Sunday 6 September 2009

06. Where is it all going?

Without want to advertise, I have just finished my book "Dyslexia in the Digital Age" which took a little longer than I anticipated. (But for those who are interested, it should be out in January.) What was most interesting was the way I had to update during the writing process, as the technology matured and changed. So what will happen in the next 12 months, and what will be the implications? Going back over the year, for me the real change is the quantity (and quality) of services that are available online. And with even Microsoft putting significant resources, this has to be the way forward. And the impact?

Consider the way funding for assistive technology currently works for university students and those in employment. Normally there is a lump sum which can be used to pay for products. But how many funding systems are set up so that the beneficiary can pay a monthly subscription for an online service? (The fee paying versions usually have advanced capabilities.) Could this mean that users are lumbered with having to use second rate products that do not take advantage of the latest software advances and trends?

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