The Access Foundation supports Aspire to expand Assistive Technology Programme
The Access Foundation is pleased to support Aspire through its digital divide funding, helping people with spinal cord injuries use technology more independently.
Aspire supports people from their first days in hospital and throughout life after spinal cord injury. For someone with limited or no use of their hands and arms, everyday digital tasks such as sending a message, making a call or using a computer can become difficult without support.
This grant will help Aspire expand its Assistive Technology Programme to the Northwest Regional Spinal Injuries Centre in Southport. Patients with high-level spinal cord injuries will receive one-to-one guidance on using phones, tablets and computers, including built-in accessibility features such as voice control. They will also be able to trial specialist equipment, including mouth-operated mice and controls that track head or eye movement.
The impact can be felt in everyday moments. Being able to join a family WhatsApp group, access information or use a device without relying on someone else can help people rebuild confidence and feel more in control as they adjust to life after injury.
“The grant will fund a dedicated Assistive Technologist at the Centre and allow Aspire to purchase up-to-date equipment for patients to trial with expert guidance. This support will help people rebuild confidence and reconnect with the digital world.”
