The collaboration has improved the personal autonomy of 245 people with cerebral palsy thanks to the benefits of using assistive technology.
The partnership between the Ramon Molinas Foundation and the Cerebral Palsy Association (Aspace) has been a great success. The 245 users of the organisation’s Resources and Assistive Technology Centre (CRA) have benefited from the improvement of the association’s facilities. The programme created by the two organisations was initiated with the aim of increasing the personal autonomy and improving the quality of life for people who suffer from cerebral palsy through utilising assistive technologies.
The programme has allowed the centre to perfect its sensory space and acquire resources to improve the assistive technology service. The sensory stimulation zone has also been extended, essential for the personal development of some users. In addition, the programme has permitted the CRA to acquire the Tobii system. An eye tracker allows the user to interact with a computer through eye movements, utilising the speed, power and precision of the human eye. Lastly, Aspace has been able to acquire new lighting with LED technology to provide visual stimulation for users, has bought new games to extend the range of activities and has completed maintenance on the main areas of the centre.
Aspace promotes the responsible use of assistive technology. It offers items on loan and personalised advice on the technology that best suits the needs of each user. This has quickly become an essential task as people with cerebral palsy or related disorders are a group at risk of exclusion from social technology. Often, this digital divide is inevitable because current technology is inadequate for their needs, is not adapted correctly, or information on its use is scant. As a consequence, the Aspace care network is indispensable in exercising responsible, moderated, informed, thoughtful, free and conscious use of assistive technology.
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