So welcome to the first draft of Tech and Disability, a blog thingy that I’m going to be using to talk about … well, Tech and Disability?

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So welcome to the first draft of Tech and Disability, a blog thingy that I’m going to be using to talk about … well, Tech and Disability?The plan is to not only talk about issues facing People With Disabilities (PWD) when using tech, or having tech developed for them, but also do reviews of the tech that PWD use.I also want to hear stories from other PWD about how they’re using technology, or how the tech has let them down.You can ping me on twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/angrybeanie">@angrybeanie</a>) or email me at tad at angrybeanie dot com

Welcome to TAD

Where I examine the intersection between technology and disability. The good, the bad and some of the very bad.

Tech and Disability

Angry Beanie - Welcome to TAD

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This week in Tech and Disability news from around the world:

- AI Companions for people with dementia
-  New app released for people to crowdsource venue accessibility
-  English council adopts wheelchair crossing app

And more

Looking at the stories I've picked out for this weeks News post I'm thinking I should deep dive a bit more on some of the topics presented here.Even before the current AI Hype cycle started we've had ongoing research into so called "Companion" apps and bots. Artificial services that would help the elderly or disabled to live their best lives. But what does this actually mean for everyone concerned? At the very least what does it mean for the privacy of the individuals concerned? What about effects on the human work force? Does the rise of the Companion Bot mean a race to cut costs?I'll try and do more deep dive articles as time permits.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2023/11/meet-viv--an-ai-character-fostering-companionship-for-people-wit">Meet Viv, an AI Companion for people with dementia</a>Initially based on the experiences of four women with dementia, Viv is an experimental, AI driven system that has been designed to communicate and be a companion to people who suffer from dementia. The researchers behind Viv &nbsp;(<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://feel-lab.org/about/">The felt Experience and Empathy Lab</a> based at the University of New South Wales) hope to build a tool that will provide support to dementia sufferers by easing loneliness and providing a calming effect to people in distress.Viv isn't alone of course, there's a lot of research being done into the role of companion apps and robots for aged and disability care, and it's only going to get &nbsp;busier/more interesting/controversial as question about even basic things like what IS companionship and can an artificial creation really provide it are asked and argued about.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/speaking-without-vocal-cords-ucla-engineering-wearable-tech">Wearable patch allows people to speak</a>A new patch has been developed that measures the movement of your larynx and sends the signals to a processor which converts the movements to speech.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rollmobility.com/">New App to crowd source the best and the worst accessible locations</a>I came across this one via a couple of different routes. Firstly I saw it mentioned on TiktTok (there are a number of good Disability/Accessibility Advocates on the Tok) and then a family member mentioned it me.The Roll Mobility App is an app aimed at giving people with mobility and accessibility issues the ability to review and share their experiences with different locations. Essentially crowd sourcing an accessibility map for users.Originally launched last year with a focus on the Denver, Colorado area, it seems to have been picked up by a wider group and is continuing to gain users.<img class="image_resized" style="width:25.07%;" alt="Screenshot_20240317-150959.png" src="/uploads/Screenshot_20240317_150959_03ecb508d3.png" srcset="/uploads/thumbnail_Screenshot_20240317_150959_03ecb508d3.png 72w, /uploads/small_Screenshot_20240317_150959_03ecb508d3.png 500w, /uploads/medium_Screenshot_20240317_150959_03ecb508d3.png 750w, /uploads/large_Screenshot_20240317_150959_03ecb508d3.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/2024-March-149">The WHO is looking for experts to join their "Technical Advisory Group on assistive technology"</a>The WHO has put the call out for experts to join the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on assistive technology.Established in 2022, the TAG has the following functions:<ul><li>To provide independent advice to WHO on methodologies and review of evidence for the development of APL and accompanying tools such as the APS and TAP to support its implementation;&nbsp;</li><li>To provide recommendations to WHO on the use of the evidence in the aforementioned technical development;&nbsp;</li><li>To review and make recommendations to WHO on the APL based on available evidence and further identify gaps where more research is needed; and</li><li>As appropriate, to review and make recommendations to WHO on technical products in development.&nbsp;</li></ul>They're looking for people with experience in implementing Assistive Technology programs, developing AT standards or has worked in the development of AT workforce capacity<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-68350777">Portsmouth City Council adopts wheelchair crossing app</a>Portsmouth City Council has started installing new crossing buttons that make crossing the road a more accessible task.The new systems have been designed to be more accessible to people with disabilities. They are installed lower on the pole, allow users to wave their hands UNDER the box and are even blue tooth enabled, allowing users with an app to register a request to cross without even touching the system.I'd be interested to know if any of this technology has made it to Australia.Email: james AT angrybeanie DOT comMastodon: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aus.social/@purserj">@aus.social@purserj</a>Bluesky: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://bsky.app/profile/purserj.bsky.social">purserj.bsky.social</a>Threads: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.threads.net/@purserj">@purserj</a>

