Apple Watch for disabled people

[slawejandur95]

Hey there,

I'm going to switch back to iPhone in the upcoming months (switched to Galaxy S10 last year which is still like the biggest regret of mine) and have been toying with the idea of getting a new Apple Watch to go with it. The one I want to purchase is the SE model. Since I'm a disabled person, I wanted to ask if there are any disabled people that use their watches. I still think of an Apple Watch as more of a fitness device. I don't do sports such as running, cycling, etc. How could an Apple Watch help with my physical therapy? Are those fitness features reserved only for "typical" sports or is there a way to trigger the activity monitoring whenever I start my exercises?
Are there any other benefits that I haven't thought of? Thank you in advance! Can't wait to read about everybody's experiences.

 

[akash.nu]

It really depends on the type of disability and the way you’d like to use the watch to be honest.

 

[bluegt]

Apple puts a lot of emphasis on making their products useful for people with disabilities. As a starting point, you can check out this site:

Accessibility

Apple products and services have built-in accessibility features to help you connect, create, and do what you love in the ways that work best for you.

www.apple.com

I know a few people in wheelchairs that find the watch quite useful as the watch can adjust tracking of movement and exercise to account for that. Others with vision challenges that use the speaking function to have the watch read things out to them.

 

[Apple_Robert]

@JBaby is disabled and uses the Apple Watch all the time. She will respond to the thread and share her experiences with you. There are several other disabled folks here but, I don’t recall their names at the moment.

 

[jaybar]

One of the major features of the watch is fall detection, which can be important for people with disabilities. In many cases, it is significantly less costly then other fall detection options.

 

[slawejandur95]

Thank you so much for everybody's replies. My disability is purely physical, although it's so nice to hear that Apple takes care of people with various conditions. I have heard of fall detection and it is very important in my case and I'd get the watch for that feature alone. I go on walks, use a stationary bike, so I think an Apple Watch would be suitable in these scenarios.

I use a wheelchair occasionally, so it'd be great to find out how people in wheelchairs benefit from owning their watches.

 

[mollyc]

Thank you so much for everybody's replies. My disability is purely physical, although it's so nice to hear that Apple takes care of people with various conditions. I have heard of fall detection and it is very important in my case and I'd get the watch for that feature alone. I go on walks, use a stationery bike, so I think an Apple Watch would be suitable in these scenarios.

I use a wheelchair occasionally, so it'd be great to find out how people in wheelchairs benefit from owning their watches.

I am not disabled but you can put the watch into wheelchair mode to track your activity more reliably. I am not sure how this works if you are in and out of a chair, depending on your personal needs, but it is an option.

https://www.fastcompany.com/3061283/how-apple-made-the-watch-work-for-wheelchair-users

 

[jaybar]

I have not found the stationary bike indoor cycle to work reliably. I had to use “other workout” and set it to time. YMMV. Some of why it did not work, may have to do with the relatively slow speed and resistance level that I use the bike. Again, YMMV.

 

[JBaby]

I am physically disabled. I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta. I do not use my Watch for fitness. I haven’t found an exercise that I can do that the watch will track. I love how  has wheelchair mode, but that doesn’t do me any good because I use a kickass power chair. The pic is from 2013 when I was getting fitted for my seating system. The back is foam that’s molded around my torso to prevent my scoliosis from worsening. The seat is made of pressure relieving gel with a dense foam base. I had to have the foot built up because my legs are short.

For me my Watch is more for general health tracking such as water intake, vitals, and menstrual health. Sleeping tracking has been amazing for me. It’s how I discovered that I have a very high heart rate when I sleep. That prompted me to bring it up at the national OI conference this summer that happened via Zoom. I found out that that’s very common for us. And I needed to get checked for tachycardia. I plan on getting a S6 later in the fall for pulse ox readings. I have a malformed chest and scoliosis and as a result I also have asthma. And I’m very prone to getting pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Again this is also very common for people with OI.

Now when I got my watch I didn’t get it for health tracking for me it was more like a toy. It was something I didn’t think needed because at the time I didn’t see it doing anything I couldn’t do with my iPhone. That’s one of the reasons why I didn’t have one years ago. Also, I thought the watch should show you the time all the time and you shouldn’t have do anything with your arm to see that simple info. But when the S5 debuted with AOD I bought it. Third reason I didn’t have one was because I didn’t think it would fit. I have very small wrists. I’m 3ft tall and 83lbs.

I’ve never been so wrong about a piece of tech. I love it. It’s like a cool Life Alert. I only have a GPS model, but even still I can call for help because I’m never far from my phone if I were to drop it. And even if I am too far from my phone for it to make a call I can always FaceTime audio call because I’m always on WiFi. That alone is worth having an Watch even if you never use it for fitness.

 

[44267547]

I am physically disabled. I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta. I do not use my Watch for fitness. I haven’t found an exercise that I can do that the watch will track. I love how  has wheelchair mode, but that doesn’t do me any good because I use a kickass power chair. The pic is from 2013 when I was getting fitted for my seating system. The back back is foam that’s molded around my torso to prevent my scoliosis from worsening. The seat is made of pressure relieving gel with a dense foam base. I had to have the foot built up because my legs are short.

