In a world where complex, confusing and often inaccessible digital interfaces pose barriers for disabled individuals, a new development in digital assistants promises to be a radical step-change in inclusivity.

In eye-catching orange, the Rabbit R1 is a compact, palm-sized device that hides a whole range of revolutionary capabilities. Even though the R1 will start shipping with a shortlist of such smarts, it will still mark a step-change in utility for almost every user – and the promise is enormous.

(Image sourced from the rabbit.tech website.)

What’s so different about this tiny device? Let’s delve into how this Artificial Intelligence (AI) companion, armed with cutting-edge AI, promises to reshape our interactions with both the digital realm and the real world.

Large Action Model (LAM): Bridging intent and action

At this point, we’ve almost certainly all heard of LLMs (Large Language Models) such as Open AI’s Chat GPT or Google’s Gemini. Whilst the Rabbit R1 undoubtedly includes such AI smarts that offer intuitive, chat-based interactions, at the heart of the Rabbit R1 lies the really innovative Large Action Model (LAM).

Free webinar on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Learn more about how AI can help disabled people in our free webinar recording. Watch the webinar playback

Unlike traditional AI models that merely retrieve information, LAMs understand complex requests and execute tasks. Trained on screenshots and videos of common apps, the Rabbit R1’s LAM navigates interfaces like a seasoned user. Imagine asking it to play your favourite Spotify track—it knows the steps and performs them seamlessly even though Spotify hasn’t helped in the process by providing an official integration into its service. This is the true innovation of the LAM.

Many companies have provided an official integration for third-party providers to interface with their services. Called APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), they allow a smart assistant or other app to access their services to, for example, order fast food or a flight to a far-flung country.

But not every online service has an API–only a tiny fraction compared to the number of websites and apps that are out there on the interweb. More often than not you are required to undertake complex and often confusing multi-stage tasks with varying levels of stress and success. Now add in a disability or impairment that might make such tasks much harder or impossible, and you begin to see where a truly useful virtual assistant that could take these tasks off your hands would be a game changer for everyone.

Teach Mode: Using AI to learn complex tasks

The Rabbit R1 has a dedicated training mode that allows users to teach it specific tasks on a website, for example, and it is then able to do those clicks and key presses for you from then on. As it learns, it adapts to new applications, expanding its capabilities beyond pre-taught journeys. It will also remember your information for entering next time. If the site changes, no problem. The AI can intuitively understand screens to know what to do.

Teach the Rabbit about a local grocery store website that offers no such integration and it’s plain sailing from that point on. For a blind person like myself, I can simply ask for what I need to be ordered and it’ll arrive. Alternatively, I could point the camera on the R1 into my cupboards or fridge and it’ll see which items that I usually keep are missing and will quickly and quietly open up that website and pop those in my basket for the next shop – and I haven’t even had to open my phone, let alone deal with the dozens of buttons and fields I’d normally need to interact with if I were doing it myself (assuming that the website is accessible, of course, which is by no means a given).

Real-world interaction via built-in sensors and connected devices 

So the Rabbit R1 can apply its AI smarts to a range of online tasks hitherto unreachable by any other assistant - that’s its real innovation - but it can, of course, also interface with all your existing smart home devices and services. It can change the temperature on your smart thermostat, turn connected lights and other devices on and off and show you the feed from your security cameras – as other smart hubs can.

It also interacts with the real world using sensors of its own. Equipped with a 360-degree rotating camera, speakers, and microphones, it can perceive and understand a lot about its surroundings.

Want to recognise objects, text, or people? It’s got you covered. Need to translate someone’s speech into text, or filter out noise to help you listen to a conversation, AI is to the rescue.

For disabled users, the R1s sensors can help assist their own senses, which translates to newfound independence in managing daily tasks.

A future of inclusivity

For those who struggle with practical real-world tasks, or complex online processes, the Rabbit R1 has the promise to be a real game-changer. It doesn’t overwhelm you with standalone apps; instead, it connects to your smartphone and provides an alternative, entirely different and much more intuitive interface.

Rabbit OS, the R1’s proprietary operating system, affords this much more efficient digital experience. Whether it’s booking rides, finding recipes, or managing household duties, this innovative device should help simplify the complex and allow many more people to engage with their tech and the digital world at large.

The Rabbit R1 promises to be more than yet another virtual assistant; it might even represent a paradigm shift towards an age of much greater simplicity and convenience.

For disabled people, it’s not just about convenience; it’s about empowerment. From practical tasks to intricate online interactions, the Rabbit R1 bridges the often gaping inaccessibility and complexity gap, making technology accessible to all.

