Assistive Technology
Ireland’s First Ever Electronic Assistive Technology Library
www.try-it.ie is Ireland’s first every Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT) web based library bank. It was launched in Dublin on 15 May 2008 by a partnership of organisations who work with people with disabilities. There are major deficiencies in access, assessment and provision of EAT and this initiative allows centralised access to people with disabilities and their carers to a great array of EAT available.
The consortium comprising the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), NCBI, Enable Ireland’s National Assistive Technology Training Service, the Assistive Communications Technology Officers Network (ACTON) and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), who working together represent in excess of 20,000 service users, was awarded funding by POBAL (Enhancing Disability Services Programme) to establish and run the web-based library of EAT and to provide a forum for education, training and networking in this area. This initiative is modelled mainly on a successful library operated by Assistive Technology Partners in Denver Colorado.
Research shows that 75% of EAT is abandoned due to lack of training. www.try-it.ie aims to address this issue by working with training providers, carers and users alike to, not only provide access to EAT, but access to education, training and networking. The website will allow members to borrow a range of EAT to try out and assess before recommending purchase.
EAT user, Michael Gogarty, who is vision impaired, knows better than most the impact that the right EAT can have. ‘‘I was born with a progressive condition when there was no such thing as assistive technology. I now use among other devices magnification software and closed circuit televisions which enable me to lead an independent life along with other techniques and adaptations I have learned.’’
Henry Murdoch, Chairperson of the National Rehabilitation Hospital, said, “I’m particularly pleased at a consortium approach, which recognises the need for organisations representing diverse and disparate sectors of the disability community, to work in a cohesive and integrated manner to optimise the service received by their clients. EAT is a rapidly developing area and holds huge for empowering, providing independence, and increasing quality of life for people with disabilities.”
Glenna Gallagher, representing the consortium said, “Research carried out amongst users, carers and trainers shows that there is an overwhelming need for a service like www.try-it.ie. Professionals who work with people with disabilities throughout Ireland will be able to borrow and try out new EAT devices as well as receive feedback from other users and EAT assessors, enabling them to make informed decisions about what best suits their particular circumstances prior to making significant financial or time commitments.
Find out more by logging onto www.try-it.ie