Equipment and assistive technology
Usability review: Who designed this thing anyway?
by Scott Rains
Accessibility review of the SPOT Satellite Messenger to provide a new type of personal safety device for people with disability when travelling. Published: September 2008
Re-inventing the Wheel[chair]
by Aine Duffy
An innovative folding wheel that enables a full sized wheelchair wheel as well as wheelchair frame to be folded into a compact and convenient package for transportation and storage. Published: July 2008
Linux accessibility for people with vision impairment
by Sean Murphy
In the early 1990s Linux, a free operating system, was introduced into the computer world. More importantly, the source code was freely available. Since its release individuals and companies have volunteered their time to develop a wide range of free software, including screen readers for people with vision impairment. Published: July 2007
Bringing wheelchairs into the 21st Century
by Robin Kettle
Having recently taken part in research to create accessible footpaths out of recycled chip bark and the testing of their level of usability for wheelchair users, I came to one very important conclusion ... Published: April 2007
Mind gym
by Janine Lodato
In this personal story, the author writes about how computer innovations have enabled her to continue exercising her mind and to be productive in spite of severe physical disability from Multiple Sclerosis. Published: October 2006
Overuse injuries in manual wheelchair users
by Gene Emmer
Human hands were not designed to withstand the repetitive impact from propelling manual wheelchairs, and many researchers now strongly recommend the use of properly designed wheelchair gloves to help prevent overuse injuries, such as carpel tunnel syndrome. Published: July 2006
It's about Tamru Belay, not technology
by Prof Norm Coombs
Tamru Belay, director of Adaptive Technology Centre for the Blind, talks about his life and background in Ethopia and his efforts to change the lives of blind people in Ethiopia through the use of adaptive technology. Tamru's motto says it all. "I don't have sight. However, I have a vision!" Published: April 2006
Custom wheelchairs: The trend from functionality to individuality
by Dr. Gene Emmer and Galina Soldatenko
An article about the history and evolution of wheelchairs from mobility and function to individuality and performance. Published: March 2006
Chair with a view
by Judith Geppert
No more looking at peoples' 'butts' and 'navels' - the solution a new highly manoeuvrable power drive elevating wheelchair. Published: December 2005
Voice recognition musings
by Janine Lodato
Janine has been a voice recognition software user for several years and is a advocate for open source solutions, such as the emerging Linux-based voice recognition project, that will benefit people with disabilities. Published: March 2005
Technology: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday
by Judith Geppert
Judith Geppert is a regular contributor to e-Bility and a great story teller. Born in the 1950s with Cerebral Palsy, Judith talks about the freedom and possibilities assistive technology has brought her. Published: September 2004
Reducing AT abandonment
by Marcia Scherer
Despite the key role that assistive technology can play, the rate of non-use reported highlights the complexities of the interaction between the person, the technology, the activity and the environment in which the activity is to be undertaken. This research explores best practice processes and principles for assessing and providing assistive technology. Published: August 2004
Off the shelf assistive technology solutions
by Greg Killeen
Although the Eon3 was not produced or designed for people with disabilities, it is a very usable and economical piece of assistive technology. Greg has quadriplegia from a spinal injury and uses this single device to control his televisions, videos, pay TV, CD player, lights and appliances such as a radio and fan, from his wheelchair.Find out how … Published: October 2002
Voice recognition - A user's perspective
by Janine Lodato
Giannina discusses her experiences using voice recognition technology, the amusing moments and the frustrations she has experienced learning this new way of communicating. This article provides information on enabling technology from a users perspective, as well as suggestions for future developments. Published: October 2002
Empowerment and freedom of expression
by Roslyn McKearney
Rosalyn's first introduction to the world of computers and the Internet happened in 1991, when her husband bought an Atari. These days she readily admits to being a 'computer junkie and has established the Cooinda Computer Club, to assist other people with a disability in benefiting from the independence and enjoyment computers offer. Published: September 2002
The Importance of assistive technology outcomes
by Marcia Scherer
Lear about ways rehabilitation professionals can partner with consumers and communities to ensure that assistive technology is put to the best possible use, and that consumers benefit by getting the most out of these devices. Marcia Scherer's forward thinking, inter-disciplinary approach, provides research based guidance and will be of interest to anyone working with or using assistive technology. Published: January 2002
Adaptive computer training for students with cerabral palsy
by Liz Grandin
The School of Adaptive Computer Training (SACT) began classes in January 2000 with a mission to enhance the computer technical skills and marketabililty of people with special needs. SACT matches the right technology with a person's individual ability to help level the playing field in the IT market. To date the SACT team has seen an 80 percent success rate in career placements among its graduates. Published: December 2001
MultiMail accessible email software
by Janet Owens
MultiMail is a free email program for people with disabilities, that is an extension to the popular MultiWeb browser. It has been designed in close consultation with consumers by the Equity and Access Research and Development Group at Deakin University. Published: May 2000
Delivering services and doing business online
by Kay Watts
An online presence can open an exciting new field of customer reachability, product awareness, sales and fundraising opportunities for any Australian organisation or business, including not-for-profit services. Find out how you can get a head start. Published: November 1999
Enabling internet access
by Rob and Toni Seiler
A project to introduce the Internet to seniors and homebound people in remote, regional locations of Australia has grown into an Internet training access system for people with special needs. Published: October 1999
Google links
End of Google links