Talking about accessibility isn’t just about ramps or elevators. It’s about how someone with any kind of disability can live, work, communicate, or play without relying on others.
I know this firsthand. When my body stopped moving , I had to relearn how to live, and also how to interact with technology.
That’s why I want to share a few ideas I’ve picked up along the way. Hopefully, they’ll be useful to someone who’s just getting started.
What is assistive technology, and how can it help?
Assistive technology is any tool, device, or software that helps compensate for a physical, sensory, or cognitive limitation. But beyond the technical definition, to me it’s something that can give you back something truly valuable: autonomy.
From a simple switch to a full voice-control system or a device like MouthX, what really matters isn’t what it’s called, but what it lets you do.
6 questions to help you choose assistive tech with clarity
The important thing is that the technology fits into your life—not the other way around.
Here are six key questions that might help you make a better decision:
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What do I want to do with it?
Communicate, play, study, work? The function defines the tool. -
Can I use it on my own, or will I need help?
Real autonomy starts when you can use it independently. -
How much physical or mental effort does it require?
If a solution wears you out, it’s not really a solution. -
Is it compatible with the devices I already use?
Think about how it works with your current setup: phone, tablet, computer. -
Will I be able to adjust or modify it if needed?
Flexibility matters, especially if your needs change over time. -
Does it give me more autonomy, or does it limit me even more?
This is the big one. If it doesn’t offer more freedom, it might not be the right tool.
Types of assistive technology available today
There are many options out there, and each one addresses different needs. The key is to understand them and figure out which one matches your day-to-day reality.
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Hands-free control: From sensors to devices that let you navigate, type, or play without using your fingers. MouthX is one example of this.
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Voice, gesture, or sip-and-puff systems: Especially helpful in cases of severe mobility limitations.
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Accessible apps: Text prediction, screen readers, virtual assistants.
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Environmental adaptations: Accessible switches, voice-controlled smart home setups, basic automations.
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Customized accessories: Eye-tracking mice, modified keyboards, adaptive switches.
Each one responds to different needs. The most valuable one isn’t the most complex—it’s the one that gives you the most autonomy.
At Aurax, we believe autonomy should always be the starting point
What would give you back more autonomy? That was the question Narcís asked me when he started creating MouthX.
I said that I couldn’t keep waiting for someone else to do the things I needed. So today, thanks to that device, I can turn on a light, write this post, or play music, without asking for help.
Join Aurax Community: A place for sharing real-world solutions
We’re building Aurax Community, a space where people with different realities can share solutions, experiences, and real questions about digital accessibility, assistive technology, and ways to take back autonomy.
Are you interested in exploring new ways to interact without using your hands?
Are you looking for tools that adapt to you, not the other way around?
I invite you to follow us, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation.
Because when we talk about accessibility, every story matters.
