Nate Toevs, of Neil Squire Solutions gave us a fascinating and inspiring talk on the programme of The Neil Squire Society and Neil Squire Solutions. The programme started in 1980 when Neil Squire, a 21 year old University student was in a car accident leaving him a quadriplegic unable to speak. A relative, Bill Cameron, proceeded to search for a means to enable Neil to communicate. This led to the development of the ‘sip n’ puff ‘machine which used Morse code to create letters on a computer screen. When Neil died in 1984 The Neil Squire Society was born with the vision of using technology to allow people with a disability to attain the best quality of life and this in turn became Neil Squire Solutions serving BC residents. Its purpose includes using or making the best technology to create as much independence as possible for the people who need their help. Neil’s original device cost $2000, now many cost between $200.00 - $300.00. The services of Neil Squire Solutions are geared towards individuals with barriers or functional limitations that impact their ability to perform tasks, for instance, in their workplace. The referral partners of this organization include both the private and public sectors and they also have a funding programme. Their referrals include all manner of people, such as Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Technicians in many fields. Many of their staff start as pupils and remain thereafter. Of its kind this programme has the highest participation in the country. The work firstly is to assess the needs of each individual followed by creating the necessary solution, which, for instance was in one case to convert a car from foot to hand controls for a man suffering MS. In addition to this challenging and continuously inventive programme the programme offers advice and solutions on Ergonomic Assessments, Workplace Accessibility Assessments, Assistive Technology for Low Vision, Assistive Technology, Technical Support Services, Preventive Ergonomic Seminars, an Active Research and Development Group and Assistive Technology Training, in person or by distance.
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