Disabled hit by cost of computer equipment

Published on Sunday 18 July 2010 16:46

DISABLED people who yearn to use computers and other technology in their own homes to increase their independence are being left isolated because they cannot afford the equipment

A project run by the charity Momentum is helping people with disabilities in Scotland use technology to improve their lives, by providing advice and training on how to operate it.

However in some cases, the disabled person is left unable to pay for the equipment, putting them at risk of further isolation in their homes.

The service offered by Momentum matches trained volunteers with disabled people across the country.

Garry Ryan, assistive technology co-ordinator at Momentum, said the organisation had helped around 70 people learn to use technology in their homes so far.

The kind of equipment which can be helpful includes a mouse which is controlled using head movements, as well as voice recognition software. There are also computer programmes that read back what is on the screen to the user.

Mr Ryan said the equipment could cost from under 100 to over 10,000.

"Generally people have to find their own funding to purchase this technology," he said.

"We can offer them recommendations and advice and let them trial technology so they don't go and buy a 10,000 piece of equipment when it is wrong."

He added: "There are horror stories where people can't afford their own technology because it is expensive. That does happen.

"A lot of the time it is left to the family to try to fund raise or purchase the technology.

"You will come across someone who might benefit from a technology but will turn around and tell you they can't afford it.

"We can advise them about sources of technology and possible funding streams they might be able to attract."

Mr Ryan said the technology could be used as a "social inclusion tool" because it gave people more independence in their lives, with things such as shopping or banking or with online social networks.

"It gives people ownership of what they want to do with their time," he said.