David's story

David Woodbridge, a Technology Consultant at Vision Australia, at a Vision Australia Texpo event.

David Woodbridge has worked as a Technology Consultant at Vision Australia for more than 20 years.

During this time, he has assessed, recommended and installed assistive technology solutions at client's homes and in learning and work environments. More recently, he has been a member of a specialist team at Vision Australia focused on evaluating and researching upcoming and current technology.

David, who is blind, is also an accessibility tester for Apple products.

He talks about progress with technology, his role as an accessibility tester and training and support.

Progress with technology

David says new and emerging technologies, including smartphones, e-readers and tablet PCs, are increasingly including inbuilt accessibility features.

‘The trend is that more and more mainstream devices are becoming accessible, which means greater choice. (They are) more affordable, easier to access, and easier to support,' he says.

David says that while there have been improvements with accessibility for people who are blind or have vision loss, still more needs to be done.

‘There are still issues. There are systemic things that are still happening, and we need accessibility to be worked on,' he says.

‘When you venture out in the real community, you still have all of these issues to deal with.'

His role as an accessibility tester

David has been an accessibility tester for Apple's operating systems—including Mac OS X Snow Leopard and Mac OS X Lion—since 2009.

David uses Apple products to meet all of his technology needs: from renting movies using the inbuilt speech function on his Apple TV; to using the GPS function on his iPhone to help him work out when he needs to get off the bus near his work.

He says an increased focus on accessibility by developers is leading to positive changes with technology.

‘Android and Microsoft are coming onboard with increased accessibility. On a basic level, you can have improved technology overall. We are in a great time where Microsoft is catching up; Apple is doing its bit...'

Training and support

David says there is potential for confusion between sighted and non-sighted users with using the same device, and that training and support are vital with any technology-based solution.

‘You (can) get a tension between a sighted person and a non-sighted person,' he says.

‘People do get frustrated with it, and that's why they need support.'

He stresses technology that is suitable for one person may not be appropriate for another person with a similar disability.

‘Technology is great, but it has to be appropriate,' he says.

‘It comes back to individual needs. High-tech solutions are not for everyone. It's all about options, choice, and the best fit to a person's needs.' 

Where you can get help

Vision Australia has an Adaptive Technology Help Desk that provides support to people who are blind or have low vision with meeting their assistive technology needs. People can call 1300 847 466 for support, or email help@visionaustralia.org.

Vision Australia also has an Adaptive Technology Guide with information about a wide range of equipment and technologies to support people who are blind or have low vision, as well as a series of Adaptive Technology Podcasts with answers to accessibility questions.