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Top voice dictation tools for disabled people in 2024
For disabled people unable to use a keyboard, voice dictation tools provide vital independence. Whether you’re composing emails, managing documents, or sending messages, accurate dictation apps are essential for seamless communication and interaction with technology. This review explores a diverse range of voice dictation tools, from built-in options like Apple Voice Control and Microsoft Voice Access to advanced solutions like Dragon Professional and innovative apps like Aqua Voice and Voiceitt. Here’s how they compare in 2024. Apple voice dictation: built-in but basic Siri Dictation Apple’s Siri Dictation, included with iPhone, iPad, and Mac, is a lightweight option for short messages.The audio is processed on Apple’s servers to convert your spoken words into text. This requires an inter...
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 live past 30. As I approach my 60th birthday, I am living proof of how unpredictable medical outcomes can be. And that’s the crux of my concern: how often doctors can get it wrong, and what that could mean if assisted dying becomes part of the state apparatus. Let me be clear: I fully understand why this debate is so fraught. No one wants to see anyone suffer through unbearable pain at the end of...
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 of media, people, games, and communications onto the real world. Meta has positioned this product as a move beyond desktop computers and smartphones, offering eyewear capable of handling similar functions. Having believed in the accessibility potential of Meta’s existing Ray-Ban Meta smart eyewear from the very start, I’m genuinely excited about the company’s latest developments. The impressive d...
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 features like sleep apnea notifications. It’s yet another impressive leap forward in Apple’s mission to help people monitor their health and wellbeing, all from a device worn on their wrist. However, as a person with a severe physical disability, my excitement for the Apple Watch Series 10 was tempered by a sense of disappointment. While Cook’s words were undoubtedly inspiring, the event highlighted ...
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 wheelchair, hearing aid, or communication software. Shockingly, nearly 1 billion people lack access to these essential technologies. This global call to action serves as a poignant reminder that technology, which can empower and transform lives, remains inaccessible to millions worldwide. In the UK, despite being one of the wealthiest countries, many of the 16 million disabled people still find themselv...
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 wave of consumer excitement, Apple smart glasses could be the next big thing. Apple smart glasses In a recent Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple’s Vision group is working on smart glasses similar to the Amazon Echo Frames or the Meta Ray-Bans, which offer some smart audio and AI features. However, Gurman said that the: “idea of making true augmented reality glasses has ...
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 text dictation on Apple devices, severely disabled people often require more comprehensive functionality. They need the ability to control their devices entirely by voice—whether that’s launching apps, dictating, editing text, or navigating their device. To address these needs, Apple introduced a powerful accessibility tool known as Voice Control. Debuting in 2019 with iOS 13 and macOS Catalina, Voic...
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 that both Apple Watch Series 10 models will feature ultra-sized screens this year. The larger model’s screen will be almost as big as the Apple Watch Ultra, measuring around 2 inches compared to the Ultra’s 1.93 inches. Additionally, the Series 10 will be thinner, though its overall design will remain largely unchanged, according to Gurman. The expanded display will enhance visual clarity and mak...
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 care reform to deliver the change that voters desperately need and deserve. The dire state of social care The current social care system in England is failing its most vulnerable citizens. Disabled people face significant financial burdens due to care charges that can consume up to 40% of their income. Local councils, grappling with underfunding from central government, often refer unpaid care cha...
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. Furthermore, means testing prevents me from saving for my future with a cap on the amount of savings allowed. With this unfairness in the forefront of my mind, it will come as no surprise that of all the various policies put forward by the main political parties at the General Election on 4th July, it is their policies on social care that are pivotal for determining my quality of life and access to essenti...
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 enhance the lives of those with severe and complex disabilities. Limitations of current accessibility technology Existing tech solutions that disabled people rely on for communication, such as Apple’s Voice Control, often fail to meet their needs effectively. These tools can be slow and inaccurate, disrupting the flow of conversation and causing significant frustration. I often struggle to dictate ...
