Assistive Technology News Monthly: July 2026
The July edition of MDI's Assistive Technology Monthly Update is here. This month we invite members to join our new AT Peer Support Group and register interest in our upcoming AT webinar series, led by MDI staff and experts in the field. You will also find presentations from AHEAD's three-day Gather event on assistive technology in further and higher education, plus an inspiring Irish Times feature on how AT supported one man's recovery after spinal cord injury. Our Product Spotlight features an electric adjustable bed recommended by a member, and the resources section rounds up adaptive clothing and footwear suppliers for adults and children.
How I Learned to Drive from My Wheelchair and Why It Changed Everything.
Emer drives her wheelchair-adapted car independently — from the button on her keys that automatically opens the back door and deploys the ramp, to the hand controls and dial system that put everything within reach.
Caoimhe Boers: How the iPad paved the way for me as an Artist
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved stories, animation, fairy tales, and illustration. Growing up, I never really saw myself as “artistic” in the traditional sense. Because of reduced mobility in my hands and arms, drawing with pencil and paper was difficult for me. Things like shading, controlling fine movements, or reaching across a page could be frustrating.
The 4th of June is Assistive Technology Day! A.T Monthly Update June 2026
World Day for Assistive Technology, on June 4, 2026, is the perfect opportunity for everyone— individuals, organizations, businesses, and policymakers from across the world—to come together and champion the importance of assistive technology. The goal? To increase access and raise awareness, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
James Brosnan Scholarship – Foundations in AT Course 2027
Enable Ireland are inviting Assistive Technology users or prospective users who wish to upskill in this area to apply for the James Brosnan Scholarship 2027. This scholarship will enable the successful applicant to register for the Foundations in Assistive Technology course, accredited by Technological University, Dublin (TU Dublin), free of charge. It’s a Level 6 course, with 5 ECTs (European Credit Transfers).
The Hubert Assistive Technology Programme Monthly Update April 2026
The Hubert Assistive Technology support service offers individualised support to members with a neuromuscular condition by providing them with valuable information, support, and advocacy on how to secure smart technologies that can assist members to improve challenges faced in their everyday lives. Our aim is to create a supportive environment where individuals with a neuromuscular condition can thrive and achieve their full potential. People with disabilities face a variety of challenges, be it at home, in education, employment, healthcare, social isolation, independent living, and funding, we want to assist members in getting assistive technology to help them with these areas. We will contact you to follow up.
Assistive Technology News Monthly: March 2026
The MDI Assistive Technology Monthly Update is a free resource produced by Muscular Dystrophy Ireland for our community. Each edition brings together the latest news and developments in assistive technology, a product spotlight featuring recommendations from our members, and a curated selection of resources, tools, and links to help support daily living.
We are delighted to announce the launch of the MDI Assistive Technology (AT) Support Service.
The Assistive Technology support service offers individualised support to members with a neuromuscular condition by providing them with valuable information, support, and advocacy on how to secure smart technologies that can assist members to improve challenges faced in their everyday lives. Our aim is to create a supportive environment where individuals with a neuromuscular condition can thrive and achieve their full potential. People with disabilities face a variety of challenges be it at home, in education, employment, healthcare, social isolation, independent living and funding.
🔄 A.T. Tuesday: GATHER 2025 Takes Place This May
This is a place where staff from further and higher education can come together about Assistive technology and share experiences, insight and tips about AT. Over the three days on May 27th, 28th, and 29th, they will have presentations, demonstrations and discussions that will explore:
🔄 A.T. Tuesday: Switchify revolutionises how people with physical disabilities interact with their Android devices.
Founder and Developer of Switchify Owen McGirr is a passionate software developer and accessibility advocate from Donegal, Ireland. Living with cerebral palsy, Owen has firsthand experience navigating the challenges that come with using technology as a switch user.