Newsletter Archives

  • Windows’ built-in basics

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    ISSUE 19.43 • 2022-10-24

    ACCESSIBILITY

    Chris Husted

    By Chris Husted

    When it comes to adaptive and assistive technologies, especially those found under Ease of Access in Windows Settings, most people think the extra functions do not apply to them, simply because they are not disabled.

    Nothing could be further from the truth.

    As Stephen Dawes, a long-time Plus member and a Senior IT Systems Analyst based in Calgary, Canada, points out, “When a technology is developed to help a specific group of people, and when it is done right, everyone benefits.”

    Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (19.43.0, 2022-10-24).
    This story also appears in our public Newsletter.

  • Welcome to assistive and adaptive technology

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    ISSUE 19.29 • 2022-07-18

    ACCESSIBILITY

    Chris Husted

    By Chris Husted

    The future of technology is in your hands, hands-free.

    Whether people know it or not, many of the latest features that make using the phone in their hand so much easier all came from developing “assistive and adaptive technology” (AAT), that branch of research and development specifically dedicated to help disabled people with their daily lives.

    More than 13 million Americans use assistive technology devices, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But with the population aging, the number of people with vision impairment and age-related dexterity issues is growing. Chances are, you already use assistive technology or know someone who does.

    Stephen Dawes, a senior systems analyst for the local government Calgary, Canada, has lived the history of assistive and adaptive technology related to computers. He also foretells an interesting future.

    Read the full story in our Plus Newsletter (19.29.0, 2022-07-18).
    This story also appears in our public Newsletter.