Tech News

iPhone 14 SOS via Satellite now available in Australia

iPhone with the Emergency SOS via Satellite screen active

Apple introduced its Emergency SOS via satellite service for iPhone 14 users in Australia and New Zealand last month. This groundbreaking safety feature allows users to connect with emergency services even when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage available

Club Development

Three people sitting around a laptop, two older people and a younger person showing them something on the screen

Engaging with New Learners in a Seniors Computer Club

As a seniors computer club, one of our primary goals is to help our members learn about using technology and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and tools. However, attracting and retaining new members can be a challenge, especially if they are unfamiliar with the world of technology. In this article, we will discuss some tips and suggestions for engaging with new learners and making them feel welcome in our club.

Scott’s Accessibility Update

Dr Scott Hollier

Accessible Gaming

Many of our children and grandchildren often tell us how much they enjoy gaming online. Whether it’s using a video game console, a powerful Windows PC or casual gaming on a mobile phone or tablet, it has definitely got their attention. Seniors often ask themselves if this is an area where they can join in, and this is even more true of seniors with disabilities.

CSUN Accessibility Conference

Laetitia has bright pink, shoulder length hair and is smiling at the camera.  She's wearing a grey knitted jumper

Exciting Highlights from CSUN, the World’s Largest Assistive Technology Conference.

By Laetitia L. Thompson, Senior Digital Content Editor at the Centre for Accessibility, Australia.

The California State University, Northbridge Centre of Disabilities (CSUN), once again held its annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference this month in California at the Anaheim Marriott.

Scam Watch

As more seniors use technology to shop and sell goods online, it’s important to be aware of the potential for scams. One scam that has recently emerged on Facebook Marketplace is the use of PayID for payment.

PayID is a digital payment system used in Australia, which allows users to link their bank account to a unique identifier such as their phone number or email address. Scammers have been taking advantage of this system by asking buyers to pay through PayID, instead of the usual payment methods such as PayPal or bank transfer.

ChatGPT from an Accessibility Perspective

A female is facing to the right, her image is overlaid with digital symbols and a sphere, with a cityscape at the bottom of the image

This month the hottest topic (especially after our recent Clubs Forum) has to be ChatGPT and how AI and machine learning are quickly becoming more and more relevant in all that we do.  
Nicholas Kapirnas, Junior Digital Accessibility Analyst at the Centre for Accessibility Australia, in which ASCCA Director Dr Scott Hollier is heavily involved, discusses how AI-based chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard AI service can be helpful for people with disabilities.

NBN News

The nbn® Medical Alarm Register will be closing to new registrants on 30 June 2023 after almost eight years of supporting around 200,000 medically vulnerable and older Australians to migrate their medical alarms and phone and internet services to the nbn network. 

Safer Internet Day 2023

February 7th 2023

Safer Internet Day is a global event that brings together communities, families, schools and organisations from more than 200 countries to help create safer online spaces.

This worldwide initiative is celebrating 20 years in 2023, making it a great time to reflect as well as look forward.

Technology has evolved dramatically in the past two decades and the benefits have been huge. These developments have also exposed us to many risks with real-world impacts, making online safety awareness even more important.  

That’s why we are calling on Australians to Connect. Reflect. Protect. 

Connect safely and with purpose – by keeping apps and devices secure and using social media in positive ways.