Aspire offers practical support to people paralysed by spinal cord injury so that they can live as independently as possible.
A high-level spinal cord injury often results in people having limited use of their hands and arms, making it difficult or impossible for them to use their phones, tablets or laptops. This means they quickly become dependent on others for simple tasks, such as making a phone call or accessing social media, which leaves them feeling helpless and isolated. At Addenbrooke’s, many patients with high-level spinal cord injuries face long waits before transferring to a specialist spinal centre for rehabilitation or being discharged, but thanks to a WCIT Charity grant, a dedicated Assistive Technologist was stationed at the hospital to provide one-to-one support. This early intervention for newly injured patients significantly improved their health outcomes, quality of life, and optimism for the future.
To date, 32 patients have received tailored support since the programme launched in February this year. This has included adapting smartphones for greater visual and physical accessibility, troubleshooting voice control issues, and introducing accessible technology such as specialised keyboards, guards and trackballs.
The impact of the project also extends beyond the patients: by increasing the independence of people with spinal cord injuries, it reduces the pressure placed on loved ones supporting them. Additionally, NHS staff have reported being able to provide a better service thanks to Aspire’s involvement, as it allows them to spend more time on other areas of a patient’s care.
Ultimately, this grant has gone far beyond short-term support: it has created lasting, measurable change, so that people with life-changing injuries can lead independent and fulfilled lives in their homes, with their families, in their workplace and in their leisure time.
