Computers: Helping the Disabled

New technology can be used in a positive way to enhance the everyday lives of disabled people. This was the conclusion of a unique week long conference held in the University. Organised by 'Ideas in Motion', an autonomous group of disabled people supported by Student Community Action in the Guild, the conference, entitled 'What Can Computers and Telimatics Do for Disabled People?' attracted 150 disabled people from throughout Merseyside, and their supporters.

From Monday to Wednesday hands-on workshops were held for disabled people who had very little experience of using computers. At these sessions the participants were able to see the various ways in which computers could be used. One of the tutors for these sessions was 'Ideas in Motion's' secretary, Angela Duffy, who said, 'It was really great to be the tutor and to be able to show other disabled people that you can achieve anything you want to if you put your mind to it and are prepared to work hard.'

There were also workshops for anyone wishing to have a greater awareness of the potential of technology for disabled people. Each of these workshops had a theme. Monday was Internet day, with Connect helping people to 'surf' the World Wide Web. Tuesday was Carers, Partners and Parents day, when supporters of disabled people had a chance to explore software and hardware which enables people to access computer technology. A demonstration by Mike Willis, from the Department of Occupational Therapy, displayed the wide range of enabling technology available and the research potential for the future. Wednesday was Dyslexia Day, when Mike Willis showed participants specialist software designed for dyslexic students.

On Thursday The Mountford Hall became the venue for a Computer Fair with a difference. Computer firms specialising in equipment for disabled people were invited to exhibit the software and hardware they market. There were many different systems on show including the Dragon Dictate system which uses voice recognition software, speech synthesizers, cctv, and many types of mice and other input devices.

The Plenary session on Friday was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor. The Labour Party spokesperson on technology, Anne Campbell MP, talked about her Party's plans for the Information Super Highway. Gareth Hughes of City of Learning, put technology for disabled people into the European context, and Laurence Clark, a University of Liverpool Computer Science PhD student talked about the impact technology has had on his own life. Two outstanding contributors were 'Ideas in Motion' members Keith Seaman and Karen Gilbertson. Keith, who has a speech impairment used a synthesizer to vividly demonstrate how technology had enhanced his life. Karen, who has very limited movement, performed a piece of music she had created using sound beam technology and by moving just one finger.

The events of the week clearly highlighted that technology can be used innovatively to open up new opportunities for disabled people. The Ideas in Motion group were also celebrating the news that the Hear project, based in 126 Mount Pleasant, has had its European funding re-instated for 1996. The project aims to support disabled people who have the long term aim of entering Higher Education. Mark Ellis chairperson of 'Ideas in Motion' said 'It is so important that this project will continue, because if 'Ideas in Motion' can encourage disabled people to take up opportunities in their lives, the HEAR project can help them to use education as a way to realise their potential.'