Assistive Technology News Monthly: October 2026
October's Assistive Technology Update is here. Join our free online information webinar on Tuesday 14th October at 7pm, with Niamh Bridges, AAC Trainer with Tobii Dynavox, on eye-gaze technology for communication and independence; MDI member Catherine Keegan on how assistive tech has supported her family living with CMT; and Cathy Wright from Citizens Information on funding and grants for AT. Our online peer support workshop also runs on 19th October. This month's resources include our webinar recordings on accessibility features in Windows, iOS and Android, the Quha Zono head mouse, the BIGtrack 2 trackball, the Flexi wheelchair phone holder, and simple-control music and TV devices. We also share a step-by-step guide from one of our members on setting up a PC to power on with a switch.
News
Assistive Technology Information Webinar: Join us for an online workshop on the 14th of Oct at 7pm.
Join us for an online workshop on the 14th of Oct at 7pm - 8:30pm. Register here >>> Assistive Technology Information Webinar
Here is an overview of our guest speakers and topics:
Niamh Bridges a Speech and Language Therapist from Ireland. I am currently working as an AAC Trainer for the UK and Ireland with Tobii Dynavox. I’m going to be covering using our eye series for communication, control, and connection. Highlighting the features our hardware has that helps to maintain independence for individuals.
MDI Member - Catherine Keegan I have a professional background in Universal Design for Learning, digital accessibility, and instructional design, I’m passionate about creating environments where everyone can thrive. This work is also deeply personal to me: I live with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, as do my two children, and my mother is a full-time wheelchair user with CMT.
I know first-hand that assistive technology isn’t just about clever devices—for my family it has been an essential bridge to independence, dignity, and autonomy across every stage of life.
Citizens Information - Cathy Wright will be talking about funding and grants relating to assistive technology.
Tus Nua Occupational therapy - Victoria Geaney will be discussing Power mobility use of MD users in the community as well sharing some some insights around supporting MD members as part of the MDI Wellness Programme.
AT Superstore - Laura from AT Superstore will be demonstrating some amazing products and devices they currently have on their online store!
Register here >>>> Assistive Technology Information Webinar
MDI peer support workshop online will be running on the 19th of October.
If interested in attending email – tania@mdi.ie Peer Support Group is where members share knowledge and information with each other on AT they found helpful.
Resources
MDI webinar recording, accessible features on Windows, iOS, Andriod - Assistive Technology Webinars — Muscular Dystrophy Ireland
Quha Zono is a gyroscopic mouse designed for anyone who has difficulties in operating a computer mouse with hands. It provides accurate and intuitive computer access with just small head movements.
Ideal Technology Quha Zono Head Mouse
BIGtrack 2 is a USB mouse that includes a large 7.62-cm trackball. The sturdy base of BIGtrack 2 allows the user to easily move and position the mouse cursor on the computer screen while using fine or gross motor movements of the hand, arm, or foot. Once the mouse cursor is positioned, two over-sized buttons are available for left and right clicking.
BIGtrack 2 | Edtech Educational Software Ireland
The Flexi Phone Holder allows you to attach your phone, tablet, DSLR camera, gaming controller or playing card holder to your wheelchair! Navigate around the streets with your phone safely held in front of you. Position a tablet flat for typing or at an angle for watching TV. Hold the camera steady while you take the perfect shot. Keep your controller in place while you game.
Flexi Phone Holder - The Active Hands Company
GoMobility.ie is Irelands largest online Mobility Shop. We have a wide variety of Mobility Aids, including Mobility Scooters, Wheelchairs, Riser Recliners plus Knee Walkers and Walking Aids to facilitate freedom and independence. We want to make everyday life as easy as possible, which is why we have a wide range of dailiy living aids. We have over 30 years expeirence in dealing with and providing our products and expertise to the Healthcare market, clinicians, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Consultants and private customers.
Music & TV Devices With Simple Controls For Daily Living
Members Recommendation Switch to Control PC or Laptop
Thank you to a member of MDI who gave us a step by step to get your switch to be able to control your Laptop or PC
1. Enter the BIOS/UEFI
Restart your PC and repeatedly tap the setup key as it boots. Common keys are Del or F2 (desktops), F10 (HP), F1 (Lenovo), or Esc. On Windows 10/11 you can also go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
2. Find the power setting
Look in the Advanced, Power Management, or APM Configuration section (you may need to switch to "Advanced Mode" with F7 on ASUS boards). The option may be named:
Restore on AC Power Loss (ASUS, Gigabyte, ASRock, MSI, Dell)
AC Back / After Power Loss
Power On After Power Failure
State After G3 (some Intel boards)
3. Set it to "Power On"
The options are usually:
Power Off: stays off when power returns (default)
Power On: turns on whenever power is restored
Last State: returns to whatever it was doing before power was lost
Choose Power On (or Last State if you'd rather it only restart when it was running before).
4. Save and exit
Press F10, confirm, and the PC will restart.
5. Test it
Shut the PC down fully, then switch off the wall socket or PSU switch (or unplug it) for about 10 seconds, and restore power. It should boot on its own.
Notes:
If you use a laptop, this option is rare, and most laptops boot when plugged in only if the battery is fully drained or removed. Some business models (Dell Latitude, ThinkPad) do offer it.
If you're using a UPS or power strip with a switch, the PC will only come back on when that supply is restored.