It’s still early days, and much of what may make the Rabbit a true innovation is still to be fully realised, but the new concept of a Large Action Model (with the agency needed to do so much more than the current crop of AIs) is exciting in the extreme. So, whether you’re adjusting your smart home settings or exploring new websites, consider letting a Rabbit be your capable companion on this new, more inclusive journey.

Learn more about Artificial Intelligence and Accessibility 

• Blog: What does Chat GPT think about how AI can help disabled people?
• Webinar recording: How will Artificial Intelligence change accessibility testing?
• Blog: How Artificial Intelligence can revolutionise the world of accessibility

Social media has become a powerful tool for communication, networking, and brand promotion. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of digital engagement, accessibility is often overlooked.  

This blog shares three top tips that sheds light on key considerations for accessible social media beyond alternative text. 

1. Unveiling the Invisible Text Trap

When announcing collaborations or important information on social networks like Threads, Instagram or X/Twitter, be cautious with third-party text formatting tools. While they can make your post visually appealing by emphasising text like an artist or event name, they might render the text invisible or unreadable to users who can't see special characters. 

So, here's the golden rule: stick to the formatting options provided by the social network itself. If it doesn't support fancy styling, don't force it. By keeping it simple, you ensure your content remains visible and impactful to all users. 

Remember, the goal is to make the most important words in your announcement shine, not vanish into thin air! 

2. The Case for Camel Case Hashtags

Hashtags are a powerful tool for boosting your social media content, but they can sometimes backfire if not used carefully. Imagine you're promoting someone called Roy's album launch party with the hashtag #royalbumparty.  

In the world of hashtags, where words blend together, there's room for confusion. Without proper spacing or capitalisation, Roy-album-party could be misinterpreted as royal-bum-party.  

To avoid unintended consequences, embrace camel case. This means capitalising the first letter of each word within the hashtag, like this: #RoyAlbumParty. Not only does this eliminate ambiguity, but it also ensures readability for everyone, including screen readers. 

So, next time you're crafting hashtags, remember clarity is key! 

3. Decoding Emoji Etiquette 

Let's talk about emojis – those little characters that add flair to your social media posts.  

Are emojis accessible? Each emoji carries its own meaning, which most assistive technology like screen readers will convey to users. But here's where it gets tricky: what you think an emoji means might not align with its actual definition. Ever thought you were sharing a shocked face, only to find out it's a “hushed face”? 

Take the mind blown emoji, for example. Its official meaning? A “shocked face with an exploding head”.  

Now, let's discuss the red flag emoji . While it's commonly used to signal warnings, its official meaning has nothing to do with the colour red. Officially, it represents a “triangular flag on a post”. 

Using too many emojis can be tiresome for users, especially if they have lengthy descriptions and are being read out by a screen reader. To keep things engaging, limit your emoji use and place them towards the end of your post. This goes for hashtags and links too. 

So, before sprinkling emojis liberally, do a quick check on their meanings, perhaps on a site like Emojipedia. And remember, when it comes to non-essential elements in your post, less is often more! 

Embrace accessible social media

If your entire marketing team could benefit from accessible social media practices, explore our in-house training option.

Enquire about in-house accessible social media training

Alternatively, you can book onto our upcoming online training course. 

This blog is a loose transcription of AbilityNet’s TechShare Pro conference 2023 selection of bite-sized 'Lightning Talks' from accessibility experts, highlighting top tips and advice on accessibility topics.  

Paul Speller, expert accessibility consultant at AbilityNet, shares red flags to look out for in your online content so you can master accessible social media. Watch the video recording below.

In a positive new initiative, students across England have come together to champion digital accessibility in further education.

This new campaign, titled Access and Assistance for All, is a collaborative effort aimed at changing the way colleges approach accessibility, ensuring that every student has equal access to educational resources.

In this article, we highlight the details of this inspiring campaign, including its five key goals, and signpost the way you can actively participate.

Who created the Access and Assistance for All Campaign?

The Access and Assistance for All campaign includes 15 regional champions — young people who have collaborated with organisations such as The British Youth Council, University College London (UCL), The Thomas Pocklington Trust, and The Kent and Medway Progression Federation. Their collective vision is to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students. 

What can colleges do to improve digital accessibility?

The Access and Assistance for All campaign provides five key goals for your college to adopt:

1. Making learning resources accessible: The campaign advocates for the transformation of all learning materials into formats that can be easily accessed by all students, including those using assistive technologies.
    
2. Encouraging accessibility champions: Each college is encouraged to appoint an accessibility champion who will champion the cause and grow the practice of digital accessibility within their institution.
    
3. Learn about assistive technology: The campaign seeks to ensure colleges are aware of assistive technology and provide guidance on accessing free accessibility tools. 
    