Tech and Disability News from Around the World - 2024-03-17

This week:

Accessibility and the Great AI Frenzy
Another NDIS service provider management platform folds. Where does the data go?
Two UK Councils trialling AI Voice Assistants
A toothbrush for your whole mouth
Microsoft Accessibility Summit 2024 

So it's been a bit of a busy week in the world and the stories I'm presenting below are just a sample of what's going on.What I find particularly interesting is the fact that accessibility tech is being drawn into the "Great AI Frenzy". I mean I suppose it was inevitable, and (to the shock of some I think) there are actually genuine use cases for Machine Learning/AI both in the medical fields AND accessibility. The danger is when we start seeing "AI" being used where it's really not needed, or worse where it can do real harm.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/workplace/ndis-provider-goodhuman-forced-into-liquidation-owing-nearly-3m-20240308-p5fawd">Another NDIS Software Provider goes bust</a> (It's behind a pay wall)SAAS (Software As A Service) provider GoodHuman has been forced into bankruptcy with debts of up to $3 million owed to current and former staff. GoodHuman offered a range of services to NDIS Service Providers at the smaller end of the scale, including maintenance and storage of Customer Records, Digital Service Agreements and NDIS Budgets.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:72.82%;"><img src="/uploads/goodhuman2_20a6b0c7b1.png" alt="goodhuman2.png" srcset="/uploads/thumbnail_goodhuman2_20a6b0c7b1.png 245w, /uploads/small_goodhuman2_20a6b0c7b1.png 500w, /uploads/medium_goodhuman2_20a6b0c7b1.png 750w, /uploads/large_goodhuman2_20a6b0c7b1.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"><figcaption>A screenshot of the services offered by GoodHuman</figcaption></figure>If GoodHuman is sold off piecemeal or picked up wholesale one of the key questions is going to be what happens to that data?<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://attoday.co.uk/ai-voice-assistant-service-communicates-information-to-residents-in-richmond-and-wandsworth/">Two UK Councils trial "AI Voice Assistant" for community members receiving adult or social care</a>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/">London Borough of Wandsworth</a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.richmond.gov.uk/">London Borough of Richmond on Thames</a> have partnered with an "Conversational and Generative AI" company called <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://tovie.ai/">Tovie</a> to power a three month pilot of Generative AI powered Voice Assistants.The pilot will look at two use cases:<ul><li>In the first, they will be using an AI powered Voice Assistant to contact residents who are on waiting lists for different services (which services aren't specified) and inform them of their status and also gather relevant information.</li><li>In the second they appear to be pitching as a first level support service for people who are using devices provided by the councils.</li></ul><blockquote>The assistant will engage with them to understand their usage of the device, assist with troubleshooting should potential issues arise, and communicate any concerns back to the council team through a central mailbox.</blockquote>I'll see if I can follow up on this in three months time.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://newmobility.com/curaprox-samba-robotic-toothbrush/">New Powered toothbrush gives those with limited dexterity better cleaning power</a>&nbsp;It's amazing how doing something simple like brushing your own teeth can be both achingly frustrating and empowering at the same time. For people with low manual dexterity, brushing can be a chore, even a hazard.&nbsp;Now there's a new toothbrush on the market that's aimed at giving people with low dexterity back control. It looks like a beast but it seems to do the job.<img class="image_resized" style="width:50.52%;" alt="Samba-Product-Photo-1024x539.jpg" src="/uploads/Samba_Product_Photo_1024x539_e603a88488.jpg" srcset="/uploads/thumbnail_Samba_Product_Photo_1024x539_e603a88488.jpg 245w, /uploads/small_Samba_Product_Photo_1024x539_e603a88488.jpg 500w, /uploads/medium_Samba_Product_Photo_1024x539_e603a88488.jpg 750w, /uploads/large_Samba_Product_Photo_1024x539_e603a88488.jpg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/03/07/ability-summit-2024-advancing-accessibility-with-ai-technology-and-innovation/">Microsoft holds 14th Annual Ability Summit</a>Microsoft has recently held its 14th Annual Ability Summit and announced a set of new tools and services coming to their platforms over the next few months.<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/03/08/create-inclusive-content-with-the-new-accessibility-assistant-in-microsoft-365/">Accessibility Assistant for Microsoft 365</a>: A tool that makes it easier to ensure that your power point presentations and word documents are as accessible as they can be</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/accessibility/seeing-ai-app-launches-on-android-including-new-and-updated-features-and-new-languages/">Seeing AI</a>: The MS visual description app has now been released on Android and has been expanded to support 18 languages with a target of 34 by the end of 2024</li></ul>Okay, that's it for this week. Let me know if this was helpful or if you have any stories or news or even just anecdotes around how technology either helps or hinders. You can get me on any of the links belowEmail: james AT angrybeanie DOT comMastodon: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aus.social/@purserj">@aus.social@purserj</a>Bluesky: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://bsky.app/profile/purserj.bsky.social">purserj.bsky.social</a>Threads: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.threads.net/@purserj">@purserj</a>Twitter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/purserj/">@purserj</a>

