Technology has the power to break barriers, and for Bella Firth, it has been about unlocking more potential and creativity. Living with a disability, traditional work environments often felt out of reach. But with the right tools, she found a way not only to contribute but to thrive in a meaningful creative career.
The Power of Possibility
Bella’s journey is one of perseverance and opportunity. She first discovered the Kensington trackball at age seven, but it wasn’t until she started working at Wallara in 2014 that she fully unlocked its potential. Before this, basic job functions were challenging due to her hands getting sore quickly when using a traditional mouse. Standard mice and keyboards were not viable options for her, limiting her ability to navigate digital tools effectively. But through the support of Wallara—an Australian-based organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities by providing meaningful employment and skill development—Bella was introduced to a career path that unleashed her creativity and independence.
A Life-Changing Solution
With the Kensington Expert Trackball and a specially engineered virtual keyboard designed for her, Bella gained the ability to control her computer with greater precision and less effort. The trackball’s stationary wide-body design eliminated the need for extensive hand movement, while the ability to use it with both hands enabled her to execute essential tasks efficiently. Suddenly, working in Adobe Illustrator, designing graphics, and collaborating through Microsoft Teams became a reality. Through her work at Wallara, she discovered a passion for graphic design, something she never imagined she could pursue before. The ergonomic design, precision control, and accessibility features of the Kensington trackball allowed her to create and refine digital artwork and signage, unlocking a creative side she had long wished to explore.
More Than Just a Product
Bella’s story isn’t just about productivity—it’s about empowerment and inclusion. The combination of Kensington’s accessible trackball design and Wallara’s commitment to fostering opportunities for people with disabilities has allowed her to grow in her role, build confidence, and develop new skills. With technology that adapts to her needs rather than limiting her, Bella has been able to turn challenges into achievements.
Her journey is a reminder that the right technology can do more than enhance efficiency—it can create possibilities where they never existed before. In this case, assistive technology, like the Kensington Expert Trackball, played a crucial role in making the workplace more inclusive, ensuring that an individual with a disability could fully participate in and contribute to her profession.
If you or someone you know is looking for an accessible, empowering way to navigate work and technology, discover how Kensington’s trackball solutions can help.
About Wallara
Wallara is a leading not-for-profit disability support organization based in Melbourne's south-east suburbs, dedicated to empowering people with different abilities to live the life they choose. Established over 50 years ago, Wallara provides all-abilities education and supports over 500 adults across 20 sites, assisting them in achieving their NDIS goals through meaningful employment, skill development, and community participation. Their mission extends beyond service provision; they actively work to influence public attitudes, raise awareness, and create inclusive opportunities for their clients.
Learn more about Wallara’s initiatives on their official website.