Google Glass isn’t for everyone, especially with the press it has been getting from geeks recently, but Glass can actually serve an incredibly positive purpose: restoring independence to the mobility-impaired.
Alex Blaszczuk is a law student, photographer, cat owner and a paraplegic. A car accident left her paralysed from the chest-down in 2011 when she was on her way to a camping trip with friends. She now gets about with the help of a wheelchair, but can’t use her hands due to accident. That means she’s also unable to use a smartphone to take pictures, communicate, navigate or organise her life.
Two weeks ago, Alex became a Glass Explorer — one of the individuals getting exclusive access to Glass before the rest of us — and according to this feel-good story, it has helped to restore her independence.
Thanks to Glass, she’s now been able to go on her camping trip, taking beautiful photos along the way.
Yep: kicked me right in the feels.