#assistivetechnology — Public Fediverse posts

What is everyone developing right now? I want to see your open betas, public repos, exciting ideas, and share their existance with you. #AI #AssistiveTechnology #BVI #Technology

I WILL NOT BE BULLIED 💎

I received a vicious reply today because I use AI. It wasn't a disagreement. Nor a criticism. It was a full-frontal personal attack! And I’ll admit it affected me more than I expected.

I USE AI MAINLY BECAUSE I'M PARALYSED.

Typing is physically difficult for me. I have the use of only one hand. So, tapping out a post or email with one finger is exhausting. Voice and AI help me turn my own thoughts into usable writing in a normal amount of time.

THAT SHOULD NOT REQUIRE A DEFENCE.

You can dislike AI. You can distrust it. You can argue about copyright concerns, energy and water use, labour, culture, or anything else that concerns you. I will listen to you and answer you.

But attacking people simply for using AI is not principled.

IT'S BULLYING.

And disabled people should not have to produce a medical justification every time they use a technology that makes their life easier.

AI is a tool. How it is used matters. Who gets harmed matters. Context matters. What does not help is turning “AI user” into a moral accusation and deciding that cruelty is suddenly acceptable.

I’m quite happy to discuss the technology with anyone.

HOWEVER, I WILL NOT BE BULLIED FOR USING IT.

I didn't need to do anything about the attack. Before I could even decide how to respond, both the post and the person disappeared from my notifications.

@3goodthings
@DigitalCoup
@meditation
@economics_that_works
@startrek

#AI #Accessibility #Disability #AssistiveTechnology #Fediverse #Bullying #PWD #Tool

Brought on 2 beta testers for Word Champion, if you are interested, I have 3 spots left to fill. I am awarding a $15.00 Amazon gift card for participation and feedback. If you are someone who loves educational tools, can provide constructive feedback for screen reader users, and have a love for typing and small games for the blind, I invite you to reach out. Please email [email protected] with the subject "Word Champion." Thank you so much! #Education #TYping #AssistiveTechnology

Join us tonight, Monday, August 24, at 8 pm EST for PCB Peer Engagement Presents!

Mary Beth Parks from LAMP, the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians, will discuss the HumanWare eReader now being distributed in Pennsylvania, along with other LAMP programs & resources.

For More Info: [email protected]

You can also listen on ACB Media 6 on your Amazon device.

#PCBPeerEngagement #PCBPeers #LAMP #HumanWare #AccessibleReading #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility

WORDS CAN’T WASH MY BACK 💎

This morning, I was imagining a robot that I actually need.

Not one that dances. Not one that makes coffee or does backflips.

I was imagining a bathroom robot that could safely wash the parts of my body I cannot reach, steady me in the shower, help after toileting, dry me and assist me with dressing.

Then I watched this interview with Fei-Fei Li, sometimes known as the “Godmother of AI”, and suddenly I understood one of the important missing pieces.

SPATIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Li helped transform modern AI through ImageNet, which helped teach machines to recognise what they see. Now she wants machines to understand the physical world. Not merely recognise a cup, but understand where the cup is, how it relates to everything around it, what happens if you move it, and how to pick it up and put it somewhere else.

Her wonderfully simple challenge to language AI is:

Can words put out fires?

Can words cook an omelette?

No.

AND THIS MATTERS ENORMOUSLY TO ME.

ChatGPT can already understand me remarkably well when I say:

“My left side is paralysed.”

But a service robot needs to understand something much harder:

THAT is Robin's left leg.

THIS is where it is in three-dimensional space.

THAT amount of pressure is safe.

THIS movement could make him fall.

The water is the RIGHT temperature and is going THERE.

His body is moving THIS way.

And now AI can respond.

That is the difference between an AI that can talk about helping me and an AI that can physically help me. Li calls part of the answer “world models”: AI systems capable of understanding geometry and physics, simulating what may happen next, and planning actions in the physical world.

Her company, World Labs, is already working on this technology, including applications for robotics.

AND SOMETHING ELSE SHE SAID STOPPED ME.

She talked about the sense of “dignity and agency” that comes when AI helps someone do something they couldn't do before.

