Coronavirus Digitalisation: People with disabilities

Tech helps improve lives but also leaves some struggling

Mr Dennis Teo, who is almost completely blind, says technology helps him in various ways. A reflection of his face is seen above on the screen of a smart device that lets him control his home appliances using his voice.
Mr Dennis Teo, who is almost completely blind, says technology helps him in various ways. A reflection of his face is seen above on the screen of a smart device that lets him control his home appliances using his voice. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
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Senior finance executive Phillip Ang's heart sinks each time he has to use his mobile phone to scan QR codes for contact tracing before entering public places.

A spinal muscular atrophy condition prevents Mr Ang, 55, from moving his hands much, and the QR codes are "always too high", so he has to ask for help.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 07, 2020, with the headline Tech helps improve lives but also leaves some struggling. Subscribe