By Ian Hamilton BBC Scotland

The conference showcases technology to help disabled people

Techshare is one of the largest disability technology conferences of its type in the UK.

Delegates from all over the world gathered in London's west end to debate all things technological - in the world of disability.

The hot topic this year was the digital revolution and whether disabled people were benefiting or being excluded from the digital world.

One of the areas highlighted in the conference was the advancement of specialist equipment and services.

For example: The Orion Web Box. This new piece of technology was developed by the Dutch company Specialist Radio.

The Web Box could change the web for people who have reading disabilities and the service user does not need a computer to access the internet.

It provides the listener with a potentially endless list of audio content from the web - internet radio, newspapers and talking books.

Half the size of a shoe box, it has a very simple operation.

With the touch of one button, the menu is read out to the user providing them with the simplest way to make a selection.

Additional box

A broadband connection is essential, however, no computer is required.

At �280 not everyone could afford the Box but for those who are not confident with computers it may be the ideal option.

The conference also drew attention to the high number of disabled people missing out due to the lack of accessible technology and those who have not been accessing the new digital technology such as Audio Described Television.

This is when a separate audio track is broadcast giving commentary on what is happening on the screen when action is taking place.

Currently, you can only receive this if you are a Sky or a Virgin Media subscriber. Otherwise, you will have to buy a separate additional box to get this service.

If you have Freeview, this is a particular problem as an extra box to do this could cost upwards of �400.

However, under the digital switchover help scheme, the government has plans for a box for people with certain disabilities, those who are registered blind and partially sighted and those people aged over 75.

The Royal National Institute of the Blind has been heavily involved in setting the specification for the box which will carry audio description.