Technology: Creating accessible solutions

Assistive technology opens up a world of opportunities for people with disabilities or physical limitations, writes Adaptive Technology Solutions founder Genevieve McLachlan.

Genevieve McLachlan wears headphones while using a computer with magnification.

What would you do if you couldn’t read your computer or smartphone?

For many people living with access needs, that is their reality.

Picking up your phone to check your notifications, scrolling through social media and messaging your friends is something you wouldn’t normally think about. But that simple act of staying in touch with the world digitally becomes a lot harder if you have difficulty with your sight or your motor skills.

So, what can you do if you (or one of your loved ones) are faced with this problem?

Two stress-saving words… assistive technology.

Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, product or software program that provides someone with disabilities or physical limitations the ability to live independently, maintain functions or improve motor functions. That can be anything from magnification software or speech dictation, right through to specialist hardware that allows people to use technology their way.

Assistive technology is perfect for individuals who struggle to use their computer, read print, or who may prefer dictating rather than typing.

Access to technology is important for everyone to create a truly inclusive society where there are no barriers to inclusion.

Technology has opened the world for people with access needs, by allowing them to participate in training and employment opportunities, therefore increasing independence and increasing their contribution to society.

Something as simple as the built-in magnification feature available through technology giants like Apple and Microsoft may reduce the need for expensive additional software.

Not only have they decreased the cost of assistive technology, but these features make it more accessible for everyone.

People with access needs are often limited by restricted opportunities and not by their actual disability.

The great news is that people who are working or studying and need specialised assistive technology because of their disability may be eligible for Government funding.

This funding covers the costs of specialised assistive technology that is specific to their disability.

Types of assistive technology

Here are a few examples of the more common assistive technologies and their uses:

Dragon Speech Recognition Software: Turns your voice into text as you dictate. It can help people with learning issues, like dyslexia who struggle to express themselves in writing. People who are unable to use their hands due to an access need.

ZoomText or SuperNova Magnification Software: Magnifies the entire computer screen. It can help people with low vision who struggle to read their computer screen.

JAWS or Dolphin Screen Reading Software: Reads the entire computer screen by voice. It can help people who are blind, use screen reading software to use their computer.

Apple, Microsoft and Android are incorporating this type of technology into their Operating Systems; however it is not usually enough for someone with significant access needs, therefore an assessment can be necessary to determine the best possible solution for each individual.

Adaptive Technology Solutions provides guidance and training in making technology accessible. Genevieve uses assistive technology daily to run her business, having lived her whole life with access needs.
www.adaptivetech.co.nz.

This article was originally published in the Winter 2021 edition of In Touch magazine.

For more information please contact:
Melanie Louden
Communications and Marketing Advisor
Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand
027 509 8774
melanie.louden@mda.org.nz