Interview with Eva Eikhout: ‘Apple iPhone ensures that I can be independent’

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a day to reflect on digital access and inclusion for the more than one billion people living with disabilities. OMT editor Dennis Mons spoke to Eva Eikhout, whose Apple iPhone is a great help.

We cannot stress enough how important Global Accessibility Awareness Day is. The lives of people with disabilities are made so much easier thanks to technology, and Apple is at the forefront of that. We wondered how this works for them in daily life, so I called Eva Eikhout.

The iPhone is more than ‘just a phone’ for Eva Eikhout

Let’s just say that Eva Eikhout is an expert by experience. She lives with a disability all her life, but that certainly doesn’t stop her. The flamboyant, very charming lady is a presenter at BNNVARA (Know what you date, Yung DWDD, BNNVARA Academy TV). She also produces a monthly podcast UNLIMITED with Wilfred Genee about overcoming limitations.

We talked to her about how accessibility in the tech field, thanks to an iPhone and Siri, for example, helps her. How her day-to-day things are going and in which areas there could still be improvements.

When did you feel that you could contribute to the awareness of technological accessibility for people with disabilities?

“I don’t really do that consciously. I happen to have this. It’s not like I’m thinking: I want to show the world that you can live with this. I don’t have time for that and I do a lot of fun things. But by doing that I indirectly show what I can do.

It’s not like I get up in the morning and think ‘this is what I want to show the world today’. But I do think ‘gosh there’s a nice party in Nijmegen today’. And when I’m there, some people say ‘how cool that you’re here and dare to do that’. That’s okay, because if I inspire someone who is, for example, in a wheelchair, like me, and does so, then I have already helped at least one person.”

What was an eye opener for you in the tech field in terms of accessibility?

“I’m just extremely happy that we live in this day and age because there is so much technology that I am very grateful to use. Take, for example, my custom car that I control with a joystick. My mobile phone is also essential to get in touch with carers who are at my door every day. It’s also great that I can turn on my lights thanks to an iPhone and voice control so I don’t have to get up.

It’s often the little things that make it easier for me. For the most part I can be independent because of it. I can drive like a car because of the adjustment, being independent is so important.”

Does it also make it easier to find places where you can go?

“In any case, I can always ask people things on Instagram, so I quickly gathered information. But it is also so nice that I can operate my iPhone without needing help from others.”

More support from the tech corner except Apple

With the iPhone and Siri, for example, Apple has made great strides when it comes to accessibility. Do you think other tech companies should follow this example?

“Oh, Apple is definitely a great forerunner. I notice that in everything they do. My car is also very nice. But my wheelchair is simply behind in terms of technology. I can really name ten things that would help me but are still not there.”

Separate from Apple and your iPhone; For example, Microsoft released the Adaptive controller. It is modular and can therefore be adapted for people with a certain disability. Could Apple do the same?

“I’m not a gamer myself, but I do think there’s a big market for it. Some people simply find it more difficult to leave the house and find a lot in a game, also in terms of socializing.”

But could Apple make another leap into that? And I mean in general. For example, do you see modular accessories for your iPhone, iPad or your AirPods?

“Of course I hope there will be more developments that help so much. That my house will become even more automated. That you come in and just say that the lights should be on, the thermostat up and the bath can fill up.

But one thing is also cooking. I never cook because I grab everything with my arm and my chin and then stand too close to the fire. So who knows what kind of tech things will happen in the kitchen.

Tech support in the healthcare sector

This Apple tech can also greatly help people who are now at an older age. Do you think they should actually receive guidance in that area? They are often already nervous about pinning.

“Well, when I look at my ninety-year-old grandmother, I don’t think an Apple iPad makes much sense anymore. Then she has more stress than it helps her. But I do show her pictures on my iPhone and she loves it. She doesn’t give a shit how those photos end up on that phone, haha.

Still, I think it’s useful at a certain age. For example, if I want to use a debit card, I have a bag, and in that bag there is a wallet, and in that wallet there are ten cards. I’m not going to get that out. But with my iPhone that is solved in no time. Ideal!”

Anyway; i love gadgets. I’m super good at Siri too. A lot of people don’t even know what they can do with it. But Apple’s Siri can certainly be improved as well.”

Apple iPhone tips and tricks from Eva Eikhout

What would be a tip for you when it comes to getting started with the accessibility features on the iPhone, for example?

“First of all: I just like it. For example, when a new iOS comes out. Then I go watch videos on YouTube and press all the buttons. In the end I find what works best for me. For example, the Apple MacBook had the interactive corners. That was fantastic! I can’t reach everything with my fingers and that works much better.

My tip is therefore: watch a lot of YouTube videos. There you will find so many useful tips and settings. And just go do it. I’m still learning Siri commands that work much better because I’ve looked them up.”

“In addition, I can simply recommend Apple products. I do that with friends too. Then I say ‘just try it and if you don’t like it, I’ll sell it for you again’, but then they’re just over after a week.”

So what can Apple make now? Bionic arms and legs?

“Then I prefer legs, because I prefer legs to arms, haha. Because I would have liked to be big!”