Assistive Technology News – May 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. 

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. 

This month's dispATches newsletter is sponsored by Dolphin Computer Access. 

Policy and Campaigns  

• A new report about Smarter Homes for Independent Living - written by dispATches editor Clive Gilbert – shows how disabled and older people can take full advantage of technological advances to enjoy greater choice and control at home. 
• Channel 4 pledges to improve accessibility for disabled viewers by increasing the availability of subtitling, audio description and signing on its on-air channels and on-demand services. 
• LEGO Foundation launches $20m play-based learning grant for children with ADHD and autism to help neurodiverse children learn through play.
• A government-commissioned study has found vehicle design rules are suitable for only 54% of people who use mobility aids, potentially leaving many disabled people unable to access transport services.

Tech Developments and Innovations  

• University of Sydney is developing a 3D printed bracelet to help people with reduced fine motor control use computers.
• Voiceitt invites people with speech impairments to record voice samples to help train its software to automatically recognise users' speech. 
• Navilens stickers can be encoded with information that can be read by a smartphone app and displayed in public places and on objects to assist blind and visually impaired people live more independently.
• Robotic inflatable gloves are made from an artificial material that can sense and react to the presence of nearby objects and can be used help people with limited use of their fingers to pick up things up.
   

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Training, Events and Professional Development 

Past and Future of Assistive Technologies, 23/24 June 2022

• Two-day summit of talks, activities, and workshops on the past and future of assistive technologies.

AbilityNet Removing Physical Barriers, 15 June 2022 

• Learn how to support employees who are physically disabled. 

AbilityNet Digital Accessibility Legislation, 9 June 2022

• Learn about the purpose of various accessibility legislations, the paths to comply with them, and ways to approach claims.

Communication, control and telepresence for physically disabled people, 6 June 2022 

• Gaming charity SpecialEffect look at the innovative technologies they use to help physically disabled people access leisure, mobility, communication and control. 

Assistive Technology Exhibition and Conference, Reading UK,  29th June 2022 

• An annual conference highlighting the latest assistive technologies that remove barriers to education and employment.

Calendar

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

Tech Tip

Voice-typing in Windows 11

• AbilityNet's guide to Voice typing in Windows 11 explains how to use a new feature that offers more accurate speech recognition than older versions of Windows. 

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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 'Smart home technology must advance for disabled independent living'
• Find out more about AbilityNet's free live webinars
• 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