For me my Watch is more for general health tracking such as water intake, vitals, and menstrual health. Sleeping tracking has been amazing for me. It’s how I discovered that I have a very high heart rate when I sleep. That prompted me to bring it up at the national OI conference this summer that happened via Zoom. I found out that that’s very common for us. And I needed to get checked for tachycardia. I plan on getting a S6 later in the fall for pulse ox readings. I have a malformed chest and scoliosis and as a result I also have asthma. And I’m very prone to getting pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Again this is also very common for people with OI.

Now when I got my watch I didn’t get it for health tracking for me it was more like a toy. It was something I didn’t think needed because at the time I didn’t see it doing anything I couldn’t do with my iPhone. That’s one of the reasons why I didn’t have one years ago. Also, I thought the watch should show you the time all the time and you shouldn’t have do anything with your arm to see that simple info. But when the S5 debuted with AOD I bought it. Third reason I didn’t have one was because I didn’t think it would fit. I have very small wrists. I’m 3ft tall and 83lbs.

I’ve never been so wrong about a piece of tech. I love it. It’s like a cool Life Alert. I only have a GPS model, but even still I can call for help because I’m never far from my phone if I were to drop it. And even if I am too far from my phone for it to make a call I can always FaceTime audio call because I’m always on WiFi. That alone is worth having an Watch even if you never use it for fitness.

Huge props you for sharing this and being the warrior/awesome person you are. Press on J-Baby!

 

[JBaby]

Huge props you for sharing this and being the warrior/awesome person you are. Press on J-Baby!

Thank you!!!!!

 

[slawejandur95]

I am physically disabled. I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta. I do not use my Watch for fitness. I haven’t found an exercise that I can do that the watch will track. I love how  has wheelchair mode, but that doesn’t do me any good because I use a kickass power chair. The pic is from 2013 when I was getting fitted for my seating system. The back is foam that’s molded around my torso to prevent my scoliosis from worsening. The seat is made of pressure relieving gel with a dense foam base. I had to have the foot built up because my legs are short.

For me my Watch is more for general health tracking such as water intake, vitals, and menstrual health. Sleeping tracking has been amazing for me. It’s how I discovered that I have a very high heart rate when I sleep. That prompted me to bring it up at the national OI conference this summer that happened via Zoom. I found out that that’s very common for us. And I needed to get checked for tachycardia. I plan on getting a S6 later in the fall for pulse ox readings. I have a malformed chest and scoliosis and as a result I also have asthma. And I’m very prone to getting pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Again this is also very common for people with OI.

Now when I got my watch I didn’t get it for health tracking for me it was more like a toy. It was something I didn’t think needed because at the time I didn’t see it doing anything I couldn’t do with my iPhone. That’s one of the reasons why I didn’t have one years ago. Also, I thought the watch should show you the time all the time and you shouldn’t have do anything with your arm to see that simple info. But when the S5 debuted with AOD I bought it. Third reason I didn’t have one was because I didn’t think it would fit. I have very small wrists. I’m 3ft tall and 83lbs.

I’ve never been so wrong about a piece of tech. I love it. It’s like a cool Life Alert. I only have a GPS model, but even still I can call for help because I’m never far from my phone if I were to drop it. And even if I am too far from my phone for it to make a call I can always FaceTime audio call because I’m always on WiFi. That alone is worth having an Watch even if you never use it for fitness.

Thank you for such an exhaustive reply. This is exactly what I feel like - I know there's gonna be so many features I don't even think of now! The one thing I was afraid of was how am I gonna put the watch on. However, with the introduction of a Solo loop, I don't think it'll be an issue

 

[Momof2.1107]

I’ve never known all this time that I have a mental disability until last month. I suffer from major depressive disorder, Bipolar and PTSD. I’ve been using Apple Watches since the S2 and love them. I currently have the S4 and am on the fence on upgrading to the S6. I also have asthma so the blood oxygen sensor would be perfect on those days my oxygen level isn’t good, especially during the fall and winter months. I used Apple Watch to track my food (certain foods trigger my attacks and I’m allergic to some foods also) and water intake, menstrual cycle, exercise, fall detection (I’ve fell a couple times which resulted in a sprained ankle that has not fully healed so I limp when I’m on my feet at work more than 8 hours), emails from doctor, medication alerts and a host of other things. I’m looking into seeing what else my watch can do for me. I have the cellular model but don’t use anymore it as my iPhone is always with me and I also switched carriers so I haven’t turned it on yet.