YES.

That is precisely what interests me about AI.

NOT REPLACING HUMAN BEINGS.

Giving human beings capabilities they have lost through disability or that they just never had before.

Language gave the machine a voice. Computer vision gave it eyes. Spatial intelligence may eventually give it an understanding of the human world around it.

And then perhaps my bathroom robot won't sound quite so ridiculous after all.

@3goodthings
@DigitalCoup
@meditation
@economics_that_works
@startrek

https://youtu.be/qRG19DKT3MA?si=MWWUF15i9VIl-2v3

#AI #Robotics #SpatialIntelligence #FeiFeiLi #Disability #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #human #PWD #person

@Tesla @Tesla_Optimus @China

A ROBOT I ACTUALLY NEED NOW 💎

I’m 70, disabled by stroke, and I’ve been thinking about what would genuinely improve my life.

Not a robot that dances.

Not one that makes coffee or does perfect backflips.

A BATHROOM ROBOT.

A dedicated, non-humanoid care system designed specifically to help me with showering, toileting, drying and dressing.

It could be fixed to a wall beside the shower or toilet, with one or two waterproof articulated arms. One arm could steady me while the other washes those hard-to-get places.

Water could run through the arm itself, with soft, interchangeable washing heads. Warm-air dryers could be built into the unit, reducing the need for towel drying.

It could wash the parts of my body that my disability prevents me from safely reaching; assist me with toileting and, after toileting, dry thoroughly; help with clothing; and perhaps eventually assist with nail care.

Because it lives in one bathroom, it doesn’t need legs, a face, or a humanoid body. It just needs to be extraordinarily safe, gentle, waterproof, reliable and easy to talk to.

THE AI COULD SIMPLY BE CONVERSATIONAL:

“Wash my back again, please.”

“You missed a bit behind my left leg.”

“I need help.”

“Stop.”

For me, showering is one of the most difficult and dangerous parts of daily life. I do less of it than I probably should for that very reason. My partner helps me now, and I’m deeply grateful, but a machine designed specifically for intimate care could give both of us more independence, dignity and privacy.

THIS IS WHERE I THINK ROBOTICS COULD BECOME GENUINELY TRANSFORMATIVE.

Don’t start by asking how closely a robot can imitate a human being.

Start by asking:

What physical problem do human beings desperately need solved?

I’d happily volunteer as a very demanding test pilot.

@3goodthings
@DigitalCoup
@meditation
@economics_that_works
@startrek

#Tesla #Optimus #Robotics #Disability #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #Ageing #China

5,752 total downloads over 5 months for NVDA Coach. I am at a loss of words. It makes me so happy that this product has helped so many across the globe with their training. I wish everyone continued growth! #Github #ScreenReaders #NVDA #Training #Education #Computers #AssistiveTechnology #BVI

Question for folks using assistive devices for daily life. What is your preferred method of subscribing to writers and other publishers?

I’d also love to know if your choice is because of technology capabilities/limitations. And if you have a favorite app/client.

I’m researching tools, and accessibility is a priority for me.

#Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #AssistiveDevices #AT #Poll #Technology #Usability

I am just stupidly excited to share that the No Sight Required brand has now launched some pretty sweet swag! I'm bias, so, you decide if it's worth wearing for yourself! T-shirts, stickers, and a cool coffee mug! The ability was never missing. Access was. https://shop.nosightrequired.com #merch #shirts #coffee #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #Blindness #NoSightRequired

THE FUTURE OF ACCESSIBILITY
TECHNOLOGY IS ALMOST INVISIBLE 💎

I keep hearing about AI in terms of productivity. Writing faster. Making presentations. Summarising meetings. Saving companies money.

Fine.

But I think some of the most important uses of AI may be much more ordinary.

For disabled people, AI could remove thousands of tiny barriers that other people barely notice.

I have left-sided hemiplegia. I use only one hand.

So imagine an AI I can simply talk to.

It can write what I dictate. Read something aloud. Search the web. Fill in forms. Explain an incomprehensible government letter. Operate a computer without requiring endless clicking, dragging and menus.

