Assistive Technology
Looking after the whole person
Imagine the frustration of being unable to move freely or to express your needs. Many of our students face those challenges every day. Providing them with right equipment allows them to live their lives as fully as possible.
Assistive Technology
Our assistive technology department works closely with our diverse therapy teams to meet the growing demand to give our students the right equipment for their needs. Having them on site means we can assess, design and modify equipment; re-program control systems; and show staff and families how to use these bespoke applications.
Some of these applications include:
- Adapted communication equipment: electronic voices
- Wheelchair controls: special switches and joysticks
- Computer access equipment: joy sticks, keyboards and switches
- Feeding and drinking: special spoons, robotic feeder controls and drink holders
- Personal care: adapted shower and toilet chairs
- Specialist sports equipment: boccia – a form of wheelchair bowls
- Adapted musical instruments: "jelly bean" buttons for students with little movement make it possible to create music through electronic soundbeams
This department depends on external funds. Much of our funding comes from The ACT Foundation, to whom we are hugely grateful. But this is not enough. Without your help we cannot maintain the quality of this life-changing service.
Vacuum forming technology
The department often has to work with wood or metal and this can require time-consuming finishing and painting. Complex shapes cannot be handcrafted and many of our designs would be improved with better technology. The ability to vacuum form plastics would allow us to:
- Manufacture large batches of identical components
- Make hygienic personal care and eating components
- Produce better looking, self-colouring and smooth finish products
- Make bespoke switch covers and enclosures for electronic assistive technologies
- Produce items that can be offered to others beyond Treloar’s
We need £5,100 to buy a vacuum forming machine.
Your help can make a difference. Call us on 01420 547 477 or email fundraising@treloar.org.uk to find out how.
Your support enables our students to access a world of opportunities.
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