Tech and Disability News from Around the World - 2024-03-10

We're back with another look at technology and disability

Apologies for missing last week, lack of spoons etc etc.Lets see what we have going on this weekAs always if you have any news, or recommendations for people, organisations, blogs etc to follow then please let me know at any of these:Email: james AT angrybeanie DOT comMastodon: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aus.social/@purserj">@aus.social@purserj</a>Bluesky: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://bsky.app/profile/purserj.bsky.social">purserj.bsky.social</a>Threads: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.threads.net/@purserj">@purserj</a>Twitter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/purserj/">@purserj</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://designtaxi.com/news/426337/Honda-Rolls-Out-Extended-Reality-Wheelchair-Meant-For-All-Disabled-Or-Not/">Honda Rolls Out ‘Extended-Reality’ Wheelchair Meant For All (Disabled Or Not)</a>What do you get when you give an engineering and design team a brief for a wheelchair without actually including wheelchair users?You get the Uni-One, a wheelchair and "extended reality" system that supposedly allows the user to drive like a Segway, gently moving along with a little shift of your balance here and there (provided that you've actually got the ability to balance properly).<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/how-india-can-emerge-as-a-hub-of-assistive-devices-for-people-with-disabilities-2438217-2023-09-20">Global South countries struggling to deliver accessibility tech benefits to population</a>One of the challenges facing countries in the Global South like India is delivering the benefits of accessibility tech to populations that simply cannot afford them.<blockquote>According to the 2011 Census, India had 26.8 million disabled people, accounting for about 2.2 per cent of the population. However, experts estimate the number of people with disabilities to be much higher, between 100 million and 200 million. A report by WHO-UNICEF, released in 2022, revealed that access to assistive technology in countries like India can be as low as 3 per cent.&nbsp;</blockquote>So with what appears to be a massively under reported population of disabled people and even amongst the recognised grouping only a three percent cohort that can access accessibility tech, what can be done?<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://newmobility.com/nathalie-mcgloin-a-driving-force-for-inclusion-in-motorsports/">Nathalie McGloin: A Driving Force for Inclusion in&nbsp;Motorsports</a>Nathalie McGloin isn't letting a little thing like a C6-C7 Spinal injury stopping her from driving. Or in fact competing in competitive racing. With driving mods, an automatic gearbox and a custom seat insert she's able to take to the track and compete with the best.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://newmobility.com/medicare-to-cover-personal-exoskeletons/">Medicare to Cover Personal&nbsp;Exoskeletons</a>This of course is an American article, however the use of exoskeletons in the US seems to be increasing. They're transitioning from being rehabilitation tools, to home use where the user can do things like potter around in their kitchen without a frame or chair.I really need to see what the situation here in Australia is. I don't think we're at the "hey you can get this on the NDIS and go for a walk around the block" stage yet. But possibly in the next years?

Tech and Disability News from Around the World - 2024-03-03

Almost didn't get this one out. A bit of a mix of low tech and high tech.