It could describe what is in front of someone who cannot see it clearly.

Caption and interpret speech for someone who cannot hear it.

Help someone who struggles with language find the words they are trying to say.

Turn complicated instructions into something understandable.

Remember appointments, medications, names, routines and important details when memory is unreliable.

Help plan an accessible route before leaving home.

And eventually, perhaps, simply stay quietly with us.

If I fall while I am out walking, I would like my AI to notice, ask whether I am all right, and, if necessary, call Peter and tell him where I am.

Not because I want a machine supervising my life.

Quite the opposite.

Because I want to be able to live it safely and more fully.

The best accessibility technology disappears.

It does not constantly remind you that you are disabled.

It quietly removes the obstacle and lets you get on with your day.

That may turn out to be one of AI's greatest contributions.

Not making humans more productive.

Making more humans free.

@3goodthings
@DigitalCoup
@meditation
@economics_that_works
@startrek

#Disability #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #PWD #IndependentLiving #InclusiveDesign #FutureOfTech #AIForGood

The takeaway: AI is not always perfect, so it still requires trust and verification. But for lower-risk personal tasks, it can save time and make inaccessible information easier to access.

Listen to the full episode of Accessibility Craft for more on AI, accessibility, inaccessible documents, and how people are using these tools in real life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeuiCb564B4

#AccessibilityCraft #WebAccessibility #DigitalAccessibility #AI #Accessibility #A11y #InaccessiblePDFs #AssistiveTechnology

Huge thanks to Luke and Jonathan who invited me to come talk geeky tech, and my book! Vision Forward is a great organization! Cory, you were missed!

We got into AI with screen readers, why I built NVDA Coach, and 20 years of making music without sight.

Full interview on Vision Forward's Tech Connect:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4ScfcrtFY8

#Blind #BlindCommunity #LowVision #VisuallyImpaired #Accessibility #A11y #AssistiveTechnology #ScreenReader #NVDA #JAWS #VoiceOver #AI #Disability #TechConnect #NoSightRequired

Huge thanks to Luke, Jonathan, and Corey, from Vision Forward Tech connect for having me on their show to talk about my book, AI, Logic Pro, music, and NVDA Coach. We had too much fun! Check the video out here, 📲 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4ScfcrtFY8 #AI #Technology #Interviews #BVI #AssistiveTechnology #Inovation #NVDACoach #NoSightRequired

I WANT A STAR TREK COMPUTER 💎

I believe the real future of computing is much simpler than people make it sound.

I don’t want another clever app. I don’t want more menus, keyboards, mice, windows, modes, buttons, opening this and closing that.

I want a Star Trek computer. Captain Kirk had the right idea.

I want to sit down and say, “This is what I want you to do,” and have the technology understand whether that means speaking, writing, finding, organizing, showing me something, or helping me think something through.

Voice, text, images, tools, all of it should eventually become one conversation.

And this matters particularly for people with disabilities like me, older people like me, and anyone who doesn’t fit the imagined “standard user”. Like me!

Technology should adapt to the particular human being in front of it, not require the human to adapt to the machine.

That, to me, is where AI gets genuinely interesting: when the technology disappears into the background and we can get on with living our Star Trek lives.

@startrek
@DigitalCoup

#FrictionlessAI #AI #FutureOfAI #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #HumanCenteredAI #human #voice #CaptainKirk #startrek

The AI panic is loud. Meanwhile, disabled users are quietly using it as cognitive scaffolding — not to think less, but to keep thinking at all.

https://onlys.ky/ai-disability-aid/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fresh

#Accessibility #ArtificialIntelligence #Disability #Neurodivergent #AssistiveTechnology

Scottish Enterprise's @davidobrien on giving interactive elements on the #Web meaningful, #Accessible names to support #AssistiveTechnology Users.

https://design.scotentblog.co.uk/whats-in-a-name/

Hey #ScreenReader users,

the screen reader user survey by #WebAIM is still open until August 31, 2026.

If you or someone you know have a couple of minutes to spare, I would really appreciate if you'd participate here:

https://webaim.org/projects/screenreadersurvey11/

This survey - together with the WebAIM Million report - is a vital source of user data not only for me, but also for other accessibility professionals.

