Try-it (www.try-it.ie), an online resource which provides access to new technology for people with disabilities has won the inaugural Neurological Alliance of Ireland Innovation Award 2010.

Try-it, the first initiative of its kind in Ireland, allows people a unique opportunity to access a range of technological solutions to promote independence and aid daily living. By providing an opportunity to try out equipment and devices, people can learn about what’s available and select those that best meet their needs. This is a multi-agency and non-disability specific initiative, initiated by the National Rehabilitation Hospital in collaboration with Enable Ireland’s National Assistive Technology Training Service and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, and currently also receiving support from the HSE.

An independent evaluation of Try-it has revealed the positive impact that this novel resource has had on the quality of service delivery, level of professional knowledge and cost-effectiveness in relation to assistive technology for participating organisations.

The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) Innovation Award is a new initiative aimed at recognising and highlighting the pioneering work being done by hospitals, charities, healthcare professionals and others in providing services to the over 700,000 people living with a neurological condition in Ireland.

Presenting the award, CEO of the Health Research Board, Mr Enda Connolly noted: “This website is an outstanding practical example of research and technology making a real difference in the day to day lives of people with a neurological condition. It deserves this recognition as an innovative approach to sharing and maximising the resources available within our health system”.

There were nearly 30 high-calibre applications. Other shortlisted entries included the development of a unique electronic patient record for people with epilepsy in Beaumont Hospital, a multiagency collaborative vocational programme for people with acquired brain injury led by Headway and a specialist led epilepsy service in St. James Hospital, Dublin.

The conference and award are part of events for National Brain Awareness Week which took place nationwide from March 8-14 2010.