 

[JBaby]

Thank you for such an exhaustive reply. This is exactly what I feel like - I know there's gonna be so many features I don't even think of now! The one thing I was afraid of was how am I gonna put the watch on. However, with the introduction of a Solo loop, I don't think it'll be an issue

This was a concern for me to, but it was low on my list. I knew if I couldn’t put it on by myself my Mom would. Luckily I can put a sport band on myself if I wear my watch on my right wrist. When I wear my watch on my left wrist I need help. It’s a non issue now because I live in sport loops. I’m hoping a solo loop will fit me but I doubt it. I’m still gonna try though. One thing I did that’s made my Watch experience better was getting a case. This is the one I have, but there are other options. Just get one that won’t pop off every time it gets bumped. I know people here hate them but I never knew how often I bang my wrist on stuff. Mostly I hit it on the armrests of my various chairs. I also use my arms a lot to move myself around. So my watch gets dragged over stuff.

 

[JBaby]

I’m not trying to hijack the thread but I thought some of you might want to see this. I filmed this almost two years ago.

Crap I copied the wrong link. It’s fixed now. [mention]mollyc [/mention], why didn’t you tell me I wasn’t in it? LOL!!! Just kidding

 

[Momof2.1107]

I’m not trying to hijack the thread but I thought some of you might want to see this. I filmed this almost two years ago.

Crap I copied the wrong link. It’s fixed now. [mention]mollyc [/mention], why didn’t you tell me I wasn’t in it? LOL!!! Just kidding

I have to admit I’m sensitive so watching this video made me shed a tear. I never really realized how essential it is for those who limited mobility. This was so cool to watch. I’m glad you have your chair and able to do the things that are essential for you. I hope you continue on the path that you are on and continue to do great things!

 

[JBaby]

I have to admit I’m sensitive so watching this video made me shed a tear. I never really realized how essential it is for those who limited mobility. This was so cool to watch. I’m glad you have your chair and able to do the things that are essential for you. I hope you continue on the path that you are on and continue to do great things!

Thank you so much!

 

[slawejandur95]

Just read Apple's pages devoted to accessibility of an Apple Watch. OMG I admire this company even more now! Pretty much decided on getting the SE model in the near future (next month, I'm getting iPhone 11 Pro, so it'll be a perfect addition). Now is the time for the hardest decision of my life - which band do I want?

Also, @JBaby - you rock! Thank you for being so open and showing that nothing can stop you!!!

 

[JBaby]

Just read Apple's pages devoted to accessibility of an Apple Watch. OMG I admire this company even more now! Pretty much decided on getting the SE model in the near future (next month, I'm getting iPhone 11 Pro, so it'll be a perfect addition). Now is the time for the hardest decision of my life - which band do I want?

Also, @JBaby - you rock! Thank you for being so open and showing that nothing can stop you!!!

Yes,  is still the best at accessibility. They always have been. They were doing accessibility in the early 90’s. They may have been doing it even earlier, but I didn’t go to school until ‘89. I used my first computer in 1991 or 1992. There were disability features back then. Later on there was a touchscreen the Velcro-ed to the monitor. I used to play checkers with it. Only my para, aide, would take it off the monitor and hold it for me while I played.

Thank you so much! I think it’s important to give back whenever possible. CPRF is amazing. There’s no way I’d have this chair without them.

 

[Momof2.1107]

Yes,  is still the best at disability. They always have been. They doing accessibility in the early 90’s. They may have been doing it even earlier, but I didn’t go to school until ‘89. I used my first computer in 1991 or 1992. There were disability features back then. Later on there was a touchscreen the Velcro-ed to the monitor. I used to play checkers with it. Only my para, aide, would take it off the monitor and hold it for me while I played.

Thank you so much! I think it’s important to give back whenever possible. CPRF is amazing. There’s no way I’d have this chair without them.

Do CPRF have a charity? I use a portion of every paycheck for a charity I pick for the year so I would love to pick CPRF in January as the next charity I want to donate to.

 

[JBaby]

Do CPRF have a charity? I use a portion of every paycheck for a charity I pick for the year so I would love to pick CPRF in January as the next charity I want to donate to.

Yes, they do! There’s a donate button in the upper right hand corner. Thank you!!!

 

[Momof2.1107]

Yes, they do! There’s a donate button in the upper right hand corner.

Great! Thank you!

 

[slawejandur95]

Hey, just a little update. I've just bought a used 11 Pro from my brother, and boy, am I tempted to buy Apple Watch right this second.

My Health app somehow knew to show me a wheelchair distance on the main page, and the steps I've taken are in the "Show all health data" section (which was super weird, as I don't recall changing any settings, nor do I use a wheelchair every day - I use a walker though, so maybe it figured out the movements or something).

I have decided on AW SE 40 mm, just waiting for a good Black Friday deal. I'm also getting a new MacBook, so I'm hoping for a gift card or something lol.

Just a quick question - is there a quick way to mute all the notifications? I know there's a theater mode but I don't want any haptic notifications either when I put it in silent mode. I'm sensitive to such stimuli, that's why it's so important to me (the screen lighting up would be enough of a notification for me as I work from home and am always near my phone).

Thanks in advance!

 

[mollyc]

Yes you can choose what notifications you receive or silence them all.