From wheelchair-sharing networks to Aphasia-aiding emoji apps, the May 2017 social good trends reveal an ongoing push to make the world a more accessible place. This is largely the result of new technology, which is being used to help people with disabilities.
One of the ways that technology is improving life for those with disabilities is by helping them better communicate their needs. For example, Samsung Wemogee is a new app by Samsung Italia that gives people with aphasia a simple way to communicate.
Technology is also helping to breakdown barriers -- be they physical or societal -- for others. As featured in the May 2017 social good trends, this includes WHILL's WeDrive service, which connects people with mobility devices and Coding Autism, which teaches programming to adults on the autism spectrum.
Top 30 Social Good Ideas in May
From Wheelchair-Sharing Networks to Aphasia-Aiding Emoji Apps:
Katherine Pendrill — May 28, 2017 — Social Good
30
Pet Adoption Photography Campaigns
The World For All Series Sends a Message with Optical Illusions
29
Lightweight Recycled Plastic Shirts
Last Bottle Clothing Sells Shirts Made from Recycled Bottles
28
Empowering Female Athletic Apparel
The Alana Athletica Women's Yoga Gear is Made by and for Women
27
Rewarding Clothing Recycling Promotions
The 'Refashion the Future' Event Celebrates Earth Day 2017
26
Progressive Female Representation Campaigns
Dove and Mindshare Joined to Redefine Beauty Standards
25
Refugee Camp Production Centers
IKEA Will Soon Be Offering Employment Opportunities for Refugees
24
Poignant Life Vest Igloos
Greek Artist Achilleas Souras Builds Igloos Out of Refugee Life Vests
23
Clever Animal Adoption Campaigns
This Pedigree Campaign Prompts Parents to Get a Shelter Dog
22
Health Assessment Posters
These Cancer Research UK Posters Offer a Free Breathing Test
21
Water-Filtering River Wheels
The 'Waterwheel Filter' Water Filtering System is for Remote Villages
20
Safe Consumption Wine Bottles
The Don't Reach the Bottom Campaign Encourages Responsible Drinking
19
LGBT Self-Defense Classes
This Brazilian Martial Arts School Helps Women and LGBT People
18
Climate Change Coloring Books
Brian Foo's Climate Change Coloring Book Highlights the Environment
17
Earth Day-Honoring Beers
Sly Fox's New SRT ALE Celebrates Earth Day by Supporting a Good Cause
16
Charitable Presidential Lollipops
Proceeds from the 'Trump Sucks' Treats Go to Planned Parenthood
15
Charitable Wedding Dress Platforms
'Brides Do Good' Allows Women to Buy Pre-owned Wedding Gowns
14
Violence-Exposing Photo Booths
Terre Des Femmes Created the Shocking Bruise Automat Campaign
13
Wheelchair-Sharing Networks
WHILL's WeDrive Service Connects People in Need of Personal Mobility
12
Gaelic-Speaking Pop Ups
Informal Irish Language-Encouraging Events are Occurring Internationally
11
Conservation-Promoting Coffee Beans
'Gorilla Conservation Coffee' Supports Conservation in Uganda
10
Refugee-Friendly Digital Banking
Taqanu Banking Lets Refugees Without Documents Open Accounts
9
Lawmaker-Finding Social Media Services
Facebook Town Hall Makes Contacting Elected Officials Easy
8
Child-Mourning Communities
'The Compassionate Friends' Emotionally Supports Families
7
Autistic Adult Coding Classes
'Coding Autism' Teaches Programming to Adults with Autism
6
Rapper-Led Career Workshops
Big Sean's 'Mogul Prep' Initiative Aims to Decrease Unemployment Rates
5
Low-Cost Women's Health Initiatives
Zubaida Bai's Gives an Important Speech On Women's Health
4
Down Syndrome Awareness Ads
'Not Special Needs' Aims to Break Barriers for Those with Disabilities
3
Aphasia-Aiding Emoji Apps
Samsung Wemogee Translates Simple Phrases into Emoji Strings
2
Syringe Vending Machines
Las Vegas Aims to Make Clean Needles Easily Accessible for Drug Users
1
Patience-Encouraging Autism PSAs
This Short Video Shows How Overwhelming Some Interactions Can Be
Related Ideas
Wearable Assistive Smart Eyewear
Lighthouse Tech's TAMI® Innovation Assists People with Low Vision
AI-Powered Parenting Texts
Avocado Health Launches Avocado Health SMS Coaching
Wearable Non-Verbal Assistive Systems
HapWare's Wearable Assistive System is Called ALEYE