4. Use their Access and Assistance for All template: Colleges are encouraged to adopt the campaign’s template, ensuring consistency in accessibility efforts across institutions.
    
5. Raising awareness among college staff: The campaign aims to ensure that all college staff members are informed about the initiative and support its goals.

The campaign has been in development over the past year and is now gaining momentum. It has garnered national support from influential bodies such as Government Minister Robert Halfon, Ofsted, Natspec, and The Association of Colleges.

Why is assistive technology and digital accessibility important in colleges?

The Access and Assistance for All campaign addresses critical issues in digital accessibility within Further Education (FE) Colleges.

Research conducted by The Thomas Pocklington Trust revealed that some college websites were not compliant with accessibility regulations. Also in the findings: 63% of colleges’ accessibility statements were considered poor.

By participating in this campaign, colleges take action towards accessibility, and ensure that all students have equal opportunities and access to succeed in their educational lives.

How can colleges get involved

By signing up to the campaign Access and Assistance for All, it will help you work towards your accessibility maturity and a more inclusive and accessible educational experience.

What is accessibility maturity?

The journey to comprehensive digital accessibility, is often discussed in terms of ‘maturity’. Institutions and organisations frequently go on a journey, from establishing the need through an initial audit of a new website or learning portal, for example, which then grows to developing a dedicated accessibility job role, training entire teams, champions networks, user testing and beyond.

AbilityNet can support institutions wishing to seek assistance on assessing their digital accessibility maturity. You can access this offer through the Higher and Further Education (HE/FE) Accessibility Maturity Model. This interactive resource helps organisations determine their position on the accessibility spectrum and identify areas for improvement.

Accessibility eLearning courses

Further resources:

• Higher and further education training
• Digital accessibility in Higher and Further Education - 
• Higher education sector digital accessibility gaps highlighted in global report

We live in a neurodiverse population, which consists of both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Types of cognitive differences and neurodivergent conditions include Autism, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyspraxia and Tourette Syndrome.

In support of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we are sharing a range of resources that will educate and help you embrace neurodiversity at work, at home, or in the classroom.

How to support people with neurodiversity in the workplace

By exploring the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals, understanding neurodiverse differences people experience, and recognising the impact of unintentional barriers, you can better understand how to support neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.

Gain valuable insights from AbilityNet's Accessibility and Usability Consultants Rina Wharton and Ashley Peacock, who shared their lived experiences of neurodiversity at TechShare Pro 2022. Watch the video recording below.

For additional insights on embracing neurodiversity in the workplace, tune in to an episode of the AbilityNet Podcast where Robin Christopherson talks to Matthew Bellringer. They explore the significance of neurodiversity within the workplace and share strategies for fostering an inclusive culture. Access the full conversation on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. You can also download a text transcript of the episode.

How tech can help people living with Autism 

Autism "affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them" (National Autistic Society, June 2020). Technology offers a great deal of support and independence to autistic people. You can find out more in our Autism and Computing Factsheet (also available as an Easy Read download).

Tech tools for Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a neurodivergent learning difference that can affect reading and writing. It affects approximately 10% of the UK population according to the British Dyslexia Association.

From a webinar with the British Dyslexia Association, AbilityNet's Rina Wharton shared her thoughts about different Dyslexia simulators and what might help if you have dyslexia. 

Addressing Autism, Dyslexia, and neurodivergence in education and work

Learn from a webinar we hosted with University of Northampton and the University of Bedfordshire, on how to make accessibility improvements for students and staff with neurodivergent conditions including Autism, Asperger's, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette Syndrome and Synaesthesia.

AbilityNet's Teresa Loftus, discussed the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) support available for neurodivergent students.She highlighted the issues some disabled people may face in the transition from education to work, including reasonable adjustments that may need to be provided, and how AbilityNet can help employers through its eLearning tools. 

Useful resources for neurodiversity 

• AbilityNet offers affordable high-quality online training courses to help you build skills in accessibility and inclusive design
• Our free online tool My Computer My Way is a great way to see how you can adapt a device to make it easier to use. 

Would you, or someone you know, like to know more about how the online world enhance your life? A fresh range of short instructional videos aimed at boosting digital skills among older people will help.

AbilityNet and telecommunications company BT Group are working in partnership to help improve the digital skills of older and digitally excluded people across the UK. 

As part of this project we are sharing simple digital tips in a new range of 'Bitesize Basics' videos, specifically designed to share step by step, straightforward digital advice with people over 65.

