Technology and tools to help you stay connected

Assistive technology (AT) is any product, equipment, or tool that helps a person do everyday activities that may be difficult. 

AT for communication includes both low-tech and electronic tools. These tools can help people communicate, stay connected, and take part in everyday life.  This is important for your mental health, wellbeing, and independence.   

AT can help people stay connected in many different ways. For example, it can: 

• Make phone calls easier 
• Help people express themselves 
• Help people stay organised 
• Help people remember important contacts and events 

Find out what helps AT Chatters stay connected with others. Our community shared the tools, accessibility features, and simple tips that help them in everyday life.  

Everyone is different. What works for one person may not work for another. The best option will depend on your needs and preferences.  

Shared calendars for coordination 

Community members said shared digital calendars can make changing schedules easier to manage. A calendar can bring together: 

• Appointments 
• Family activities 
• Support-worker rosters 
• Birthdays and other important dates 

When trusted family members share access, everyone can see gaps, overlaps, and upcoming responsibilities in one place. 

Gaps and overlaps of appointments and responsibilities are easily seen by all three of us… This works really well for us.

AT Chatter Ann

One useful routine is to choose a regular day to review the calendar and prepare for the week ahead. For example, you could schedule messages ahead of time so you don’t miss important occasions when your energy, health, or availability changes. 

I put birthdays, anniversaries and days of significance in my calendar… I then set a day where I check my calendar and schedule text messages through my iPhone so I don’t miss it.

Community member 

Voice tools and easier messaging 

Voice assistants, voice notes, and scheduled text messages can reduce the need to type. Community members also use messaging and video-call apps to maintain regular contact with relatives who live far away. 

I also use Siri and voice notes. I find it easier without typing and sending the actual message.

Community member 

I also couldn’t do without Facebook Messenger for chats and video calls with my sister in New Zealand and my mum in South Australia. It’s almost like being there.

AT Chatter Gail

Hands-free ways to keep in touch 

A hands-free headset can make it easier to talk while walking or using mobility equipment. One community member found a bone conduction headset useful because it allowed phone conversations while leaving the ears open to surrounding sounds. 

I love to walk and talk, and when I’m riding my trike. I can catch up with people hands-free while still being able to hear what’s going on around me.

AT Chatter Gail 

Visual calendar displays 

Some community members are exploring digital family calendars. These can: 

• Show appointments and activities on a larger screen, making them easier to see 
• Be shared across devices, helping family members stay up to date 
• Keep plans and activities in one place 

I’m hoping to transition to using a visual calendar so all my appointments and activities can be centrally organised, visually recognisable and manageable across multiple devices.

AT Chatter Jai 

Location sharing 

Location-sharing apps were also mentioned as a way for family members to stay connected. If you're considering one, discuss consent and privacy with everyone involved, choose who can see your location, and review the app’s settings together. 

I use Life360 for me and my mum.

AT Chatter Sam 

Postcards and keeping track of contact 

Disability activist Ricky uses postcards to stay connected. Services such as TouchNote: Opens in new window let you create and send personalised postcards using your own photos and message.  

Ricky also suggests keeping a contact list and ticking off each person after you get in touch. This makes it easier to see who you have contacted and who you would still like to reach. 

You can learn more by watching Ricky's story.

Personal communication books 

Benj uses a PODD book to support communication at school. PODD stands for Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display. It uses organised words, pictures, or symbols to help a person express a wide range of messages.  

You can learn more about how Benj communicates by reading or listening to Benj's story.

Sophie uses a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and LAMP Words for Life App. These help her communicate, organise her days, and express her creativity.

You can learn more by watching Sophie’s story.

Read-aloud tools on a phone

Jayden uses the read-aloud function on his phone. A read-aloud feature can speak text displayed on the screen. This may make messages and other written information easier to access.  

Jayden also uses phone-based tools such as Siri and a shared calendar. These support his memory, independence, and connection with family and friends.  

Read more in Jayden’s story.

You can check your phone’s accessibility settings to see which spoken-content or screen-reader options are available. 

Not all AT is electronic. Some people find simple, low-tech tools helpful for expressing themselves and staying connected.  These tools are often easy to use and may be low-cost.

Examples include: 

• Communication boards with pictures, words, or symbols 
• Communication books 
• Visual schedules and prompt cards 

Want to learn more about non-electronic communication aids?  

• You can explore this guide from INDIGO: Opens in new window .
• Also check out these examples of communication boards you can make: Opens in new window .

Adaptive phones can include a range of features designed to make communication easier. Some options are low-cost, while others have more features and cost more.

Here are 2 examples of adaptive phones:

Adaptive mobile phone: KISA Phone 

The KISA Phone is designed to make calling simpler. It has large, easy-to-use buttons that can be programmed to contact family, friends, or support people. 

Adaptive landline phone 

Adaptive landlines can have many features to make phone calls easier, such as: 

• Amplified sound 
• Large buttons 
• High-contrast displays  

The AT discussed on this page may help people who: 

• Have difficulty hearing phone conversations 
• Experience reduced vision 
• Find it difficult to dial by pressing small buttons 
• Have difficulty communicating their needs 
• Experience speech, language, or communication challenges 
• Feel isolated and unable to connect with family and friends 
• Want a simpler way to keep in touch 

If you're wanting to stay more connected with your loved ones, think about what tools might support you. Finding the right solution often starts with: 

• Exploring what's available  
• Understanding your support options 

Here are some things you can do to get started on your journey: 

• Watch the phone demonstrations in this article. Consider if something similar might be right for you, or if you need something different entirely.  
• Explore the community recommendations linked in this article. See what’s helped our AT Chat community members. 
• Join our friendly Facebook community, AT Chatterbox. People share experiences, ideas, and practical tips about AT and everyday solutions that support independence. 
• Explore the National Equipment Database: Opens in new window . With this database, you can compare assistive technology products and find retailers. 
• Speak with an occupational therapist (OT). An OT can give you personalised advice on suitable AT and potential funding or support options. 

A simple piece of AT can make everyday communication easier. This can help you stay connected to the people and activities that are important to you.