Often, I hear people ponder the question, What would we do without technology? Most of the time its meant as a rhetorical question I think because everyone knows that technology has completely changed how the world works. I often laugh when reading those Do You Remember? posts on social media that are about old technology we used to use. Not to age myself, but I remember using Apple G2 computers, using a HUGE adaptive keyboard to practice typing the alphabet and numbers on a blue and white computer screens, and inserting floppy disks to play games like Number Munchers. To think that was a mere 25 years ago is unbelievable! The advancements in technology have been truly amazing. People say they couldnt live without technology. For many people with disabilities, that statement is true on another whole level; technology has opened up a whole new world for many of us. We depend on it.

Its almost unfathomable to think that the Internet was really just beginning to surface my last year of elementary school. In junior high, I remember learning how to research things using browsers such as AOL, Excite, and Netscape. Ask Jeeves was the coolest thing. It wasnt until we got dial-up Internet at home that I really realized the scope of the Internet. I was introduced to email and that opened up a new world for me. I cant use the phone very well (my disability effects my speech), so to be able to communicate with friends and family via email was great for me. Soon, I discovered egroups which connected me with people with disabilities from all over the world. I remember getting so mad when someone needed to use the phone because Id have to disconnect. It was like Christmas when we got Ethernet and could be online all the time. I gained so much independence being able to access so much information and so many resources on the computer.

Instant messengers were another life-changer for me. Like email, it gave me another way to communicate with family and friends; only this allows for instant communication. When messengers first came out, like every other teen I had the three main messengers: AOL Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo Messenger. It was so nice to be able to hold actual conversations with my friends. Nowadays, I use Skype as the main way I communicate with my family. Online chatting has helped me in other ways as well. More and more companies are starting to have a live chat option on their websites. This is very helpful to me because rather than having to depend on someone to make a phone call for me to solve a problem or answer a question for me, if the place has a chat option on their site, Im able to do it myself.

Things like online shopping and online banking have also been huge for me. Rather than having someone write out checks for bills and mail them, I pay all my bills myself. Although, I do prefer to shop in stores, I do a fair amount of online shopping. Its nice to be able to have that option when Im unable to get out. Also, online services such as Netflix and restaurant online ordering (for delivery) have been really great for me. The simple fact that I can watch movies is awesome (I dont have someone physically put discs in a machine for me). Ive found websites where I can order a meal, pay for it, and have it delivered all online. It sounds like a simple task to most people, but when youre not able to use the phone, being able to order out using the Internet is pretty neat.

The whole social media movement has been incredible for people with disabilities. I remember when my friend first showed me Facebook and helped me sign up. Back then, it was very basic and not many people were on it. As it grew, I realized what a great outlet it was going to be for me. For many people with disabilitiesmyself includedits often difficult to get out socially and connect with others. Ive found that social media is a great way for me to socially and professionally connect with others. Yes, Ive learned you have to be careful about what you post, but its amazing who all Ive been able to connect and stay in touch with. Professionally, obviously the Internet has been crucial for me. I honestly have no idea what employment options Id have without it.

Besides computers and the Internet, there have been several other technological advancements that have enhanced the lives of people with disabilities. I cant even begin to list all of the assistive technology equipment Ive had in my life. From the many communication devices, to power wheelchairs, to van lifts, to adaptive tables and keyboards, to cell phones and the many different apps the list goes on and on. I can honestly say I depend on technology to live my life. Its hard to fathom what my life would be like without it.

Whats next? I believe were just at the tip of the iceberg with technology. Its to even imagine how things will be 50 years from now. One thing Ive been following pretty closely is the evolution of self-driving vehicles. Theyve already developed ones in the UK, and theyre in the testing phases. Im not sure Ill see a handicapped accessible self-driving vehicle in my lifetime, but someday there will be. When that happens, it will bring a whole new level of independence to those with disabilitiesfreedom I cant imagine! Im beyond fortunate to be living in this era of revolutionizing technology; Im excited to see whats next!

***The views expressed here are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of InControl Wisconsin, the Network or any of our sponsors.