New consumer app to help navigate assistive technology market
A free tablet app has been released to support Australians with disability to identify the range of assistive equipment and technology options that could improve their independence and wellbeing.
A free tablet app has been released to support Australians with disability to identify the range of assistive equipment and technology options that could improve their independence and wellbeing.
Through real life stories and a virtual world, the app helps users explore assistive equipment and technologies in the environments in which they would be used such as the kitchen, bathroom, garden, at work, or out and about in the community.
Equip Myself has been developed by the Independent Living Centre WA and aims to support people with disability to navigate the growing market in assistive technologies.
The app links to the national equipment database, which contains impartial information on more than 11,000 assistive technology products available nationwide.
Users of the app can also create their own profile and share their favourite equipment items with their support team.
“With such a wide range of products available on the market and with new technologies continually emerging it can be difficult for people to be aware of options that are available and what the best choices for them may be,” said ILC chief executive officer Gerri Clay.
“We hope that people find Equip Myself to be a useful tool to help with their decision-making around equipment and technology options and that it gives them ideas about the types of products that could help to make a difference to their lives.”
Anna, who features in the app, spoke about how a range of technologies and equipment enables her to live independently, be safe, get around in the community and stay connected with family and friends.
Anna lives independently in her unit and uses a manual wheelchair to get around. She has had a ramp and automatic front door installed to make it easier for her to access her home, and had her bathroom modified for increased safety and independence.
“Being able to use the computer is very important for me because I have family overseas who I keep in touch with via email. I use a trackball mouse which is more stable for me to use and the keyboard has big “sticky” keys, which means they are less sensitive to touch and require more pressure to press down than a regular keyboard,” said Anna.
The app has been designed by a team including people with disabilities, health professionals, coordinators, and digital design specialists.
Equip Myself is available on the App Store and Google Play. Click here for more information.
Well done ILC WA!!!