AI-Enabled Speech-to-Text Apps
The Wispr Flow App Supports More Than 100 Languages
Wellness-Driven Health Tech Apps
The Google Health App Will Launch on Android and iOS
AI-Powered Voiceover Apps
The ElevenLabs App Enables Voiceovers from Anywhere
Tech-Enabled Action Stickers
Shelpful Smart Tags Turn Everyday Tasks into Instant Automations
Accessibility-Focused Technology Strategies
Logitech Designs for a Wide Spectrum of Human Needs
Immersive Recovery Therapies
NeuroAnimation Technology Promotes Motor Recovery & Brain Health
College-Focused Accessibility Campaigns
Apple Launched its 'I'm Not Remarkable' Video Ad
Emotional Support Apps
EmotiTalk Provides AI Tools For Stress Relief And Emotional Balance
AI-Powered Memory Care Devices
TBWA\HAKUHODO's Radio Time Machine Supports Elderly Well-Being
Inclusive Diverse Board Games
Safehaven Presents the Where Hope Lives Board Game
AI Writing Dictation Apps
Google AI Edge Eloquent Turns Speech into Polished Text
Patient Data Connectivity Partnerships
b.well Launches Integrations With Noom, Humana and Welldoc
Smart Watch Wheelchair Settings
Huawei Debuted Wheelchair Mode for Its Smart Wearable Devices
Bookable Autonomous Shuttles
Uber and May Mobility Partner to Launch Robotaxi Fleet
Assistive Manual Wheelchair Add-Ons
WheelMove Enhances Maneuverability for Manual Wheelchairs
AI Language Learning Metaverses
Lingocity Helps Kids Learn Through Custom, Gamified Experiences
Expansive Social Good-Focused Partnerships
Hyundai is Committed to Community Wellbeing
Accessibility-Focused Financial Application Prototypes
CI&T Partners with Project Nemo
Senior Living Innovation Hubs
The AGE-WELL Innovation Studio Highlights Age-in-Place Solutions
Accessible Mobility Rehabilitations
Wandercraft's 'Walk in New York' Addresses Walking Impairments
Wearable Brain-Computer Interfaces
Sabi develops a beanie that converts thoughts into text
3D-Printed Custom Assistive Devices
Makegood Relies on 3D Tech to Build Custom Assistive Devices
Heartwarming AI-Generated Songs
LG Radio Optimism Inspires People to Create One-of-a-Kind Songs
Gamified Walking Experiences
Walkable Turns Everyday Walks Into Interactive Adventures
Inclusive Wellness Apps
Lift Eachother Empowerment Developed the AdaptivLyfe App
Digital Wellness Platforms
Vibe Lives App Supports Mental Health With Frequencies And Community
Human Connection-Emphasizing Radio Initiatives
LG Electronics Has Introduced Radio Optimism
Digital Well-Being Updates
Tiktok Adds Mindfulness Tools and User Controls Over Ai Content
Awareness-Promoting Medical Initiatives
Newmedical Technology Emphasizes Care and Education
AI-Enhanced Employment Accessibility
Enabled Talent Relies on AI to Spearhead Employment
Digital Accessibility Travel Guides
Visit Mesa is an Inclusive Tourism Destination
Social Content Optimizer Tools
Writastic Helps Boost Twitter And LinkedIn Engagement With AI
Accessible Online Dating apps
Dateability Revolutionizes Accessible Online Dating
Open Healthcare AI Toolkits
Google MedGemma 1.5 Expands Multimodal Medical AI Capabilities
Accessible Tourism Training Programs
TravelAbility and VisitAble Boast Disability Inclusion
Assistive Voice Systems
Your Voice Translates Silent Speech Through Wearable and Robotic Output
AI-Powered Map Reporting Features
Waze Conversational Reporting is Powered by Google Gemini
Hobby-Based Socialization Apps
The Hobbimate App Connects Users Based on Mutual Interests
Science-Backed Adventure Collaborations
Toyota, AllGear Digital & Immersion Neuroscience Partner
Disability Inclusion-Focused Initiatives
The World Health Organization Issues a Call for Proposals
Inclusive CPG Brand Initiatives
Procter & Gamble Implements Accommodations and Tools
Autism Support Tools
Social Story Creator Helps Autistic Individuals With AI-Powered Stories
Social Engagement Platforms
Sociable AI Predicts Viral Posts And Generates Brand Aligned Comments
Inclusive Resort Wear Collections
Tasha Ghouri's ASHA Uses EnableAll Technology
Perks-Filled Activations
The Really Good Mood Machine by Uber Shares Feel-Good Surprises
Wheelchair-Accessible Electric Vehicles
Motability Operations Delivers Inclusive Auto Design
