A little word about assistive technology

 

Hi Blog readers hope you are all well

Assistive technology can be fab for disabled people, for dyslexics and for people in neuro diverse communities. but it can be expensive. However, assistive technology by itself is not a panacea, it does not work for all. Assistive tech companies will sell it like it is a panacea but it is not. So what can we do?

Now, my fab big picture dyslexic mind just wants to write a whole big picture blog about this. I actually have written a whole pig picture blog about this. My dyslexic readers will probably want a big picture blog but it would mean writing a very long blog that will be unreadable for many for many reasons.

Ok, so what do I want to say about assistive technology here in the UK: 

If you are a student at university and on some college courses, such as an HND you can apply for Disabled Student Allowance. Its a fab scheme I would advise any dyslexic, neuro diverse or disable student to apply for it. Apply for it as soon as you are accepted on your course. Disabled Student Allowance will pay for assistive tech hardware, for software, for training on the software and access to a study support specialist. 

I advise ever disable, dyslexic or neuro diverse student to apply for this.

If you are employed or starting a new job you can apply for Access to Work funding. Access to Work is probably the least known support programme for both employers and employees. But Access to Work is the most beneficial programme for employers and employees alike. If you are a new employee the cost to you and and employer is zero.

Ok so what is the catch I hear you ask? I guess the biggest is you must disclose that you are dyslexic, disabled or neuro diverse. This implies you need some some evidence that you are disable, dyslexic or neuro diverse. Universities can, and do, provide free access to an dyslexia assessment. 

This is not available through Access to Work. But you can get access to support for mental health issues. Now don't quote me on this but I don't believe you have to disclose this to your employer.

Please note: I have had some great support from Access to Work. I have also had some really crap experiences. But dont let that stop you for applying. 

If you are a dyslexic, disabled or neuro diverse entrepreneur I advise finding out more about Access to Work.

But what can you do if you are not a student or not employed? Assistive technology is expensive that much is certain. But there is some great free assistive tech out there. Too many apps and software packages to mention. Below is a link to a set of assistive tech freeware for Window called My Study Bar. A link is provided below.

My Study Bar is:

A suite of portable Windows freeware applications assembled into one package to support learners with literacy difficulties.

It can be run from a USB pen drive or from your desktop.

If you want to check out assistive tech always look for a try before you buy option or a free to use option like My Study Bar.

So, do you remember right at the start of this blog I said it was not going to be big picture lol sigh that didn't last long did it?

Anyway, that's enough from me #PeaceLoveGroovyness to you all.

Steve McCue

lol Originally, I set out to write about My Study Bar lol yeah that worked