Assistive Technology News – June 2022 round up

Assistive technology news, policy and events. 

DispATches is written by Clive Gilbert, freelance research consultant and specialist writer in public policy, social affairs and technology. He also recently spoke to the House of Lords Adult Social Care Committee about technology and independent living.

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  

• Research has found that 60% of over-55s think that their homes’ is poor in accessibility meaning that they will not be able to live in their current property by the age of 80.
• A new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has found that 1 billion disabled and older people around the world are denied access to assistive technology.
• The European Union is investing in a three-year digital inclusion programme for people with learning disabilities aimed at boosting their technology skills. Read more
• The United Nations' disability adviser has warned that artificial intelligence could compromise the human rights of disabled people.

Tech Developments and Innovations  

• New Apple accessibility features due out this year include door detection for blind and visually impaired people and subtitles for audio content. 
• The University of Liverpool is to build an upper-body exoskeleton to help children and young people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy retain their strength and independence. 
• Microsoft's new Adaptive Accessories product range lets people replace their computer mouse and keyboard with different types of switches and devices that better meet their access needs. 
• Google's screen reader for smart phones Android Talkback will soon offer a Braille display that can be used to read text as well as type messages in the tactile writing system. 

Training, Events and Professional Development 

AbilityNet Accessible mobile development training, 13 July 2022

• Learn how to include accessibility when building a mobile application. 

Accelerating Access to Equipment & Assistive Technology, 1 July 2022

• A webinar for health and social care practitioners involved in providing assistive technology to people who require support to live independently.

Calendar

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

Tech Tip

The iPhone's Background Sound 

• Showing the technology industry's growing awareness of neurodiversity, iPhone's new Background Sound accessibility option helps people who struggle in noisy environments by blocking out the hubbub with calming sounds.

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 'WHO: One billion more people will need assistive technology by 2050'.
• 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