Cultural AI Platforms
Empwrd Launches Purpose-Trained Chatbot for Inclusive Brand Communications
Daily Inspiration Apps
Sayings Delivers Daily Quotes With Privacy-Focused, Minimalist Design
Social Content Platforms
WiseContent Helps You Generate, Optimize, and Share Social Posts
All-In-One Audio Platforms
Speech Typing Aims to Democratize Digital Accessibility
Workplace Accessibility Platforms
Be My Eyes Has Launched Be My Eyes Workplace
Adaptive Mobility Scooters
The WIMO Scooter Blends Independence with Robotic Support for Seniors
On-Demand Content Creation Apps
Social Agent Connects Users to Certified Content Creators
AI-Powered Social Gifting Apps
GyftPro Supports Meaningful Gift-Giving with Relationship-Aware AI
Gamified Rehabilitation Systems
Bioliberty Has Introduced the Innovative Lifehub Clinic
Accessible Design Campaigns
Canva's Really, Really Good Design Transformed a Sandwich Business
Passanger Assistant App Pilots
NJ TRANSIT is Enhancing Assistance for Passengers at Major Stations
Accessibility-Focused Comic Apps
ComiCast Attempts to Make Comic Books Accessible
AI Accessibility Checkers
GAAD Foundation Partners with Servicenow to Enhance Accessibility
Supportive Accessible Communication Apps
Aira Provides Digital Applications for Specific Needs
Inclusive Tech Awards
The Qatar Assistive Technology Center Boasts the Mada Innovation Award
Vibe-Coded Entertainment Apps
The Gizmo App Cycles Through Vibe-Coded Mini Apps
AI-Powered Creator Platforms
Android Added Advanced Mobile Editing and Creator Tools
Accessible AI Document Features
Google Taps Gemini AI to Enhance Workspace Suite Accessibility
Digital Accessibility-Focused Media Labs
Infinum Launches the Groundbreaking Empathy Lab Campaign
Smart Gift Matching
Thoughtful AI-Powered Gift Adviser App Automates Gifting With Smart Reminders
AI-Assisted Messaging
WhatsApp Introduces AI Writing Help and Photo Editing Features
Technology-Driven Healthy Aging Projects
MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL Continue the envisAGE Initiative
AI-Enabled Mapping App Features
Google Maps Tips are Powered by Google Gemini
Mood Tracker Tools
OEmoji allows users to track and share their moods directly with friends.
Assistive Shopping Apps
Blind SA & Checkers Sixty60 Enhance Inclusivity for the Visually Impaired
AI-Powered Caregiver-Supporting Companions
SimpleC Debuts an AI Companion for Family Caregivers
AI-Assisted Captioning Features
Google Launches Gemini Captioning In Google Maps
Safe Stranger Chat Apps
The 'Whisperly' App Connects Users via Voice or Text
Emotional Wellness Platforms
Jammy.chat Combines Music & Support For Personalized Mental Wellbeing
Therapy Gamification Apps
Speech Play App By IdeaBrowser Turns Practice Into Play
Inclusive Autism-Focused Entertainment Programs
PortAventura World Advances Accessibility
AI Assistant Apps
Qwen Chat App Offers AI Assistance For Writing, Search, And Image Gen
Mental Health Platforms
Moodia App Connects Patients And Doctors Through Digital Care Tools
Social Copy Optimizers
TweetFast Turns Ideas Into Viral Tweets With AI-Powered Suggestions
Wheeled Robotic Aids
Glidance's Novel Assistive Device is Called Glide
Insightful Short-Form Talk Apps
TED Shorts Allow for Short, Snappy Snippets of Popular Talks
AI Emoji Creators
iEmoji AI Generates Custom Emojis and Stickers for iMessage
Accessible Technology Showcases
Sony Electronics Spotlights Accessibility-Focused Innovations
Inclusive Tourism-Focused Campaigns
Orange County Has Collaborated with Wheel the World
Custom AI Social Feeds
Bluesky’s Attie Lets Users Build Feeds with AI
Accessibility Infrastructure Enhancement Partnerships
SMILE Mass and Volunteer Ventures Partner
Access-Focused Digital Platform Evaluations
Zomato and Blinkit Hosted an ‘Access-Ability’ Conclave
On-Demand Braille Label Printers
Nemonic Dot Combines a Portable Printer and an AI-Enhanced App
AI Chat Assistants
Social Cue Uses AI To Keep Conversations Engaging And Connected
Emoji Word Games
Quiz Blitz Turns Emoji Clues Into Addictive Word Challenges
Enhanced Accessible Phone Features
Apple Debuts Accessibility Nutrition Labels Tools and More
AI Social Connectors
