I don’t think we talk enough about how everyday technology quietly changes who gets to be independent.

Today I realised how much I take my phone for granted.

I use it for almost everything. Work, messages, planning, shopping, thinking. The only time I really switch to a laptop is for video calls when it’s plugged into the TV. Everything else happens on this small screen on my wheelchair tray.

I was doing some Christmas shopping today and it made me think back to life before smartphones, online shopping and the internet. Back then, buying gifts independently was much harder for me. It usually meant coordinating trips, managing fatigue, and navigating busy spaces. All doable, but energy intensive, especially in December.

Winter adds another layer. Sitting down all day affects my circulation, and being cold or exposed to winter bugs has a bigger impact because of my Spinal Muscular Atrophy. I still enjoy going to the shops for the experience, but doing multiple trips across different places takes a real toll.

Today I was able to sit warmly, think properly about the people I’m buying for, and be thoughtful with my choices. Online shopping made that possible. And more recently, being able to use my voice to control my phone has made things even easier. It’s one of those quiet shifts that saves energy without you really noticing.

Love it or hate it, technology is just a tool. But when it’s designed well and used thoughtfully, it can unlock independence, reduce friction, and give people more control over their time and energy.

And of course, while all this clever tech helps, some things never go out of style. Christmas tree up, Sunny by my side, hot water bottle under my feet. Turns out the most effective winter technology has been around for a long time.

#Accessibility #EverydayTech #DisabilityInclusion #ChristmasMoments #IndependentLiving