Monday, November 2, 2015

Just put it in an email – if only it were that easy

Like it or not the digital age has taken over. Members of my family may be able to cope without adjusting but I can’t live that way. The fact is, it’s here to stay even if it’s left people with disability out in the cold. Particularly those that either can’t or have no interest in using technology.

The toughest barrier in the modern world is that we all expect an immediate response. Whether it be emailing, texting or social media the key to it all is speed. I am well and truly capable of doing all those things but it isn’t the same. I had to let myself off on that sometime ago for my own sanity.  Using Twitter as an example by the time I have contemplated what I will say, most of you would have updated and moved on to your next task. Furthermore businesses have policies that they will respond to emails within 24 hours. From a business perspective this makes perfect sense. The trouble with this though is that many people with disability couldn’t be employed if they had to meet that requirement.

Technology also has and is advancing at a rapid rate. Had people with disability known that touchscreens would have become standard we would have raised our concerns sooner. I consider them to be one of my many enemies. Mentally it’s not a problem, physically it’s just not going to happen. To aggravate the situation I am forced to tell people how to use my iPhone when they don’t know how to. Watching someone struggle with something I  know I could do myself were I able to certainly tests my patience. When I am going through this I usually I have the feeling that I would like to throw the phone away. Having said all that I can’t complain at the moment because I am starting to see improvement.

It began when my wheelchair brother Dale encouraged me to get a newer iPhone. Old friend Peter came through soon after and I became more independent instantly. It wasn’t ideal but I could text and make calls on my own. To make sure I was going to get the best out of the phone I started working with technology guru Jeff Neal.

It is genuinely scary how people with disability are willing to accept less. Not only that we do it on a regular basis. With Jeff I didn’t have to worry about this. We had known each other a while and had some ideas in place. We weren’t sure how we were going to proceed so let it go. A few months ago I decided to move forward with the technology plan. Knowing my plight for the wheelchair was still going to be slow, I didn’t want to wait to get the phone fully operational. This turned out to be a wise decision. I know this because within a short time Jeff has got me a better trackpad and a headset for my mobile.

Most importantly we are working together.  Something I am not accustomed to. Obviously it should be this way, unfortunately it rarely is. Generally the feeling in disability we are working towards the best outcome for everyone except me. Because Jeff and I have the shared goal we have already expanded the original goal. I already have the confidence to explore further what I want, which is exciting and rewarding. It’s certainly a nice difference from the usual mind numbing process with the disappointing ending. And while I am not as close to being organised as I would like I’m actually relaxed. To get the best result is going to take time and that is what we are working towards. Isn't that right Jeff?

It will always take longer for me to email, write documents etc but it’s nice to know I can do it more efficiently. I have more chance keeping up with the world and will be able to perform tasks in a more appropriate timeframe. It’s  equally impressive that getting this done is not going to be a battle. There are people out there who want to and can provide solutions that work.

Once I get my technology sorted, I can then continue with the other obstacles. Trying to get my new wheelchair and arranging my attendant care. And then there is Sting winning the WWE title and getting Saxon to tour Australia.

I am taking it one challenge at a time.