Overview
Assistive technology has transformed adult life with vision and hearing loss. For adults with Alström Syndrome, modern technology supports independent living, work, communication, and recreation in ways that were unimaginable a generation ago. This article covers the major categories of assistive tech and how they're used.
Smartphones — the foundation
A smartphone with full accessibility features is the single most consequential piece of assistive technology for many adults with Alström.
iPhone with VoiceOver
- Built-in screen reader
- Reads everything on screen aloud
- Works with all major apps
- Customizable speech rate and voice
- Combines with Braille displays via Bluetooth
- Magnification features for those with residual vision
Android with TalkBack
- Built-in screen reader on Android
- Similar functionality to VoiceOver
- Works with most apps
- Customizable
Common smartphone uses
- Phone calls (with hearing aid streaming)
- Messaging
- Web browsing
- Banking
- Navigation
- Shopping
- Reading (audiobooks, accessible ebooks)
- Photo description (built-in or via apps like Be My AI)
For adults with combined hearing and vision loss, hearing aid streaming through the smartphone provides accessible audio while screen reader handles visual information.
Computers
Screen readers
- JAWS — long-established Windows screen reader (paid)
- NVDA — free Windows screen reader, widely used
- VoiceOver on Mac
- Orca on Linux
Braille displays
- Connect to computer via USB or Bluetooth
- Translate screen text to tactile Braille
- Examples: Focus 40, Brailliant, Mantis Q40
- Combine with screen reader for the most flexible workflow
Accessible work tools
- Microsoft Office, Google Workspace fully accessible
- Document scanning with OCR (Kurzweil, OpenBook)
- Speech-to-text (Dragon, Otter)
- Text-to-speech (built-in to most software)
Smart home technology
Voice assistants
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomePod
- Control lighting, thermostat, locks, music, news, timers
- Set reminders for medications
- Ask questions hands-free
- Particularly useful when both hands are occupied
Smart appliances
- Talking microwaves, ovens, washers
- Smart kitchen scales with audio output
- Smart refrigerators
- Voice-controlled lighting and shades
Smart safety devices
- Visual and tactile fire/smoke alarms (vibrating, flashing)
- Doorbell cameras with audio response
- Talking thermostats
- Vibrating watches and alarms
Daily living tools
Kitchen
- Talking kitchen scale
- Tactile measuring cups
- Talking thermometer
- Audible timers
- Tactile knob markers
- Liquid level indicators
Personal care
- Talking watches and clocks
- Tactile clothing labels
- Color identifiers (apps and devices)
- Tactile labels for personal products
Money and shopping
- Talking ATMs (most banks)
- Apps that identify currency
- Online banking with screen reader
- Online shopping with delivery
Reading and accessing print
Audiobooks
- Library audiobook services
- Bookshare (free for those with print disabilities in US)
- Learning Ally
- Audible and other commercial services
- NLS Talking Book Service (free, US)
OCR (Optical Character Recognition)
- Scanning apps that read printed text aloud
- Seeing AI (free, iOS)
- KNFB Reader
- Be My Eyes (live volunteer help reading)
Refreshable Braille displays
- For those who prefer tactile reading
- Pair with smartphones, computers, Braille notetakers
Mobility and orientation
Apps for navigation
- BlindSquare — describes surroundings
- Soundscape — spatial audio for orientation
- Google Maps — accessible
- Apple Maps — accessible
- Specialized indoor navigation apps for some venues
GPS-equipped white canes
- Some advanced canes provide audio orientation cues
- Smart canes integrating ultrasonic sensors
Healthcare-specific tech
Diabetes management
- Talking glucose meters
- CGMs with accessible apps
- Insulin pens with click-counters or audio
- Insulin pumps with audio menus
Medication management
- Talking pill bottles
- Tactile pill organizers
- Smartphone medication apps with audio
Vital signs
- Talking blood pressure monitors
- Talking thermometers
- Talking weight scales
Funding assistive technology
Through state services
- Vocational Rehabilitation in the US funds work-related assistive tech
- State assistive-technology programs provide loans, grants, training
- NHS in the UK provides some accessible technology
Through health insurance
- Some assistive tech is covered when prescribed
- Diabetes-related tech (CGMs, pumps) often covered
Through patient organizations
- Some organizations provide grants for specific tech
- Hadley provides free Braille and tech training
Through employers
- Workplace accommodations include tech provision
Out of pocket
- Some adults pay for personal-use tech directly
- Apple and Google build accessibility into base products at no extra cost
Learning to use assistive tech
Tech adoption takes time:
- Online tutorials (Hadley, AppleVis, Apple Accessibility)
- One-on-one training through state services
- Patient organization workshops
- Online community support
Adults with Alström who grew up using accessible tech generally have an advantage; those adopting it later in life build skills with practice and good instruction.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Short answers grounded in the article and the underlying references, so families can quickly understand the main point without losing the medical meaning.
Question
What's the most important first piece of assistive tech?
Answer
For most adults with Alström, a smartphone with full accessibility is the foundation. From there, additional tools (Braille displays, smart home, work-specific tech) build out as needed.
Question
How do I learn to use assistive technology?
Answer
State assistive-technology programs and Vocational Rehabilitation often provide training. Hadley offers free online courses. AppleVis and similar communities provide tutorials. Patient organizations sometimes run workshops.
Question
Will I always need to pay for assistive tech?
Answer
Some is free (NVDA, Be My Eyes, NLS, Bookshare). Some is covered by services (VR, insurance). Some is out-of-pocket. Costs have come down significantly with mainstream accessibility built into base technology.
Question
What about new technology — is it accessible?
Answer
Increasingly yes. Major platforms (Apple, Google, Microsoft) build accessibility into base products. Newer tools (smart speakers, AI-powered description) particularly benefit users with vision loss. Older or specialty tools are sometimes less accessible.