Such a simple, obvious and wise statement – it would be so exciting if every individual offered a personal health or care budget was able to access a digital care navigator. Sadly the social sector (including health, care and charities) have not yet managed to bridge the gap between the rhetoric of digital transformation and the everyday experiences and reality for citizens..
I was recently asked for advice about how digital technology could help a person with late onset multiple sclerosis deteriorating rapidly. She loved crafts, needlework painting etc but is losing use of her hands. She has a laptop but using the mouse is getting tricky.
It emphasised for me how important it is for people to be aware of, and able to access, online resources to support independent living and #ageingbetter so I thought it would be helpful to share resources.
It is definitely worth contacting AbilityNet a small and impressive UK charity helping disabled adults and children use computers and the internet by adapting and adjusting their technology. They provide a range of factsheets and advice and information services.
@AbilityNet run the inspiring @Tech4GoodAwards which celebrate the people and technology making the world a better place. 2016 finalists will be announced on the 8th June!
AbilityNet have been shortlisted as Digital Charity of the Year 2016 by Digital Leaders 100. The winners will be chosen by a public vote and you can vote for them now on the Digital Leaders website and help spread the message about the amazing way that technology can transform the lives of disabled and older people.
[Declaration of interest: I have a real fondness for small charities with a big vision who know how to be creative and deliver results with limited funds!]
A helpful post on using a computer if you have tremors
UCanDoIT is a charity that teaches IT skills to people with disabilities on a one to one basis in their own homes. @ucdit
Another site with useful information about technology and disability
(and I am sure there are many more to be added!)
Tips and tricks for folks with Multiple Sclerosis (Microsoft 365)
From gaming system to medical breakthrough: How Microsoft and Novartis created Assess MS
Touchscreens such as iPads are tactile, versatile and very simple to use and the apps make it easy to play accessible games, which help memory, agility and interaction. iPads can be used for all manner of activities such as games, apps, accessing websites and playing music and video.
However before buying any apps it is always worth reading the reviews, checking compatibility requirements with laptop/tablet being used and whether the app is really free or being offered as a subscription model!
Some fun interactive apps
Pigment (free to download but with a Premium Access paid subscription) allows you to colour as you would on paper with actual colored pencils. Choose from 350+ hand curated, professionally drawn illustrations, 8 different kinds of pencils, markers and brushes, and an unlimited number of colors to choose from. Completed artwork can be friends and family.
Painterly £1.49) allows you to create beautiful evocative pictures even if you do not have advanced drawing skills or formal art training Allows for painting with more than 60 virtual brushes, as well as importing photos and then painting them
List of googled needlework apps for iPad (not my specialist area does anyone have any recommendations?)
Games
Imutt (free but charity will invite a donation) This game from the Dogs Trust allows users to look after an impossibly cute virtual rescue dog for five days. Perfect and no need to walk in bad weather!
FlowerGarden (free with further in-app purchases) allows you to pick virtual seeds, plant them, water them and watch them grow. This is especially significant for participants who used to enjoy growing plants and are missing their former gardens.
An honourable mention for the informative @AXSChat which runs the informative weekly #AXSchat discussing accessibility & inclusion in business on the web & beyond.
I have reached out to the Multiple Sclerosis charities for advice and will update this post when I receive responses.
I met Paul Smyth Head of IT Accessibility at Barclays Bank recently and was very impressed by his thoughtful and measured approach to accessibility and inclusive technology. I recommend listening to his interview.
It is so obvious really that digital technology can make all the difference to the quality of life for people living with disabilities and why I believe it is so important to make #connectedcare a reality.
Obviously this post is only a snapshot of available resources (I am not a assitive technology specialist but I work with companies excited to use technology to improve their services).
And I am always very aware that what digital technology offers are endless possibilities to make person-focused care a reality.
I welcome your thoughts about resources you have found helpful. please add to the comments section below or share with me via Twitter @shirleyayres
bonklesoul
Ermy
shirleyayres
Connecting Social Care and Social Media 