Assistive technology empowers disabled at National Games for Persons with Disabilities

During the ongoing 12 National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games of China, venues, hotels and transport hubs are all using a range of assistive devices backed by advanced technology for people with disabilities, from sign-language translators to brain-computer-interface wheelchairs.

At the Pazhou Lab in Guangzhou City of south China's Guangdong Province, which co-hosts the special sports events with the neighboring Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, researchers showcased new assistive devices developed for the Games. One highlight was an AI sign-language translator, now deployed in several hotels hosting athletes.

To complement the device, developers have also published a sign-language translation application. Users with hearing impairments can request a translator with a single tap.

"Once you click the 'Call Now' button, you will be connected to a sign-language interpreter, who will provide service free of charge as a volunteer. So far, 180 interpreters from across the country have signed up as volunteers on our platform," said Shi Chengchuan, founder and CEO of Voibook Technology which has developed the system.

Another innovation available for athletes to try during the Games is a brain-computer-interface (BCI) wheelchair. Its accompanying headband collects electro-encephalography (EEG), electro-oculography (EOG), and head-motion signals, enabling hands-free control. Users can turn, accelerate or slow down the wheelchair through simple actions like eye blinking or head tilting.

"You can control the cursor with head movements (to select the options) and issue a 'confirm' command with a blink. The wheelchair will then move forward automatically. To turn, just tilt your head in the desired direction," said Cai Honghua, researcher at the BCI Intelligence Research Center of Pazhou Lab.

The wheelchair offers new autonomy for people with severe disabilities, according to Cai.

"As long as the user can move their head and blink normally, they can fully operate the wheelchair without using their hands. The system also monitors the user's attention and filters out unintentional blinks," Cai added.

In addition, the Games are also applying six-legged guide robots, smart barrier-free systems and other high-tech assistive solutions to provide improving accessibility for Games' participants.

Running from Dec. 8 to 15, China's 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and 9th National Special Olympic Games features a total of 46 major events with a record number of participants.

Assistive technology empowers disabled at National Games for Persons with Disabilities

The Japanese society should do soul-searching regarding its history of aggression and adhere to the pacifist constitution, said Shiradori Hiroshi, a professor of the Hosei University, in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) in Tokyo on April 30.

He said the government's recent move to discuss revising the three security documents deserve particular attention as the country's foreign and security policies have already witnessed major changes.

"People outside of the country hold that Japan's post-war image as a 'peace state' is now facing a major shift. Against the backdrop of tremendous changes in its foreign and security policies, the revision of the three security documents deserves particular attention. There lacks public debate in terms of the procedure, with policy changes decided unilaterally at Cabinet meetings. It is necessary to fully explain to the public as to whether such a practice is proper," said Hiroshi.

The Japanese government held its first expert panel meeting to discuss revisions to the three security documents at the Prime Minister's Office on April 27, local media reported.

Japan's current National Security Strategy and two related documents, formulated in 2022, were designed to cover the next 10 years, but the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has decided to move up the timetable to accelerate the revision process.

Increasing defense spending is one of the key topics of the meeting, according to Kyodo News.

Hiroshi said this year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, or Tokyo Trials, and the Japanese society must do soul-searching regarding its history of aggression in WWII, when it brought enormous catastrophes on Asian countries.

"Eighty years have passed since the opening of the Tokyo Trials. Japan inflicted enormous suffering on Asian countries during WWII, which should serve as an opportunity for the soul-searching. It is exact on the basis of countless sacrifices that Japan's post-war pacifism and its identity as a 'peace state' took shape. On this 80th anniversary, it is necessary for Japan to re-examine and do soul-searching regarding its history," said Hiroshi.

The Japanese government's effort to revise the pacifist constitution is widely opposed by the public.

On Sunday, around 50,000 people gathered at Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park, chanting slogans and holding banners against the government's push for constitutional revision and military expansion, the largest turnout of its kind in recent years.

Japan should adhere to pacifist constitution: scholar