TOP US SUPPLIER OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY JOINS FORCES WITH NATIONAL DISABILITY AND COMPUTING CHARITY
EnableMart, the leading US supplier of assistive and adaptive technology to disabled people, is launching it’s service in the UK and has announced a collaborative agreement with national disability and computing charity, AbilityNet, the UK’s foremost authority on achieving computer and Internet access for people with disabling conditions of all kinds.
Based in Barking, Essex, EnableMart’s UK operation, TechReady, complements AbilityNet’s comprehensive range of services by providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ alternative for products, enabling AbilityNet to meet client needs more cost effectively and efficiently. In addition to including providing free information and advice, assessment of technology needs, awareness education and consultancy on both adaptive technology and web accessibility, AbilityNet has been providing fully adapted computer systems with training and technical support through its network of regional offices nationwide since 1998.
It is the latter which will be simplified, streamlined and made ultimately more cost efficient through the collaboration with TechReady.
There are literally hundreds of assistive and adaptive technology products designed to collectively meet the needs of individuals across a wide range of conditions. In the UK an estimated 2 million people have a visual impairment, some 1.5 million have cognitive difficulties and a further 3.4 million have a physical disability which prevents them using the standard keyboard, screen and mouse set-up with ease. Added to this around 6 million are dyslexic and many millions experience literacy difficulties, not to mention the increasing percentage of ‘silver surfers’ with failing eyesight or arthritis as our population ages.
By working together AbilityNet and TechReady can offer these potential end-users the solution they need to use a computer and the Internet comfortably, productively and perhaps most importantly, independently.
TechReady Managing Director, Dennis Moulton says: “By working with the country’s leading authority in the field of adaptive technology, we can ensure that we are reducing the barriers and costs associated with locating, supporting, and purchasing assistive technology for the widest audience possible.”
“AbilityNet’s extensive client base comprising individuals, private, public and voluntary sector organisations, as well as the education sector, will have the added advantage of a greater choice of product options at reduced prices while continuing to enjoy the high levels of service and support for which the Charity is well recognised,” adds David Banes, AbilityNet’s Director of Operations.
Through its website www.techready.co.uk TechReady offers a wide selection of over 650 assistive technology applications and devices ranging from amplified phones, communication devices, touch screens and alternative input devices to low vision equipment and learning assistance applications.
TechReady will donate 1% of its annual revenue to AbilityNet as a vehicle for supporting the charity’s free services to individual disabled people.
About AbilityNet
AbilityNet is a charity that brings the benefits of computer technology to adults and children with all types of disabilities. Through its network of eleven centres, it offers a comprehensive range of services to disabled people, professionals, employers and statutory bodies. It provides free information and advice on any aspect of computer use by disabled people including individual assessment of technology needs, adapted computer equipment with full training and technical support, a programme of awareness education, and consultancy for employers on system and workstation adaptations, as well as website accessibility.
In 2005 AbilityNet supplied free advice and information to some 366,000 enquiries through its national freephone and web-based services. In addition, the charity's consultants saw nearly 2,000 disabled children and adults face-to-face for individual assessments, equipment, training sessions and home support visits.
In the same year, AbilityNet's professional education courses and seminars attracted around 2,000 staff from public, private and voluntary sector organisations, seeking to develop their awareness of adaptive technology for those with disabling conditions and learn practical solutions to apply in the workplace, at home or in education.
AbilityNet is dependent both nationally and locally on grants and donations from charitable trusts and companies, to carry out its work on behalf of disabled people and those who support them.
For further details check www.abilitynet.org.uk or call AbilityNet’s freephone helpline on: 0800 269545
For press information, please contact the AbilityNet Press Office
Tel: 01926 429595 E: Press.Office@abilitynet.org.uk
About TechReady
TechReady is a full service supplier of assistive technology products and services to the UK marketplace. Based in Barking, Essex the company commenced operations on May 1st, 2006. Through it’s www.techready.co.uk website location and bi-annual catalogue TechReady provides a “one-stop-shopping” experience for the world’s finest assistive technology devices, applications sets, and services. The company offers service, support, and sale for products designed to meet the needs of individuals with blindness and low vision , learning disabilities, communication difficulties, hearing impairments, and mobility needs. TechReady also works with partners in 13 Western European countries to distribute Telesensory, makers of the world’s finest low vision magnifiers.
TechReady UK, Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of mindnautilus.com Corporation (d.b.a. EnableMart), the leading supplier of assistive technology products and services in North America.
For further details check www.techready.co.uk or call: 02085 326138
For press information, please contact the TechReady Press Office
Tel: 02085 326139 E: sales@techready.co.uk
