Expert Resources: virtual assistants


These are the items that relate to virtual assistants found on the AbilityNet website. They may be factsheets, webinars, news stories, blog posts or reports.

  • Use smart speakers for independent living

    Sarah Botterill | 03 Jun 2021
    Millions of homes now include smart devices such as smart speakers, doorbells, buttons and more. Combining smart devices can empower people to live independent lives.Here we present tips for setting up, using and adapting smart devices:

  • How to use technology to reduce social isolation

    Sarah Botterill | 22 Jun 2020
    The COVID-19 crisis has forced many of us into a period of physical distancing— currently, 1.5 million people are self-isolating for health reasons. In reality, many older and disabled people were already more likely to be isolated from the rest of society. 

  • How AI could become a new, accessible extension of your mind

    Robin Christopherson | 13 Feb 2020
    Virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri are now part of our everyday lives. It’s as natural to talk to a device and receive a spoken (or on-screen) nugget of info, as it is to whip out our phone to check the weather, Google that thing or listen to music. A new project from the clever guys at MIT (...

  • Siri update makes AI work harder for disabled users

    Robin Christopherson | 06 Sep 2016
    The updates to Siri are good news for disabled people. Our head of digital inclusion, Robin Christopherson takes a look at how artificial intelligence and the huge potential of virtual assistants.