Graduate Launches World’s First Fully Accessible Pregnancy Test

A graduate from the University of Limerick has developed the world’s first fully accessible saliva-based pregnancy test tailored for visually impaired women. Leah Shanahan, originally from Tralee, County Kerry, presented her groundbreaking project, named AMY, during the university’s autumn conferring ceremonies, showcasing her innovative approach to product design.

This pioneering product utilizes advanced photosensor technology, similar to that found in conventional pregnancy tests, to provide results through touch, sight, and sound. After conducting the test, users can feel a raised plus or minus symbol, allowing them to determine the result by touch. For those who prefer visual confirmation, the test can be tapped with a smartphone to access a webpage displaying a bold red or green symbol, which indicates a positive or negative result, alongside large, high-contrast text for enhanced visibility. Additionally, users have the option to hear the result read aloud, further enhancing accessibility.

Leah’s motivation for creating AMY stemmed from her personal experience as a visually impaired woman. She recognized that blind and visually-impaired women were often excluded from the significant moment of discovering pregnancy. “I wanted to create a product that restores independence and dignity in this experience,” she explained. “Using my skills in design and my understanding of accessibility, I aimed to make a real difference.”

Leah, who was diagnosed as visually impaired at the age of four, shared her journey: “I was born with sight in only one eye, and it wasn’t until I was four years old that my family learned I was legally blind in one eye.” She emphasized the importance of not overstating her experience of sight loss, particularly after working with other visually impaired women for her project.

Jackie McBrearty, one of the research participants involved in AMY, highlighted the product’s significance. She stated that Leah’s design offers blind women privacy during one of the most critical moments of their lives, which can be either a joyous or challenging experience.

By integrating thoughtful design with essential accessibility features, Leah Shanahan’s AMY stands to transform the way visually impaired individuals navigate significant life events. This innovative test not only demonstrates the potential of product design to address real-world challenges but also serves as a crucial step toward inclusivity in health technology.