Sean Loughran, Siobhán Long
National High Tech Assistive Technology Training Service, Enable Ireland

This paper will document the collaborative process undertaken by our high tech Assistive Technology training service, in partnership with three adult service users who expressed a wish to use environmental controls. One individual was facilitated to use the Dynamics IRIS/SCR Environmental Control system, accessed initially via 5 chin switches, and latterly via a chin joystick, to control everything from his TV and DVD to his telephone and front door.

The second individual continues to work on using the GEWA Progress with a Genie Joystick to access similar devices to those listed above. In contrast, this young man accesses the GEWA Progress using the Genie Joystick with two external switches, using his right hand.

Thirdly, we worked with a young man to enable him to access a mobile phone using his head switch. The Irish-designed “Click 2 Phone” offered the ideal solution to this individual, who was already a proficient switch user for the purposes of power wheelchair driving.

This paper will document the assessment process, and the ongoing adjustments and revisions which were necessary to meet the changing needs of the users. The importance of active family involvement from the earliest stages of assessment, through the training process and ongoing support will also be addressed.

Finally, this paper will summarise what our service has learned from the above experiences, and how we can share this learning across our own organisation and into the wider community, as individuals become increasingly aware of the potential of Environmental Control technologies to enhance independence.

Contact Details:

Siobhan Long and Sean Loughran
National High Tech AT Training Service
Enable Ireland

email: slong@enableireland.ie
phone: +353 -1 4991211