A few of our clients want to be able to use a smartphone to call for assistance if needed during the night. Voice dialling is available on both iPhone (from iPhone 6S onwards) and Android phones, so that is not an issue. Auto answer is also available on iOS 11 and through various Android apps. That is also not a problem. The problem comes if you try to call someone who doesn't answer and you get stuck in their voicemail – there is no way to end a call by voice. Our research t

"Our mission is to enable anyone, whatever their physical disability, to enjoy video games, leisure technology and communication. But we’re not just doing it for the sake of fun. By giving people the means to participate, we’re kick-starting rehabilitation, inclusion and confidence." Click here to read more about SpecialEffect. #Newsletter #Games #VideoGames #Leisure #Recreation

Ability has been active in the Hunter NDIS pilot program since its inception in 2013. Like many in our sector, we share high expectations for the NDIS and our experience so far has not diminished our overall optimism for the scheme. But there are issues that we have confronted that are worth sharing with you. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

We owe Apple a lot. The iPad, introduced in 2010, has transformed the computer industry. These light, easy to use devices with long battery life and loads of creative apps have been warmly endorsed by consumers everywhere. And nowhere has this impact been greater than in the assistive technology field. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

Tablets began as an adjunct to computers; now, for many people, they have replaced computers. Nowhere is this trend more obvious than in the disability field. How has this happened? Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

People with disabilities in rural and regional areas have long missed out on specialised assistive technology services. In-person visits are rare and usually involve “fly in-fly out” activities. In 2013 Ability Technology has conducted nearly 20 workshops in country NSW and Victoria. The workshops have mostly been on the topical issue of Tablet Computers. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

After months of hard work, we have been pleased to announce the release of the AbilityHouse web site. The project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (through the Practical Design Fund). The response so far in the disability sector has been great and very encouraging. Click here to read the full newsletter. #AbilityHouse #AbilityHouse #Newsletter

It would be fair to say that Windows 8 has met with a mixed reaction in the community. The reaction in the disability community has also been mixed. There has been some hostility to an interface that some feel is more at home on a tablet device than a desktop computer. But in terms of accessibility features there have been some gains. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

There was a lot of discussion at ARATA in Sydney (August 22- 24) about the NDIS and the need to emphasise the importance of assistive technology (AT). This culminated in the release of an impressive ARATA position statement, in the form of a brochure that is to be widely distributed. The fear is that AT will be overlooked by policymakers. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

The iPad dominates the tablet market, but Android tablets are catching up. How do they compare? For people with a disability, there are several issues to consider. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter