FitzRoy is a national charity providing services and support to adults with learning disabilities, autism and ABI. I started with FitzRoy in January of this year in a newly developed role as an assistive technologist, a role which was created with support from Dawn Green, the Karten Network Development Co-ordinator. I have a background in occupational therapy and I’ve worked with people with a range of impairments, specialising in assistive technology once I graduated as an OT. I know I had a lot to bring to the role and a lot to learn!
The Karten Network has provided essential support, connecting me with other specialists in the field to share knowledge and best practice as well as providing access to online training and other resources. Joining the Special Interest Group for Digital Design and Manufacture has introduced me to the world of 3D printing in relation to adapting technology to meet the unique needs of the individual and I am excited about the potential this has for future innovation at FitzRoy.
I will be raising awareness of and promoting the use of assistive technology across FitzRoy’s services including supported living, registered care homes and day services. Assistive technology at FitzRoy will encompass anything from an adapted can opener or one cup kettle to an iPad with switch access or a communication aid to enhance social interactions.
In my first months I have been able to see how tech equipment at the Karten Centres and other services is making a huge difference, from enabling the people we support to develop new skills by playing games on the interactive Clevertouch screens to using iPads as part of everyday activities to enhance access, engagement and communication.
In the coming months I will be advising on the integration of assistive technology into a new registered care home and an activity space within one of our nursing homes, co-ordinating the roll out of communication aids for a number of the people we support, as well as continuing to provide advice, signposting and support on an individual basis across the organisation.
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- This article was written by the Fitzroy Malvern, Fitzroy Petersfield, Fitzroy The Maltings Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Spring 2019 Newsletter
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