Blurbs Provides AI-Moderated Group Chats To Foster Genuine Connections
Assistive Technology Awareness Campaigns
Texas is Committed to Inclusive Technology
Anonymous Kindness Tools
Soothe Creates A Safe Space To Share And Receive Messages Of Compassion
Accessible Travel Media Initiatives
TravelAbility and Gray Digital Media Launch a Travel Channel
Comprehensive Accessibility Hubs
Visit California Has Introduced an Accessibility Hub
Speaker Matching Platforms
SpeakUp Connects Speakers With Events And Journalistic Requests
Accessibility-Promoting Digital Platforms
GovTech Singapore Has Introduced A11y Playground
Travel-Focused Accessibility Platforms
Smartvel's TravelAble Seeks to Consolidate Travel Info
AI-Powered Superapps
Grab Introduces AI Features That Simplify Decisions and Automate Daily Tasks
Mental Wellness Apps
Habitize Combines Mood Tracking, AI Journaling, And Habit Coaching
AI-Powered Car Interfaces
Android Auto Added Gemini AI and Immersive Navigation Tools
Emoji Party Games
Speedmoji Turns Emoji Texting Into A Fast-Paced Group Game For All
AI-Powered Live Sports Captioning
WiseDV Focuses on Accessibility with WiseCaption
Inclusive Tech Brand-Initiated Programs
Samsung Places Great Focus on Accessibility and Inclusion
Inclusive Web Access
Assistive24 Enhances Digital Accessibility With Free Assistive Technology
Professional Content Assistants
Good Friend - AiDouse Helps Create Strategic LinkedIn Content
Messaging Productivity Tools
WAPI Human Adds AI Automation And Task Management To WhatsApp
Emotionally Aware AI Avatars
Gemini Audio Powers Real-Time Voice Interactions
Digital Focus Tools
Impulse Buddy Introduces Social Accountability For App Usage Control
Tech-Led Accessibility Festival Weeks
Samsung Hosts Its Third Annual Access-Focused Event
Access-Focused Performing Arts Organizations
SHOWAbility Emphasizes Disability Inclusion
Digital Mental Cares
Wellness AI Delivers Personalized AI Therapy And Custom Meditations
Tactile Accessible Mobile Technologies
BlindShell Classic 2 Caters to Those with Visual Impairment
AI Messaging Assistants
AI For Texting Generates Free Messages Across Email, SMS, And Social Media
Mobile App Studios
Developer On Wheels Builds Family And Travel Apps From A Campervan Office
Vocabulary Learning Apps
Vocab Whiz Uses AI To Build Vocabulary With Quizzes And Insights
Inclusive Audio Features
TIM Vibe Turns Sound Waves to Vibrations for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Users
Personalized Recommendation Assistants
GoodGoodTime Suggests Movies, Books, Dining, And More
Private Sharing Apps
Waffle Helps Friends Share Daily Moments And Stay Connected Authentically
Tech-Empowered Accessibility Initiatives
Remarkable Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities
Branded Accessibility-Focused Concerts
Sony's GAAD Concert Event Emphasizes Disability Inclusion
Thinking Emoji Guides
Thinking Emoji Explains How To Use The Emoji Across Social Media
Smart Content Aggregators
Smashing’s Personalized Article Discovery App Helps Users Stay Informed
Speech Rehabilitation Aid Chokers
The Revoice Voice Device Helps Stroke Survivors Communicate
Disability Representation-Encouraging Grants
Getty Images Announces a $20,000 Grant Initiative
Empowering Inclusivity-Focused Nonprofits
NoisyVision is an International Non-Profit Organization
Mood-Driven Discovery Platforms
Jammy Chat Aligns Content and Music with a User's Emotional State
AI Emoji Assistants
Emoji Bot Provides Smart AI Suggestions To Enhance Your Messages
Accessibility-Focused Evaluation Systems
Santander Work Cafés Implements ‘Accessibility Scores’
Kindness Generator Platforms
bekind.now Helps Users Generate Acts of Kindness to Brighten Days
Regional Wheelchair-Providing Organizations
Agape Mobility Ethiopia Addresses a Critical Need
AI-Powered Scam Alerts
Meta Launches Scam Protection Features Across Its Social Platforms
Emoji Asset Hubs
Emoji Saga Lets You Copy Or Download Thousands Of Emojis Easily
AI Suggestion Tools
SpellReach Helps Users Improve Reddit Posts With Smart, Integrated Tools
Advanced Speech Coach Apps
The 'Voxtara' AI Coaching App Helps Users Master Public Speaking