Google is giving away 100,000 Google Home Mini speakers to paralyzed people

• Google has teamed up with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to give away 100,000 Home Mini speakers.
• The speakers will be given away to people living with paralysis and their caregivers.
• This marks one of several major accessibility projects by Google in 2019.

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Smart speakers are one of the greatest innovations in the tech industry, even if they're not quite perfect yet. The hands-free, intuitive nature of this technology also makes information and commands more accessible to others.

Now, Google has announced it's teaming up with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to give away 100,000 Google Home Mini smart speakers to people living with paralysis and their caregivers.

Google also shared the story of Garrison Redd on its official blog, and how a Google Home Mini has helped him become more independent.

"When you're paralyzed, your home goes from being a place of comfort and security to a reminder of what you've lost. For example, light switches and thermostats are usually too high up on the wall and, if my phone falls on the floor, I may not be able to call a friend or family member if I need help," Redd wrote on the blog.

Redd explained that he uses the Google Home Mini to control his thermostat, as well as for a host of other activities.

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"I'm training for the 2020 Paralympic Games as a powerlifter for Team USA, so I use my Mini to set alarms, manage my training schedule, and even make grocery lists. Music is a huge motivator for me, so I use my Mini to listen to Spotify playlists and get pumped up before a workout," he explained.

He also noted other uses for the smart speaker, such as playing trivia, making phone calls, and listening to audiobooks.

Keen on getting a Google Home Mini for yourself or a caregiver? Then you can sign up over here. Google says you can also donate to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation via the Assistant by simply saying "Hey Google, donate to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation."

We're happy to see Google continue its accessibility drive with this move, following on from several other major projects in 2019. These projects include Live Transcribe (transcribing speech in real-time), Sound Amplifier, and Project Diva (making the Assistant more accessible to people with limited or no speaking skills).

Next: Google leaks Nest Hub Max release date, but still a while to go

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