks (personal hygiene, locking doors, etc).

Advancements in robotics made me wonder if there was something wearable to enhance one's motor skills.

brudgers1y ago

Neither is better than personalized hands on care. For the patient, that is. For those who would rather not pay for it with their money and/or time apps and robots are attractive.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

Ask HN: Startups/tech/advancements in the intellectual disability space?

2 pointscostcopizza1y ago3 comments

I know it's a broad umbrella, as not only do many different disabilities exist, but their severity as well.

For the people I am often around, living independently is the most shared goal. That in itself encompasses many things like motor skills, ability to keep routines, assistance for daily tasks, etc.

I realize this may be niche so I welcome adjacent findings as well.

Thank you!

[0] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6040-joubert-syndrome

3 comments

brudgers1y ago

There are small businesses in the space. But because every person with a disability is unique, there aren't universal solutions. It's wetware not software. Good luck.

costcopizzaOP1y ago

Thank you. Yeah definitely a shot in the dark.

My mind was initially thinking of an AI assistant focused on guiding users through daily tasks (personal hygiene, locking doors, etc).

Advancements in robotics made me wonder if there was something wearable to enhance one's motor skills.

brudgers1y ago

Neither is better than personalized hands on care. For the patient, that is. For those who would rather not pay for it with their money and/or time apps and robots are attractive.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse