Author: Colin Hughes
Why legalising assisted dying is a slippery slope we must avoid
MPs are about to vote on an issue that stirs deep emotion on both sides: the legalisation of assisted dying in England and Wales. As someone who lives with life-limiting muscular dystrophy, complicated by heart and respiratory failure, this debate is not an abstract one for me. It’s personal. When I was three, doctors told my parents I wouldn’t live past 16. When I reached 16, they said I wouldn’t...
How Meta’s Orion AR glasses and wristband revolutionise accessibility
At Meta’s annual developer conference on Wednesday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a prototype of new augmented reality glasses, showcasing the company’s latest venture into smart eyewear. In addition, Zuckerberg revealed that Meta AI will soon feature the ability to speak in the voice of Dame Judi Dench. Named Orion, the demo glasses—not yet available for consumer release—can overlay digital images...
Apple Watch Series 10: a missed opportunity for disability inclusion
Yesterday, Apple revealed the highly anticipated Apple Watch Series 10, continuing its tradition of blending cutting-edge technology with sleek design. At the launch event, CEO Tim Cook proudly spoke about how the Apple Watch has “deeply impacted the lives of millions of people” by helping them stay active, healthy, and connected. This latest iteration pushes the envelope even further with new fea...
A Motability-style scheme for technology can transform disabled lives
As the Paralympics in Paris captivate and inspire people around the world, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have launched the “Equipped for Equity” campaign, drawing attention to the urgent need for greater access to assistive technology. The WHO estimates that over 2.5 billion people globally need at least one assistive product, such as a wheelc...
Why Apple should launch smart glasses: accessibility and mass appeal
Apple has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, creating products that not only captivate the general public but also offer unique benefits for disabled people . With recent reports suggesting that Apple is working on its own smart glasses, there’s no better time to explore the potential impact these wearable devices could have. From enhancing accessibility to creating a new wa...
Apple’s Voice Control update is a new era of accessibility and precision
Apple is known for its attention to detail, but with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, the company is making a significant leap in accessibility. The latest updates to Voice Control introduce much-needed enhancements that make the feature not just usable, but indispensable for disabled users who rely on voice dictation instead of using the keyboard. Understanding Voice Control While Siri enables basic tex...
Apple Watch Series 10: new features and the accessibility gap
The Apple Watch Series 10 is generating excitement with its anticipated new features coming this autumn, but a significant accessibility issue remains unresolved. Let’s dive into what we can expect from the latest Apple Watch and why it’s crucial for Apple to address ongoing accessibility challenges. Larger screen and thinner design The latest Power On newsletter by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reveals...
Reforming social care: a top priority for Keir Starmer’s Labour government
As Keir Starmer entered 10 Downing Street with a strong mandate from the British public , there is a resounding call for substantial reforms across various sectors. Among the most pressing is the urgent need to overhaul the social care system. This system, as it stands, is broken and unjust, particularly towards disabled people and their carers. Starmer and his Labour Party must prioritise social ...
General Election 2024: who should disabled social care users vote for?
Update: This article has been updated to include the Green Party’s policies on social care. As a disabled person who relies on social care for the basics in life that many take for granted—such as help with getting out of bed in the morning, getting dressed, washed, eating, and going to the toilet—I have been charged hundreds of pounds a month by my local council for this essential help. Furthermo...
How Apple’s AI-infused operating systems at WWDC will revolutionise accessibility for disabled people
As Apple prepares to launch new AI-infused operating systems at WWDC 2024 in a couple of days from now, it’s essential to consider what these advancements could mean for accessibility users. Current tech solutions for disabled people, while helpful, often fall short in delivering efficient and frustration-free communication. This blog post explores the potential of AI to transform technology and e...
Top four feature requests for Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses
As technology continues to evolve, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are at the forefront of integrating fashion with advanced functionality. Here are my top four feature requests for these innovative glasses. While these suggestions stem from accessibility needs, they have the potential to enhance the user experience for everyone. 1. Emoji support in messaging One of the exciting features that Meta ...
Empowering voices: Apple’s pioneering accessibility enhancements for speech recognition
Last August, I published an article on The Register, drawing attention to a pressing issue affecting 250 million individuals globally: the inadequacy of voice recognition technology for those with non-standard speech. This is a significant challenge for individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke survivors, and those with muscular dystrophy like ...