Firms are launching innovative products aimed at making life easier for people with disabilities after incorporating ideas from the people who need them.
In May, medical sheet maker Teikoku Pharmacare Corp. released a shoulder strap for canes. Called ArukuTomo (which literally means "walking friend"), the strap allows people to let go of their canes when reaching for a wallet, taking the stairs or doing other things that require a free hand.
A 63-year-old man came up with the idea after a stroke left him paralyzed on his left side. After leaving the hospital, Kazuyoshi Endo attached a camera strap to his cane so he could hook it over his shoulder for walking practice without worrying about dropping it.