Graduates of assistive technology training course showcase talents

GRADUATES of the 2010 Enable Ireland assistive technology training course showcased their innovations in Dublin yesterday.

Philip McKeown displayed his prototype wheelchair which can move from a sitting to a standing position, while Nadine Lattimore devised suitable technologies to enable a young adult with a visual impairment to achieve full independence.

Some 46 students graduated yesterday bringing the number of graduates from the course to 232 after 10 years.

Microsoft Ireland also presented Enable Ireland with a cheque for €57,000.

Culture Minister Mary Hanafin said the skills the graduates have acquired open up “a range of opportunities regardless of the path they follow”.

“I would like to commend Microsoft and Enable Ireland on the great partnership that they have in place. Together they are helping to raise the level of awareness and use of assistive technology in Ireland and helping us as a nation focus on the potential and abilities that people have rather than focusing on disabilities.

“Congratulations to both organisations on an innovative and effective partnership,” she said.

Electronic assistive technology is used by people with disabilities to aid communication, mobility and independent living and is revolutionising the way people with disabilities can access opportunities and resources in education and employment.

Donal Cashman, chairman of Enable Ireland board of directors, said: “Today’s event marks the tenth successful graduation ceremony. We are honoured to have Minister Hanafin present as well as all the faces that make this a successful programme. Microsoft has been a major supporter of the development of the Assistive Technology Training programme for the past decade,” he said.