#OneSmallThing - Day 6 (Saturday 2 December): Technology
Hey Siri, can you give me some tips? Sure thing, we've got loads of cool tech to share from the team at Stretchy Tech and our Connect with Tech project.
“Assistive technology helps provide me with equity: It enables me to engage with the world and escape the isolation that I face without the support." – Annette Holden
Read Annette's story of living with a vision impairment and the many benefits she has experienced with Assistive Technology.
Top Technology Tips
- Visit the Stretchy Tech and read the customer stories to understand the life-changing impact of inclusive assistive technology.
- Research mainstream technology options to see what is available.
- Familiarise yourself with all of the resources on the Connect with Tech website - they have been designed for people living with disability.
Harnessing the power of mainstream inclusive assistive technology
Have you ever considered how your life at home, or out in the community, might be different if you lived with disability?
Many of us take for granted the things we can do with ease. But have you wondered how you would raise your blinds or answer a phone call if you weren’t able to use your hands? Alternatively, how would you find out who was at your front door or let them know you were at home if you couldn’t reach it quickly?
Inclusive assistive technology can bring life-changing results to people living with disability. While specialised technology can be incredible, readily available technology that is mainstream can assist in far-reaching ways and it is constantly evolving and improving.
Stretchy Tech, the inclusive assistive technology business unit of the Julia Farr Housing Association (trading as inhousing), delivers technologies that are available on the mainstream market, which empower people to achieve their goals and aspirations. Their solutions are focused on increasing independence, dignity, wellbeing and freedom, both at home and out in the community.
Some of the technologies that might benefit you or the people in your life include:
- Smart locks on doors which work with fingerprint, PIN, fob tag, or app
- Video doorbells that show who is outside and facilitate communication
- Smart speakers, with or without a display screen, which can set alarms and timers, show doorbells, and more
- Smart plugs which can turn 'not-smart devices' on and off using voice control
- Smart lights that provide control of colour, brightness, routines, and on/off function
- TV voice control and streaming
- Switchbot control to turn switches on and off
- Custom routines and automations to control devices for timed activation
These are all currently available for demonstration at the Stretchy Tech Hub. Visit the website to make a booking.
To see just how much independence technology can provide, check out the stories and videos on the Stretchy Tech website.
DEAA providing opportunities to Connect with Tech
The Connect with Tech website provides a wealth of information about inclusive assistive technology options for the home and beyond, along with videos, helpful tips and workshop information.
The Connect with Tech team, which includes JFA Purple Orange facilitators and Stretchy Tech occupational therapists and technical experts, will be running more workshops in the first half of 2024. Subscribe to their mailing list to be informed of upcoming dates.
Got #OneSmallThing you'd like to share on any of the topics above? We'd love to hear from you!
Simply send us an email at media@juliafarr.org.au or message us on socials with your #OneSmallThing - it can be a quick mobile video, something in writing, an audio file, a drawing, or any other medium that works for you!