Technology has improved the quality of aids that we can offer our participants to help with both their work and play. The equipment that we offer for trials and loans can help those with different abilities to better express themselves, improve movement, and engage in a variety of play.

A few examples of the equipment we offer include:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems

AAC systems provide children with a way of getting their message across even though speech may be difficult. At GBSS, we are building a bank of equipment for trial and loan to ensure that all children can learn to communicate to their greatest potential. For example, The Big Mack is a simple single message recordable device that enables kids to ask a question, barrack for their favourite team, take a part in a song or drama piece or tell a joke.

iPads

The iPad has become an integral tool here at GBSS. With the right apps, iPads can be great avenues for learning, and the touch screen also has potential to help people write their message or story if using a pen or pencil is hard. Writing is important for us all in this world of Facebook and email. At GBSS, we have iPads for demonstration and trial and the Chesterkeys keyboard with its colour highlights and accessibility enables children with problems with motor skills or planning to type.

The Powerlink

At GBSS, we know that we all like to control our environment and make things happen around us. For some kids with physical disabilities, even the simplest things in life can be tough. The Powerlink joins with any electrical device to make it switch accessible, so that just by activating a switch with a hand or other body part, you can turn on a fan, a light, a blender, activate a toy or your favourite music!

Switchamajig

Play is an important part of life, learning, and having fun, and the Switchamajig can aid access to a new world of devices. Where a remote requiring fine motor controls could be a barrier to some, Switchamajig can join with the iPad to make custom control panels for easy use, with up to six different controls. This means that with a remote control car, you can use the iPad to make the car go forward and backward as well as turn and … crash!