University Graduate Innovates First Fully Accessible Pregnancy Test

A graduate from the University of Limerick has developed the world’s first fully accessible saliva-based pregnancy test designed specifically for visually impaired women. Leah Shanahan, who hails from Tralee, County Kerry, unveiled her groundbreaking product, named AMY, during the university’s autumn conferring ceremonies in 2023.

Shanahan’s innovative project utilizes photosensor technology, akin to that found in conventional digital pregnancy tests. This allows the test results to be communicated through multiple senses—touch, sight, and sound—making it a significant advancement for individuals with visual or other physical impairments. Once the test is completed, users can feel a raised plus or minus symbol. Additionally, by tapping the test with their smartphone, they can access a webpage displaying a bold red or green symbol for a positive or negative result, accompanied by large, high-contrast text for those who are partially sighted. Users also have the option to hear the result read aloud.

Shanahan was inspired to create AMY through her personal experiences as a visually impaired woman. She recognized that blind and visually impaired women were often excluded from receiving life-altering news through traditional pregnancy tests. “I wanted to create a product that restores independence and dignity in this experience, leveraging my design skills and understanding of accessibility to make a meaningful impact,” she stated.

Leah’s journey with visual impairment began at the age of four when her parents discovered she was legally blind in one eye. “I was born with sight in only one eye, and it wasn’t until I was four years old that I learned of my condition,” she explained. Despite her challenges, Leah emphasizes that her visual impairment has not significantly influenced her life. “It’s crucial not to overstate my experience of sight loss, especially when considering the challenges faced by blind women I consulted for this project,” she remarked.

The feedback on Shanahan’s design underscores its importance. Jackie McBrearty, one of the project’s research participants, highlighted that AMY provides blind women with privacy during a pivotal moment in their lives. “This could be either one of the best or worst experiences for them,” she noted.

Leah Shanahan’s AMY stands as a testament to how design and technology can converge to create inclusive solutions that empower individuals, particularly those often overlooked in the development of everyday products. Her commitment to enhancing the lives of visually impaired women through innovation not only reflects her personal journey but also serves as an inspiring example of how accessibility can be integrated into essential health tools.