Equip Myself from the Centre for Independent Living WA provides users with easy access to information about the range of equipment and technology options available that could assist with their independence, safety and wellbeing.

Through a virtual world, people can explore assistive equipment and technologies in the environments in which they would be used –  in the kitchen, bathroom, garden, at work, in the study, at the beach or just out and about.

People are also able to read real life stories about how Western Australians with disability are using innovative assistive technology (AT) in their lives.

Anna is one of five West Australians who share their story in the app. Anna uses a range of technologies and equipment that enable her to live independently, be safe, get out and about and stay connected with family and friends.

“I live independently in my own unit,” Anna says.

“I have a disability that changes and my muscles get weaker. To keep active I like to go swimming, bowling and sailing and do yoga. My favourite activity is taking the train into the city.

“To get around, I use a manual wheelchair. I could not easily access my house until my front door was made automatic and a ramp was installed.

“Being able to use the computer is very important for me because I have family overseas who I keep in touch with via email. I use a trackball mouse, which is more stable for me to use and the keyboard has big “sticky” keys, which means they are less sensitive to touch and require more pressure to press down than a regular keyboard.

“I also use my tablet to read and send emails and I can take this with me everywhere I go so I can keep connected to my family and friends.”

ILC Chief Executive Officer Gerri Clay says she hopes the app will provide people with disability with easier access to information about the wide range of equipment and technology options available.

Equip Myself is a free tablet app and is available on the App Store and Google Play^TM