Topics covered in the Bitesize Basics videos

1. Staying Safer Online 
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a Nutshell 
3. Introduction to the Internet 
4. How to shop online 
5. Emergency Contacts 

More videos will be added to the series soon, and you can view them all on the playlist on AbilityNet's YouTube channel.

Learn at your leisure

AbilityNet staff and volunteers have already been sharing their skills across the UK at a series of in-person workshops, but the videos enable the learning to expand beyond the towns covered in the project.

"We understand that not everyone can attend a workshop, so these easy to watch up to 10-minute formats offer a great way to watch and practice digital skills at your pace in the comfort of your own home or with friends in a group," says Rob McLean, Digital Inclusion Programme Officer at AbilityNet.

"Older people often face unique challenges when navigating the digital world, from learning new technologies to understanding internet safety. The short duration of these videos reflect a more relaxed learning pace, making digital education less daunting and more accessible," Rob advises.

Watch the AI in a Nutshell video:

Access the video transcripts

1. Download the transcript for Staying Safer Online video [Word]
2. Download the transcript for AI in a Nutshell video [Word]
3. Download the transcript for Introduction to the Internet video [Word]
4. Download the transcript for How to shop online [Word]
5. Download the transcript for Emergency Contacts video [Word]

Each video focuses on key topics, from basic computer use to staying safer online, ensuring that learners receive targeted information without feeling overwhelmed.

This approach empowers fostering independence and confidence in using technology to stay connected, and enables more people to learn how to manage health information, and access essential services.

AbilityNet's Digital Skills project with BT Group is supporting people 65+ with getting online and using technology, such as:

- learning how to use email
- make video calls
- use online banking and book medical appointments

Sign up for Free BT Digital Skills sessions for people over 65 in your area.
(Available to people in and around London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff.)

Further resources

Factsheets: How to boost your online skills

Blog: 12 scams to be aware of and how to avoid them

Free disabilities sessions: educate your group about disability and technology via our sessions which we can deliver to your organisation.

Workplace training: choose from a selection of online learning options for you and your team.

How AbilityNet can Help

• Call AbilityNet's FREE Helpline on 0800 048 7642 
• Request help from an AbilityNet volunteer
• See our database of FREE factsheets
• Access FREE webinars about technology and disability

Do you or someone you know live with a disability?

Join us for a FREE webinar packed with inspiring stories and practical tools on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing lives for the better!

On Wednesday, 17 April 2024, from 1-2pm BST, we'll be joined by AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, Robin Christopherson MBE and special guests, including Microsoft and the Headway brain injury association.

In the How can AI help disabled people? webinar, we will:

• Uncover the secrets of AI: Learn how AI can make everyday tasks easier, from voice-controlled smart homes to cutting-edge prosthetics.
• Discover game-changing assistive technologies: Explore how AI is breaking down communication barriers and promoting independence.
• Be empowered by real-life stories: Hear first hand from disabled people about the power of AI to create a more accessible future for all.
• Gain insider knowledge: Get insights on the future of inclusive AI, with contributions from the Headway brain injury association about how AI is transforming the lives of people with brain injuries. More guests TBC.

This webinar is for you if you're disabled or work with someone who is disabled, or if you're simply curious about how AI can improve lives.

Catch up with the webinar recording

All those who register for the session will receive the recording after broadcast, so do sign up even if you can't make it on the day.

About Robin Christopherson MBE

A leading light in accessibility, Robin will share his personal experience with sight loss and how technology empowers him every day.

Robin's own experience of sight-loss gives him a first-hand experience of the power of digital tech to transform people's lives - and he loves nothing more than showing people how he uses computers, the internet, his phone, Amazon Alexa and many other technologies as part of his daily life.

Bring a friend, relative or client

Offering this free webinar is one of the ways in which we're trying to help bridge the digital divide, so to reach more people you could both sign up for yourself but also bring along a community group to learn together and share the advice.

If you work in an organisation with clients who could benefit from learning about the digital world, please do share this session and encourage them to sign up or show them how the Zoom webinar process works. It's also a great session for organisations who provide digital inclusion support to service users. 

AbilityNet is working with BT Group to support people 65+ with getting online and using technology, such as:

- learning how to use email
- make video calls
- use online banking and book medical appointments

Sign up for Free BT Digital Skills sessions for people over 65 in your area. (Available to people in and around London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff.)

Further resources

Factsheets: Easy Read versions of free disability and technology factsheets now available

Blog: 12 scams to be aware of and how to avoid them

Workplace training: choose from a selection of online learning options for you and your team.

How AbilityNet can Help

• Call AbilityNet's FREE Helpline on 0800 048 7642 
• Request help from an AbilityNet volunteer
• See our database of FREE factsheets
• Access FREE webinars about technology and disability