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

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