Learning is easy PC for Aspen thanks to latest technology
Disabled teen impresses with IT skills
A disabled teenager has taken another step into the wider world thanks to new technology.
Aspen Bennett has cerebral palsy and is a pupil at Capability Scotland’s Corseford School.
She is passionate about technology and has now learned to type freely for the first time using specialist equipment.
The youngster is typing independently using a speciallydesigned joystick and on screen keyboard.
Support from her school’s assistive technology and ICT support technician Tony Green has seen her enjoy IT lessons and is a member of the school’s computer club.
Aspen, 16, is now confident in using software packages including Microsoft Powerpoint and Microsoft Word and is even mentoring other younger pupils at the school’s computer club.
She has been so motivated that she now travels to West College Scotland, in Clydebank, one day a week for an IT course.
Aspen said: “I really enjoy IT class and I learn a lot every day.
“I like helping other people learn too. I want to do Tony’s job when I’m older.”
Corseford offers one- to- one, daily IT classes and Tony also runs a computer club for pupils every lunchtime.
Tony said: “Over the last few months, Aspen has really grown in confidence in her lessons. She’s progressed to using the joystick and on screen keyboard really effectively.
“Using a PC and the internet helps develop Aspen’s fine motor skills and hand and eye co-ordination, and she’s also learning more about making decisions and solving problems. “There are times when Aspen will see a solution to a problem that no one else has thought about and it’s great for her to have that feeling.
“Aspen is just one of the pupils making real progress in IT and that’s down to the amazing assistive technology that’s available.”
Sean Donachie, interim head of care and education at Corseford School, said assistive technology has opened up a whole new world of learning for our young people.
He said: “It’s great to see such progress in all of our youngsters and we’re very proud of Aspen leading the way in the technology field.”
Corseford School supports children and young people aged five to 18 with complex health, education, movement and communication needs to achieve their potential.
Capability provides education, employment and care services for disabled children and adults across Scotland.
Aspen is making real progress thanks to amazing assistive technology Tony Green ICT technician