I exist alongside constant deterioration of my arm, hand, finger and breathing muscles. Technology is integral for my survival as I wear a ventilator to assist me to breathe deeply and project my voice, so I can be heard. I enjoy pushing the boundaries of what is achievable and a firm believer in using your voice and experiences for the betterment of society. I’ve been heavily involved with the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK for over a decade campaigning to improve lives for disabled people on topics such as Employment, Transport, Gaming. In 2015, I started writing a blog detailing how I live with my condition and things snowballed from there. I’m now a gaming and accessibility consultant advocating for inclusion wherever it may be, a freelance journalist for Eurogamer, panellist at GA Conference 2018 & most importantly a comicbook nerd.
What other advances in terms of augmented reality, wearables and smart tech would you like to see to help disabled people?
When I envision ideas for future advances in technology, I don’t envisage radical changes to the existing paradigm. I imagine incremental improvements of current technology used by people with disabilities. Personally, I feel the cold extremely quickly due to poor circulation which ultimately affects my muscle flexibility. So, it would be great if there was wearable technology that could monitor my body temperature and heat me up accordingly.
The viability of voice recognition software and artificial intelligence has grown exponentially, Google now has the capability to create replies to emails using simple AI. However, devices requiring voice recognition like the Amazon Echo or Google Home are only compatible with specific Smart Devices, it would be easier and cheaper for the customer if device compatibility wasn’t an issue. For example, I have a Dyson fan heater which I expected would work through Alexa, but I discovered that it was only the fan heater with an air purifier that would be compatible.
In the future, wheelchairs would be my number one technology in need of the biggest improvement. I’d like to see wheelchairs with rear view cameras and gyroscopes to keep you balanced over rough terrain. The main area that needs updating is the integration of computer technology, being able to connect your phone into your wheelchair to answer calls, receive reminders, access maps etc through an Augmented Reality holographic display. Currently, there is technology that allows you to use your wheelchair joystick as a computer mouse.
The knowledge is out there but disabled people have to fight for the creation of devices or for improvements to technology because the disabled market is not seen as economically viable. That is no longer the case thanks to Microsoft and their journey towards a more inclusive world.
Is there tech that enhances your life?
I use a diverse range of tech day-to-day which either literally keep me alive or help me stay connected to the world and society.
I wear a ventilator for about eight hours a day and throughout the night. This machine assists me to take deep breaths due to my weak inhale/exhale muscles to eliminate the built-up carbon dioxide in my bloodstream. Otherwise, I experience severe headaches, irritation, I struggle to speak, and my cognition decreases.
I spend most of my time on my computer, it’s the technology hub for my world. I enjoy reading so I use the Kindle App, watch series on Amazon Prime, listen to music via Spotify and Steam loaded for gaming, so a pretty standard technology setup these days.
The difference is the devices I use to control a computer, I have a setup devoid of a keyboard, so I have to control everything through a mouse. My mouse the Logitech G502 is a highly specialist device, its lightweight, button clicks require less pressure to activate, options to increase sensitivity to high levels and 11 programmable buttons. A brilliant form of technology but as it’s designed for professional gamers the cost is quite high.
The technology in-built within the Microsoft OS is valuable as it allows me to continue my work as a journalist, accessibility consultant and charity campaigner. The on-screen keyboard is excellent, I’m using it right now, it really increases my productivity as I can still type very quickly especially helped by the high sensitivity levels of my mouse. Microsoft’s dictation application enables me to continue writing even after my hands get fatigued from moving my mouse. I also use a Tobii Eye-Tracker 4C as an alternate way for mouse control which also supports more accessibility options during gaming.
The current improvements in the gaming industry specifically in accessibility has enhanced my life, from the amazing Xbox Adaptive Controller and gaming charities such as Special Effect. I have an adapted PS4 controller with 4 ports for switches I mount on the controller and on my headrest, light-press buttons and now I have voice commands to input analogue stick clicks. My Xbox setup is fairly similar but much easier due to the XAC hub, it’s like freedom in a box!