Thank you! ❤️

#a11y #accessibility #survey #frontend #AssistiveTechnology #WebDev

The Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams for Monday, August 3, 2026 - Issue 117 | By Dr. Kirk Adams, Publisher | Courtesy of the PWD Media Co-Op
https://drkirkadams.com/newsletter-08-03-2026/

💡 Practical Strategies for Workplace Inclusion and Leadership
#InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceInclusion #DisabilityEmployment #DiversityEquityInclusion #AccessibilityMatters #AssistiveTechnology #HRBestPractices #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork

Email Subscribers: 6,229 🔢️

Social Media: 190,488 🔢️

The Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams for Monday, August 3, 2026 - Issue 117 | By Dr. Kirk Adams, Publisher | Courtesy of the PWD Media Co-Op
https://drkirkadams.com/newsletter-08-03-2026/

💡 Practical Strategies for Workplace Inclusion and Leadership
#InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceInclusion #DisabilityEmployment #DiversityEquityInclusion #AccessibilityMatters #AssistiveTechnology #HRBestPractices #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork

Email Subscribers: 6,229 🔢️

Social Media: 190,488 🔢️

The Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams for Monday, August 3, 2026 - Issue 117 | By Dr. Kirk Adams, Publisher | Courtesy of the PWD Media Co-Op
https://drkirkadams.com/newsletter-08-03-2026/

💡 Practical Strategies for Workplace Inclusion and Leadership
#InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceInclusion #DisabilityEmployment #DiversityEquityInclusion #AccessibilityMatters #AssistiveTechnology #HRBestPractices #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork

Email Subscribers: 6,229 🔢️

Social Media: 190,488 🔢️

#SaintCatharinesON - #LibraryOfThings

" #SCPL is so much more than books. Explore the non-traditional items in our collection!

- Sports and Leisure
- Musical Instruments
- Parks Passes
- #STEM Kits
- #Tools
- #VideoGameConsoles
- #Multimedia Collection
- #MemoryKits
- #NexPlayground
- #DrawingTablet
- #ThermalCamera
- C-Pen #ReaderPen
- Makers: From cookie cutters to knitting needles, explore your creative side with a variety of helpful tools.
- #LightAndSoundTherapy
- #KillAWatt Monitors
- Portable WiFi #Hotspots
- #BoardGames & #Puzzles
- #CarbonDioxide Monitors
- Kids #ExplorerKits
- #BicycleRepairKits
- Youth #FishingKits
- Youth Life Vests
- #Telescope Set
- #RadonDetectors

Learn more:
https://www.myscpl.ca/borrow/library-of-things/

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingEconomy
#LibrariesRule #LibrariesOfThings #Ontario #BorrowDontBuy #DIY #AssistiveTechnology #HomeSafety

#GuelphON - #LibraryOfThings

"Guelph Public Library’s Library of Things lets you explore all kinds of unique items beyond books. It’s a chance to discover new interests, connect with practical tools or fun activities, and thrive by trying something different.

- Board games
- Educational toys
- Computer and internet devices
- Hobbies
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Outdoor games
- Kits
- #AssistiveTechnology
- Beginner robotics
- Monitors and meters
- Permits and passes"

FMI:
https://www.guelphpl.ca/libraryofthings/

#SolarPunkSunday #SharingEconomy
#LibrariesRule #LibrariesOfThings #Ontario #BorrowDontBuy

Super excited to announce I will be doing a small conference tour at the end of 2026 into 2027. Dates and details coming soon! All about the No Sight Required mission, teaching AI to youth and young adults in BVI spaces, and how we can shape the future of building applications with vybe environments. ⛰️ #BVI #AssistiveTechnology #AI #VybeCoding #Motivation

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are redefining autonomy for paralysis patients by translating neural signals into action. Our latest blog explores current breakthroughs, implementation challenges, and the future impact on clinical care and rehabilitation. Read the full article: https://wix.to/w25o8h6

#AssistiveTechnology
#Neurotech #MedTech
#BrainComputerInterface
#Healthcare #Rehabilitation