For anyone affected by severe disability there will be some tough times ahead, not least of all when faced with their new limitations. Luckily, living in the booming age of technology means that independent living designers are increasingly finding ways around such problems, and new solutions are coming up constantly.

Visiting Blackwood’s care home at Raeden Court in Aberdeen, we found that a few residents use assistive technology that has helped them preserve a vital degree of independence. The residents we spoke to can now enjoy a new, easier and innovative way to use features around the home that otherwise would be difficult if not impossible.

Jamie Lynch, a resident we were introduced to has had a particular issue solved with an eye controlled computer. Jamie has Motor-Neuron disease which has gradually impaired the use of his hands, thus making day-to-day tasks a challenge.  Due to this, he started using a Tobii Eye Gaze Computer which has enabled him to preserve a level of independence and control over his life which would otherwise be lost.

The Tobii Eye Gaze Computer is a piece of technology software that enables the user to control the computer solely with their eyes. The computer sends and receives information using lights and a camera; the camera picks up the reflections on the pupils which is registered into movements to control the cursor. The movement from the eye moves the cursor and gazing for a moment or two on an app or icon will select the programme. This gives him total freedom to browse and control the computer without outside assistance

Jamie said, “I use it to open the door and adjust my bed. It also links up with my mobile so I can text from it” The Tobii Eye Gaze has certainly opened up a world that was perhaps closed for too long. He also uses it to send and receive emails and adds, “It's my only way of communicating”. This is just one example among many that proves that seemingly small things really can make a positive difference in adjusting to life with a disability.

Later that same day we met Pat Spanswick, a resident who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that has affected her speech and mobility. She allowed us to see her Buddy Button which allows the user to control their environment functions, e.g, blinds, telephone, alarms, etc. In Pat's case she has a custom made communication assistance device to help gain access to her telephone without the need to physically pick up the phone and dial numbers. The system works by pressing a large red button (can be different sizes for different needs) that connects to a control centre and all the user has to do is say a name and the rest is done for them. It’s very simple and allows a comfortable ease to perform this task. Pat was one of the first people in Aberdeen to try out this innovative technology with the help of Bon Accord Care. This particular device has been offered to 20 people while their general alarm button has been fitted for an estimated 3000 people in the area of Aberdeen.

Related to the Buddy Button is the Possum, a specially designed button system that suits the client's individual needs. The staff at Raeden care home told us an example of this where a particular resident had been given a Possum that was fitted and activated by the shoulder.

Each of the residents we spoke to had shown themselves to be very satisfied with the assistive technology they had welcomed into their lives. They have regained a level of independence that otherwise wouldn’t be possible without the use of their respective devices. Assistive technology has one main goal; Independence. This was achieved, welcomed and appreciated at Raeden Court Care Home. Keep an eye on bespoken for more wonderful and positive stories of technology and its rewards from all around the world.