We're back! Not that we’ve been away... we’ve been busy getting our new web site up and running. We thought that it might take away the need for a newsletter. But many people have told us they missed our Newsletter... to be honest, we’ve missed it too. We enjoy the opportunity to let you know about new products, new research, new people and to make comments on disability matters without fear or favour. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

The iPhone is a tantalising device for people with a disability. It is brilliant for those with vision impairment, excellent for people with hearing impairment, very good for some with cognitive impairment... but a frustration for those with physical disability, unless you are one of the few who can use a Pogo Stick or similar pointer. Standard access tools, like trackballs, joysticks, switches, special keyboards, head-mounted pointing devices and eye gaze systems are no use

Possum Sero: This phone has a range of desirable features. First, it can be controlled by ECU devices (such as the GEWA PROG and the Possum PRIMO). In other words, it can receive infrared commands. This applies to the phone and the answer phone function. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

As the web site states: “The Pulse smartpen revolutionizes the act of writing by recording and linking audio to what you put on paper. Tap on words or drawings in your notes, and the smartpen replays recorded audio from the time you were writing. Transfer notes to your PC to backup, replay, and share them online”. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

The QuadJoy is a popular alternative for mouse control. Its main unit is mounted on a sturdy gooseneck and incorporates a sip/puff tube. This means you can control cursor movements and activate mouse clicks without having to move from one device to another. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

The eeePC is a lightweight portable computer option that sells for under $500. It runs on Linux and comes with over 30 programs pre-installed, including Open Office. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

Digital photography has many advantages for people with a disability, not the least being the fact that a picture can be composed without having to squint through a small viewfinder. Pictures can be reviewed and re-taken if necessary; they can also be edited on a computer and printed on an inkjet printer. Photo albums can be stored digitally on a computer (or on one of the new digital photo albums). Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

The VoiceMe 4 (called such because it supports up to 4 users) is a further development of the original product. How is it different? One significant difference is that the new model can be controlled by 4 x AA batteries as well as by mains power. This gives the VoiceMe 4 the advantage of portability. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

The MyTobii is a portable eye gaze system. It is an integrated unit with 15” screen, eye control sensor and computer. The MyTobii includes the VS Communicator software (giving access to communication, email, mobile phone control) and GEWA environmental control. The system works by tracking the user’s eye movements through two sophisticated cameras. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter

Research has always been an important part of our work at Ability. We like to reflect on what we are doing and also to contribute to the wider sector. Over the years our research has covered a range of issues surrounding the use of technology by people with a disability. This year has been no different. Click here to read the full newsletter. #Newsletter