Case Studies
These short films are intended to demonstrate how Assistive Technology can help individuals achieve their potential. This series of case studies features people of all ages using a range of assistive technology to enable access to education, work and leisure. Each case study is less than five minutes long and focuses on one individual’s use of assistive technology and what this enables that person to achieve as independently as possible. Please use these short films to help promote the use of assistive technology, we would like them to be seen by as many people as possible.
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Patrick
Setting: Mainstream Primary School
Diagnosis: Spinal Muscular Atrophy
AT used: Alternative keyboard and mouse
What this helps individual achieve: This short film shows Patrick using his alternative keyboard and mouse to access the same educational computer programmes as his peers. However, this isn’t Patrick’s main motivation... he can now manage his own fantasy football team independently to beat his brothers and Dad! Thinking in the longer term, Patrick will need access to the computer to complete his school work as independently as possible.
Those contributing to the film: Patrick’s learning support worker, his parents, brothers and best friend all show how his new computer skills enable Patrick to work and play more independently.
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Aroob
Setting: Mainstream Primary School
Diagnosis: Aphasia following a stroke
AT used: I Pod Touch with communication app
What this helps the individual to achieve: Following a stroke, Aroob has significant word finding difficulties which mean that she frequently cannot think of the right word she needs at the right time. This short film shows Aroob in her mainstream school using a specialised communication app on an I Pod Touch to search through visually to find the right word. This can then be spoken by the I Pod or Aroob can often say the word when she sees the symbol. Aroob and her peers think having the I Pod is very cool and this has been a great boost to her self esteem and confidence.
Those contributing to the film: Aroob’s mum, Speech and Language Therapist, LA ICT Consultant, learning support worker and peers all feature within the film to demonstrate and explain the impact that the use of this mainstream technology has had on Aroob’s life.
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Darren
Setting: Specialist college
Diagnosis: Autistic Spectrum Disorder
AT Used: Voice Output communication aid (Proxtalker)
What this helps the individual to achieve: Darren has used a range of communication systems and strategies in the past and has finally found in the Proxtalker an effective communication method for him. This short film shows Darren using the Proxtalker effectively across a range of settings with a range of people.
Those contributing to the film: Darren’s support worker and tutor at college fully explain the positive impact the Proxtalker has had on Darren’s communication and how it will be able to support Darren in the future.
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Kalvin, Mayar and Craig
Setting: Secondary school for students with a variety of learning needs
Diagnosis: all students have physical disabilities and learning needs
AT Used: Switches to access cause and effect and simple scanning activities plus low tech communication systems
What this helps the individual to achieve: This short film show cases three young people using switches to allow them to independently control a variety of activities at a cause and effect level. Some of the students are also beginning to use their switches to scan options and make choices alongside using low tech, paper based communication systems. They are having great fun being in control, directing others and causing a change in their environment.
Those contributing to the film: The student’s learning support worker and Speech and language Therapist effectively demonstrate how communicating and being in control with switches can be empowering but most of all fun.
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Claire
Setting: University
Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy
AT Used: Claire uses a ruggedized tablet computer that she accesses with a joystick and switch. It contains a dongle which enables her to send and receive text messages – essential for coordinating a busy student social life! Although she often relies upon her own speech, she uses synthesised speech as a back up, or when she is giving talks or presentations. Claire is studying physics at degree level and therefore requires powerful customised onscreen grids to enable her to produce the complex calculations required. During tutorials, Claire’s Study Assistant writes notes onto a DigiMemo that can be shared amongst other students. Interestingly, Claire’s Tutor finds that the students engage much more with Claire’s assistive technology than with the conventional white board that they had all found a bit daunting!
What this helps the individual to achieve: Claire has been a high flyer throughout her academic career and has aspirations to pursue a PhD. She also uses her technology to manage her social life!
Those contributing to the film: Claire talks eloquently about her assistive technology and what it has enabled her to achieve. We also hear from Claire’s Study Assistant and Tutor about her experiences at university. David, a teacher from the ACE Centre in Oxford also contributes to the story as he has known Claire since she was 4 and is full of pride in all she has achieved!
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Sandip
Setting: Home
Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy
AT Used: Lightwriter SL40 communication aid. Onscreen keyboards (produced within SAW or Special Access to Windows) accessed with a sliding hand switch. He is an exceptionally fast switch user, achieving speeds of 0.3 seconds. A joystick enables desktop navigation.
What this helps the individual to achieve: Sandip has been working for many years but has now taken a career break to pursue a Masters degree in International Relations. His assistive technology has been essential for him to operate in the worlds of work and higher education. Just as importantly, it also supports his social life.
Those contributing to the film: Sandip shares his experiences and aspirations. We also hear from some ex-colleagues and friends about the role Sandip’s assistive technology played at work and also continues to play in their ongoing friendships.
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Tamsin
Setting: Mainstream Primary School
Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy
AT Used: Eye-pointing communication book based on Look2Talk. A Tellus communication aid with Talk Together vocabulary accessed with a knee switch.
What this helps the individual to achieve: Tamsin is able to communicate anything she wants using her Look2Talk book. She has a number of peers who are now able to communicate with her completely independently of any adult facilitation. Her younger brother is also able to communicate and play with her using Tamsin’s communication book. Tamsin is also helped to access the curriculum using the Tellus communication aid. Tamsin’s communication skills are so valued by her peers that they have voted her to be their class representative on the school council.
Those contributing to the film: Tamsin’s mother and TA explain how Tamsin communicates and share their hopes and aspirations for her. Tamsin’s Head Teacher delivers a powerful message about how inclusion was achieved for Tamsin, and talks about the benefits to the whole school of having Tamsin at her school.
********************************************************************************Tiago
Setting: Mainstream Primary School
Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy
AT Used: Tobii C12 eye control communication aid with Talk Together vocabulary
What this helps the individual to achieve: Tiago uses a Tobii C12 eye control communication aid to communicate, access the curriculum and play. The device enables him to interact with his peers, with the film showing him sharing a joke with a friend (What are the strongest vegetables in the word? Watch the film to find out the punchline!).
Those Contributing to the film: Tiago’s mother and Teaching Assistant explain the value of the technology to Tiago, while Tiago’s teacher considers how he has integrated into the school. Tiago’s mother explains their journey and marvels at all that Tiago is capable of with his device!