Assistive Technology News – August 2022 round up

Assistive technology news, policy and events. 

Policy and Campaigns  

• The World Health Organisation is setting up a working group of experts to be tasked with collecting evidence on access to assistive technology around the world.
• New government research on disabled consumers lists inaccessible websites, building layouts, and poor customer support as key barriers to private sector goods and services.
• The government has announced plans to require step-free access to entry-level rooms and facilities in new homes in England.
• 72% of speech therapists say they don't have opportunities to use voice-activated assistants.

Tech Developments and Innovations  

• The car maker Ford is designing a charging station for electric vehicles with a robotic arm to make it easier for disabled drivers to replenish their batteries.
• Vera is a tablet and smartphone-based music app for people with dementia that helps to reduce stress during their daily routines.
• Guided Hands helps people with limited mobility to write, draw and paint on a tablet computer by holding their arm in position over their device.
• The UbiDuo 3 is a two-way face-to-face communication device that helps deaf and hearing-impaired people converse with family and friends or colleagues. 

Training, Events and Professional Development 

How to use Voice Recognition software for accessibility testing, 22 September 2022

• Learn the fundamentals of using voice recognition software and its role in accessibility testing. 

Accessibility Insights, Series 2, Episode 1: Hector Minto of Microsoft, 13 September 2022

• Join AbilityNet's Robin Christopherson as he chats with Microsoft's Director of Accessibility, Lead Technology Evangelist, Hector Minto, to learn about his career and his top tips for building accessibility within an organisation.

Navigating alternative access options for AAC devices, 7 September 2022

• A webinar exploring different ways of using an electronic communication aid. 

SENsible SENCO: Assistive Technology in Schools, 9 September 2022

• A panel discussion on how assistive technology can be used in the classroom.

Tech London Advocate’s Inclusive Conversations, 27 September 2022

• Editor of dispATches Clive Gilbert will lead Tech London Advocate’s next online meeting with a presentation on smart home technology and independent living.

Calendar

• Our Accessibility and assistive technology calendar lists free webinars, training, awareness days and other events.

Tech Tip

Enable Switch Access on your Android smartphone 

• Like many people with reduced fine motor control, I find my smartphone's touch screen hard to use. Android's Switch Access feature lets you use an external switch or button to control your phone instead. Learn how to set up Switch Access on your Android smartphone on AbilityNet's My Computer, My Way website.

Get in touch

• Email Clive if you have a comment about the stories in this newsletter - or to suggest a contribution for next month.

Further resources 

• Join our dispATches mailing list to receive the latest news and events from the world of assistive technology.
• Read Clive's blog article on 'Voice recognition assistants help people with severe speech impairments'.
• Find out more about AbilityNet's free live webinars.
• Discover more AbilityNet training. 
• Unsure where to start with digital accessibility? Speak to our experts for help.

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people. If you can afford it, please donate to help us support older and disabled people through technology