Helping young disabled people in the UK communicate through new technologies

For many of the young people studying and living at national disability charity Livability’s educational establishments, being unable to communicate with those around them is a harsh reality as their disabilities limit their speech and motor skills.

Livability believes that these young people can become more independent and better able to interact with the outside world, but only if they have access to the right assistive technologies. The charity has just launched its new Switch On Independence Appeal to raise £67,500 which will allow it to purchase new computer equipment and upgrade its existing adapted technology provision.

Touch-screen computers can enable students whose lack of fine motor skills prevent them from using a mouse or keyboard, to simply and easily operate a computer, opening a whole new way of learning to them.

New technology also allows students who have speech problems to use symbol language software to communicate their thoughts and feelings more easily with their teachers and friends. As a result, their confidence grows and they can participate in class more easily.

Helen Deathridge, Head of Individual Giving at Livability, said: ‘’Many of us take access to computers and new technologies for granted and we rely heavily on them in our work and personal lives. For our disabled students, access to computers is even more crucial as they help increase their independence and enable them to communicate. Specially adapted computer equipment and software can be very expensive. We want to make sure that disabled young people are not left behind in terms of benefiting from new technologies. Through our appeal, we are raising funds that will be used to give them access to the right equipment and support, so they can have the best possible start in life.’’

Anyone wanting to support the Switch On Independence Appeal can send donations to: Livability, Supporters Services, Switch On Independence Appeal, 50 Scrutton Street, London, EC2A 4XQ or donate online at www.livability.org.uk/switchon.