Over the years, I’ve seen huge improvements in wheelchair technology. Modern wheelchairs are lighter, more user-friendly, and packed with advanced features. Some can be controlled with small head or finger movements–or even just eye movements. I’ve tried a few smart wheelchairs myself, and it’s incredible how they can help avoid obstacles, support good posture, and assist with navigation. There are also exoskeleton suits now–robotic devices worn on the body–that help people with spinal injuries stand and walk. They’re still quite expensive, but they hold a lot of potential for the future. That progress is driving growth across the assistive technology Australia sector.
Communication devices have also come a long way. Back when I first started using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) aids, they were bulky and hard to carry around. Now, most of them are just apps on a smartphone or tablet. These tools help me express myself, learn, work, and socialize more easily. I always look for options that fit my lifestyle–lightweight, practical, and stylish. If it’s not fashionable, it ends up living under my bed! Finding the right communication aid can take time, but it’s worth the effort. For many people, disability support services make that search easier.
Hearing and vision technology is advancing too. Cochlear implants are becoming more effective at helping people hear in noisy places, and apps now offer real-time captions and transcripts, making conversations and meetings more accessible. For people who are blind or have low vision, wearable tech built into glasses can read text, recognize objects, and assist with navigation. Organisations such as Achieve Australia champion inclusive design and help connect people to the right gear.
One of the most exciting changes is how more tech companies are embracing universal design. Instead of making separate gadgets just for people with disabilities, they’re building accessibility into mainstream products. For example, smartphones now come with built-in voice control and screen readers, and many video games now offer flexible ways to play. These features benefit everyone–not just people with disabilities.
However, I know from personal experience that great tech isn’t enough if people can’t afford or access it. That’s why I’m glad to see more focus on open-source designs and collaboration with disability-led groups. When people with disabilities are involved from the start, the products end up being more useful, practical, and respectful of real-life needs.
That said, technology isn’t a magic fix. It doesn’t solve every problem or replace the need for human support and connection–but it does make life easier. It helps me communicate, move around, and live more independently. When assistive technology is well-designed and accessible, it enables me and others to express ourselves, go where we need to go, and do what we love.
From my own journey, I’ve learned that assistive technology still has a way to go before it becomes more affordable and widely available. But as we move forward, it’s essential to remember that people with disabilities aren’t just users–we’re creators, builders, testers, and storytellers. Our voices and experiences must shape the future of technology. The best tools don’t just solve problems–they reflect the creativity and strength of the communities they’re made for. When that happens, technology becomes more than just progress; it becomes a step toward fairness, dignity, and full inclusion.