In today’s fast paced, technologically driven and increasingly ‘inclusive’ world, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype of the next big advancements, but what about accessible technology?
Have you ever felt as if you or your child are missing some of the everyday joys of play by not having access to the right toys or gadgets to feel included?
Switch adaptive toys support inclusive play while helping children practice their fine motor skills. Using larger switches or buttons, children can independently activate toys to play music, light up, or blow bubbles.
In an upcoming blog series, we speak to two women leading the way in accessible toy adaptation both locally and overseas. Drawing on their personal and professional experiences, they identified a major gap in the toy market.
"When I was working as an AT/AAC instructional coach I was the first person to meaningfully introduce accessible items to a lot of students. Everyone has a different journey with AT and it is an instant click for some, while it’s a slower journey of exploration for others. Getting to do that with students who have combined physical and speech/language disorders was always incredibly rewarding. I think it must be like a doctor delivering a baby in the sense that it never gets old."
- JoJo Holzman, Special Education Teacher and Etsy small business owner of adaptable toys "Access For All"
CPSN's Favourite Accessible Technology Items
Over the years CPSN has enjoyed exploring the newest technology trends, and recently we had a chat with our staff about their favourite piece of technology or gadgets that they use that they can't live without.
You may remember our marketing officer Josh’s “Disability Lifehacks” YouTube series which included a closer look at the following 'tech' items:
Smart Technology is King at CPSN
We found some very interesting answers. It seems the ‘smart ’technology is king!
Anna P says: “I can’t live without my GPS and Google Maps in the car. I have to have someone’s voice telling me where to go. I also can’t live without my electronic calendar.”
Our support coordinator Mark, says he can't live without his smartphone.
Josh our resident CPSN ‘lifehacker’ loves his technology. He is loving a new thing called a ‘stream deck’ that is a series of programmable buttons to help you automate everything via a touch of a button and an app.
Nettie from HR loves her Smartwatch and Smartphone. “I’d be lost without it,” she says.
Olivia our Service Delivery Manager adores her technology.
“I love Tech! I can’t accept it when people say ‘I don’t have a website’. My favourite app is Libby – it gives you access to worldwide audiobooks and ebooks from any library anywhere in the world.”
Anna B from finance says “My ipad and smartwatch are essential to my daily functioning in life. I love it.”
Our CEO Kellie is excited about her newest purchase, an Oura ring. It is a smart ring used to track sleep, stress and physical activity…something Kellie finds helpful as she is getting older. Over time it learns from you and your health habits and the information you give it and it provides interesting data that can support you to live a more balanced life.
“It’s like my little friend, that will sometimes encourage me to rest more if my health or sleep goals haven’t been on track, ” she says.
We’ve also discovered a new wearable, portable technological gaming device that can help your Physiotherapist monitor your progress remotely – it’s like a virtual Physiotherapist in your pocket!
It’s called LusioMATE, and has been developed by a company called Lusio Rehab.
Our CPSN staff members haven’t personally tried it, however, it could be beneficial to your own specific physical needs (Ensure you discuss this with your GP and or relevant support teams first).
It features a range of fun motion-based movement games to assist you in improving your physical therapy goals, aside from doing those static stretching activities. It can help motivate you to reach your physical motion targets. All you need is the app and the special sensors. It is possible to also access and purchase this using your NDIS funds if it is incorporated into your plan.
What are your favourite technological gadgets or items that you use that you can’t live without? Let us know via our socials!
For more on adapting and creating accessible children’s toys, keep an eye on our upcoming blogs for more information.
Marketing Officer
CPSN
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