Assistive Technology News – August 2022 round up

Assistive technology news, policy and events. Clive, smiling at the camera

DispATches is written by Clive Gilbert, freelance research consultant and specialist writer in public policy, social affairs and technology.

Born with cerebral palsy, Clive is an extensive user of assistive technology and has first-hand experience of the transformative potential that technology can bring to the lives of disabled people. 

Policy and Campaigns  

Tech Developments and Innovations  

  • An electric car charging port open with the charger plugged in.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.
Training discount for dispATches readers 

Use the code Dispatches10 to get 10% off AbilityNet's Accessibility and Inclusive Design training, including 'PDF accessibility', 'Accessible social media', and more. 
If you're booking training for your team you can buy 10 tickets for the price of 8.

Calendar

Tech Tip

Enable Switch Access on your Android smartphone 


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 

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