India is home to over 2.68 crore people (according to the Department of Empowerment of Person with Disabilities)suffering from some kind of disability. And most of them are trying to live a normal life, with those challenges.?
However, many of them experience problems while commuting with the simplest things like getting in and out of the car, that can cause immense pain and discomfort.
To help them get in and out of their vehicles easier, a Bengaluru-based startup Truce Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd. has developed TurnPlus -- a rotatable unit that can be installed under the bucket seats of the car to allow the physically challenged passenger to step out without moving too much.?
Reported first by India Science Wire, installing the swivel seat mechanism is simple as it works with the standard car seat base. Setting up the mechanism can be done in a matter of hours and doesn¡¯t require any special tool or equipment.? Moreover, since it¡¯s based on a universal design, it can be easily removed and replaced in a different car, should such a need arise.?
The creators state that TurnPlus is not just helpful for the physically challenged but also for the elderly, helping ease the transfer from a wheelchair in the car. It is also helpful for people suffering from medical conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and others.?
Sure, products like these exist to help the specially-abled travel comfortably, however, most of them cost a premium and not many can afford those. But for TurnPlus, it¡¯s a little different. This product is supported by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a not-for-profit public sector enterprise, set up by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.?
The programme has been put in place to encourage an ecosystem to develop, support and scale assistive technologies solutions from start-ups. The winners of the program were awarded grant prizes up to Rs 50 lakh each as well as an opportunity to get enrolled in a three months accelerator program.