Almost didn't get this one out today but managed to sit down for a few minutes and get it sorted.As always if you have any news, or recommendations for people, organisations, blogs etc to follow then please let me know at any of these:Email: james AT angrybeanie DOT comMastodon: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aus.social/@purserj">@aus.social@purserj</a>Bluesky: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://bsky.app/profile/purserj.bsky.social">purserj.bsky.social</a>Threads: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.threads.net/@purserj">@purserj</a>Twitter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/purserj/">@purserj</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/never-give-up-reno-man-with-cerebral-palsy-paints-emerald-bay-35x10-mural/">Man with Cerebral Palsy paints 35 foot Mural</a>So at first glance this doesn't look like a tech and disability story, except it is.Connor Fogal was born with Cerebral Palsy and has very limited control over his limbs. Instead he uses things like eye tracking and head tracking interfaces to interact with devices such as his Apple computer. To paint (a life long passion of his) he uses a frame strapped to his head upon which a brush is mounted.Tech doesn't have to be high tech to help people with disabilities to achieve their dreams<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://source.wustl.edu/2024/02/engineering-ot-students-work-with-patients-to-design-assistive-tech/">Engineering, OT Students work with patients to design assistive tech</a>Continuing the theme of low tech not being no tech, the St Louis Campus of Washington University, held an inaugeral Makeathon, where Engineering and OT Students worked together to solve the needs of people with a wide range of needs.People with disabilities were included in every step of the way as Co-designers. It was a diverse group, from a six month child with motor development delays who needed belly support while learning to crawl, to a man with severe facial pain who needed a hood to help protect him from the cold.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://attoday.co.uk/design-age-institute-at-the-royal-college-of-art-reveals-pathfinder-innovation-projects/">Design Age Institute at the Royal College of Art reveals Pathfinder Innovation projects</a>Based at the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rca.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dc1596181e5b3a109fc14363f&amp;id=73cc1387e6&amp;e=e93fb2a840">Royal College of Art</a>’s Battersea campus, Design Age Institute was set up to provide design support for Pathfinder Projects, accelerating an innovative idea for healthy ageing from a prototype towards market. The institute provides and facilitates seed funding for design, user research, opportunity scoping and mentoring, as well as connecting projects with design experts.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://acrossthecloud.net/apps.html#list-talk-for-me">Talk for Me</a>This is one of the Remarkable Launcher cohort I mentioned in the last post, but I thought I would point it out specifically.Talk for Me is an app developed by Dr Matthew Berryman with the aim to allow people to better communicate post stroke. Built on his own experiences after a stroke left him unable to communicate, he hopes to further develop and refine the app to allow not just stroke patients, but others who have trouble communicating &nbsp;to better talk to the world. &nbsp;(Dr Berryman is the feature image for this post)

Tech and Disability News from Around the World - 2024-02-24

Robots, Launchers and Flying high for this update.

Robots, Launchers and Flying high for this update.I've always wanted to learn how to fly (I blew an awesome opportunity when I was younger and if I could I'd still be kicking myself) so seeing that there are groups who can assist people with disabilities to get their feet off the ground is very cool.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://remarkable.org/introducing-the-launcher-2024-cohort/">Remarkable Launcher 2024 Cohort has been announced</a>Remarkable is a "startup venture arm of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance". It runs multiple programs aimed at assisting new and existing startups working in the Tech and Disability Space.&nbsp;This years Cohort features startups working in everything from navigation apps for the vision impaired, to communication assistants for people who have suffered strokes and much much more.At the end of the Launcher there will be two Customer Showcase events.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.aerobility.com/">Aerobility</a>This one's pretty close to my heart. Aerobility is a UK based charity that has a focus on giving people with disabilities access to the tools required to learn how to fly.I've been pondering this for myself and will write up a post about it, not sure if there is a similar organisation in Australia, will keep digging.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.iottechnews.com/news/2024/feb/08/robot-guide-dog-to-help-visually-impaired/">University of Glasgow develops Robot Guide Dog</a>Well I suppose it was inevitable and on the one hand it's nice to see a use for the Robot Dog like systems that isn't some sort dystopic field combat system, on the other, I don't think we're quite ready for the Guide Dog to disappear.There's a whole discussion about how Robots are going to help or hinder people with disabilities. I wonder if we're having the right ones?<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.usafa.edu/cadets-look-to-patent-gaze-assisted-wheelchair-technology/">Cadets look to patent gaze-assisted wheelchair technology</a>A project to develop a new user interface that will allow people with very limited mobility to control their mobility devices with a twitch of an eyebrow is nearing completion at the US Air Force Academy.It looks very cool and is part of a long history of involvement in assistive technology development by the US military.&nbsp;

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