Technical Terms

• iOS mobile apps work on Apple devices. This means that you can access these apps through the App Store when using an iPhone or iPad.

• Android mobile apps work on devices such as Samsung, Google, or Oppo. This means that you can access these apps through the Google Play Store, on your Android phone or tablet. 

Best app for NDIS budgeting & tracking

My NDIS - Plan Management/Self Management App

The my NDIS mobile app is certainly not new, but we've included it in our list of the best apps of 2024 because incremental improvements over the years have ultimately turned it into a valuable and user-friendly tool for keeping track of your NDIS plan. We also felt it was important to include in our list because many NDIS participants are unaware of it.

This application is a great option for those who want to keep track of their NDIS funding. The app’s budget tracking feature allows participants to keep a close eye on their available funds, ensuring better financial management. The app also provides the ability to record support interactions.

If you're self-managed, the app also simplifies claims management, making it convenient to submit and track claims.

Available on both iOS and Android, the my NDIS app empowers users to take control of their NDIS journey, all while being completely free to use.

While not a mobile app, it's also worth mentioning the NDIS online budget calculator. This tool is designed to help you estimate how much support you can access within your plan, taking into account your available funding.

Best app for those with hearing impairments

Petralex

Petralex is a phone based hearing aid application that enhances the auditory experience for individuals with hearing challenges. Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, this app can be tailored to your hearing profile and transforms your smartphone into a personal hearing assistant by reducing background noise and amplifying relevant sounds.

With its user-friendly interface and innovative features, Petralex is a valuable tool for those looking to improve their hearing capabilities in daily life.

BeAware

The BeAware app converts specific environmental sounds into visual and vibratory alerts, thereby enhancing the user's awareness of their surroundings.

Whether it's a doorbell, a smoke alarm, or the sound of someone calling out, BeAware ensures that these critical sounds are not missed by the user.

Available on both iOS and Android platforms, the app embodies a commitment to accessibility, offering a seamless and intuitive user interface.

BeAware is a valuable safety tool and can empower its users with greater independence and confidence in day-to-day interactions.

Auslan Storytime (free app)

Auslan Storytime is a digital platform that captivates children with hearing impairments by bringing a treasure trove of interactive storybooks to life using Auslan Sign Language.

It is crafted to spark a love for reading and enhance literacy skills and provides access to a diverse library that includes both timeless fairy tales and original stories.

Available on iOS and Android mobile devices, this app allows children with hearing impairments to enjoy the magic of storytelling.

Best apps for the blind or visually impaired

Seeing AI

An app created for the visually impaired, Seeing AI is a free app that describes the world around you. It uses the device camera to identify people and objects and then audibly describes those objects.

Seeing AI was included in our best apps of 2023 list, however, it's gone to a new level in 2024.

Advancements in object recognition, scene description, and text-to-speech functionality have made it even more valuable for visually impaired users when completing everyday tasks.

Voice Dream Reader

Voice Dream Reader is a highly versatile app designed to convert digital text into speech, supporting a wide range of formats including PDFs, web pages, eBooks, and more. It offers personalized voice and speed settings to accommodate various reading preferences making it a valuable tool for visually impaired people.

Audiogamehub

Crafted specifically for visually impaired people or those who are blind, the Audiogamehub app boasts a collection of 10 engaging games, such as archery, mazes and memory games that use audio as their primary interface.

Each game is enhanced with comprehensive audio descriptions and distinctive sound effects that help players distinguish between colours, animals, numbers, and obstacles.

A 'blind mode' presents a completely black screen, relying exclusively on auditory information.

Best app for those with aphasia

Voiceitt

Voiceitt is a speech recognition app designed to assist individuals with speech impairments due to conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, ALS, or Parkinson's disease.

The thing that sets it apart is its amazing capacity for non-standard voice recognition.

Available on both iOS and Android platforms, the app uses advanced AI technology to learn and adapt to the unique speech patterns of its users, translating unintelligible pronunciations into understandable speech in real-time.

Best App For Touch Free Control Of Devices

Sesame-Enable

Sesame Enable provides hands-free mobile control technology, specifically designed for individuals with limited or no use of their hands due to disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, ALS, cerebral palsy, or arthritis.

The app uses the front-facing camera of a smartphone or tablet to track head movements, allowing users to operate the device and access its features completely hands-free.

From making calls and sending texts to browsing the internet and using social media, Sesame Enable is a valuable tool for helping individuals remain independent.

Best app for people with autism spectrum disorder

MITA

MITA is a great tool for teaching children with autism spectrum disorders or other developmental disorders.

It offers an engaging interactive application that supports people with autism in enhancing their language and social abilities. Utilizing proven methods, this app delivers instant feedback, enabling users to refine their communication skills through enjoyable activities.

It's designed to make the learning process both effective and entertaining, encouraging consistent practice and development in key areas of communication and social interaction.

MITA also uses a child-friendly calendar, encourages independence, and encourages positive behaviour.

MITA is extremely helpful for children with developmental disorders such as autism, and well worth the investment. 

Proloquo2Go

Proloquo2Go is a communication aid that enables non-speaking children and adults to express themselves and interact with the world around them.

Tailored for users with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, Proloquo2Go features a rich, customizable vocabulary and a variety of pre-programmed phrases, all accessible through an intuitive, user-friendly interface.

Symbol-based communication options and text-to-speech functionality make it versatile for a wide range of age groups and cognitive abilities.

How can Focus Care help?

If you or a loved one are looking for disability support, Focus Care provides NDIS services which allow you to live life on your own terms. Contact us today to see how we can help.