When I was just a baby, doctors warned my parents that I might not live past my second birthday. I was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, a serious genetic disorder that leads to severe muscle weakness and breathing problems. This news hit my family hard, but it also sparked my mother’s determination to learn everything she could about this condition in hopes of finding a way to help me survive.
Thanks to her efforts, I defied the odds and today I’m a 31-year-old journalist and a master’s student in palaeontology at the University of New England. It’s all because of the hard work and love my mother put into supporting me.
### Navigating Education with a Disability
Growing up with a physical disability in the 1990s brought many challenges, particularly in getting an education. I’m unable to use my hands for writing or typing, so for most of high school and university, I relied on a scribe to write down my thoughts as I dictated them. While this helped, it didn’t allow me much independence. If my scribe was unavailable, I struggled to keep up with my studies.
However, technology has come a long way. I now control my laptop using a Bluetooth connection on my power wheelchair, allowing me to study and work independently. I navigate my computer by moving a joystick with my fingers, simulating mouse movements. But this also led to complications; repetitive motion caused strain in my right hand, which affected my work and even my ability to drive my chair.
Last year, after consulting with my occupational therapist, we decided it was time for a new approach. I was able to test some new assistive technologies funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). With these tools, I can interact with my computer in new ways.
### New Technologies for Independence
One of the devices is a head-controlled mouse that lets me move the cursor using my head, giving my arm a chance to rest. Another tool is advanced voice recognition software that converts my speech into text. Together, these technologies help me use my computer without becoming fatigued, allowing me to manage my wheelchair with ease.
I’m not alone in this journey. Sam Ren, who has cerebral palsy, has also been using assistive technology to improve his daily life. In the past, he had to rely on support workers for simple tasks like turning on the TV. Now, he can just tell his AI assistant to do it, granting him more freedom in his everyday activities.
### Embracing AI and Its Challenges
AI technology has made it easier for people with disabilities to communicate, write, and manage their surroundings in ways that were much harder before. However, there are concerns about privacy and security. Expert Professor Daswin De Silva from La Trobe University mentioned that while there are benefits, there are risks, too. He noted that if someone hacks into a voice recognition system, it could lead to identity theft.
Despite these risks, many believe the advantages of using AI outweigh the drawbacks. As Professor De Silva puts it, AI gives people with disabilities more control over their daily lives, promoting independence. This sentiment resonates with my experience; AI tools have changed my world dramatically.
### Accessibility and Cost
On the flip side, the costs of such technology can be significant. While some services offer free trials, many essential tools require a yearly subscription that can be as high as $1,200. Luckily, my costs are covered by the NDIS. The ability to use AI has allowed me to engage more actively in my life, making daily tasks, like taking care of my dogs or working on my studies, much more manageable.
Before these advancements, I’d feel exhausted after typing just a few thousand words, but now I can work for longer periods without the physical strain. With three assistive technologies at my disposal, I no longer have to choose between my career as a journalist and my studies in palaeontology.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but with the support of technology and my determination, I’m proving that it is possible to achieve dreams against the odds.
