Case 4 - Clare

"Now I can express myself, by myself."

Clare is 16. When she was 14 she was paralysed as a result of meningitis.

Clare is unable to communicate verbally without technology. For the past year she has been using a communication device called an Orac, given by another organisation. Unfortunately, Clare's communication device began working only part time and was un-repairable. This proved very frustrating as she was finding herself unable to communicate with others. Her family turned to Aidis for help.

The Assessment

The remit for Clare was for a communication device that could handle her large range of vocabulary and for a computer that could be used at home and be compatible with the school network. The ideal solution would be a portable, robust PC based computer with touch-screen access, running communication software. It must also be able to be both desk mounted and wheelchair mounted. The solution was a tablet PC.

Next was the question of computer access. The touch-screen wouldn't be accurate enough for Clare as far as such things as selecting links on the internet, selecting menu items and pressing small buttons such as the bold button in MS Word. With this problem in mind, we explored other possible access devices and decided that the best thing for Clare was a special needs roller ball to augment the touch screen.
Lastly, a wheelchair mount was needed and, since the PC tablet deemed appropriate is on the weighty side, a robust system was necessary.

The Result

With wheelchair mounted equipment and specialist technology, Clare's computer enables her to write letters and use common applications such as MS Word and Internet Explorer. Most importantly, it has given Clare her voice back. She is now studying for her City and Guilds qualifications. She hopes it will help her to find a good job.

For Clare, communication is inclusion.