Innovative Practice 2019 on Independent Living and Political Participation
Learn, try, and test assistive technology
| Name of Innovative Practice: | Tech Able |
|---|---|
| Organisation: | SG Enable |
| Country of Implementation | Singapore |
PROBLEMS TARGETED
There is a lack of awareness about assistive technology among persons with disabilities, their caregivers, and various stakeholders who work with them, such as therapists and educators.
SOLUTION, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT
Tech Able is a centre providing assistive device assessment services, showcasing innovations, and offering training. Visitors can experience AT related to their home and work, and they can receive support to help them make informed decisions about what best addresses their individual needs. Moreover, persons with disabilities can attend various trainings and learn about computers that are equipped with assistive peripheral technologies, such as refreshable Braille displays and assistive listening devices. Tech Able also recommends suitable projects to the Tote Board Enabling Lives Initiative grant (a local grant that supports local innovations) administered by SG Enable, for further development.
Tech Able cooperates with government agencies to encourage them to integrate the use of AT in public services, thereby improving accessibility for persons with disabilities. In 2017, Tech Able had more than 8,000 visitors and trained some 300 persons with various disabilities.
FUNDING, OUTLOOK AND TRANSFERABILITY
Tech Able is funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Infocomm Media Development Authority, a government entity, as well as through private donors. The centre does not generate revenue.
A team of four SG Enable staff members and nine therapists work in the Tech Able showroom. Tech Able plans to grow organically by increasing its outreach to the disability community and by intensifying collaboration with relevant stakeholders. It also actively supports local innovators through mentorship and recommends relevant funding support, where possible, to boost the development of new local assistive technology like the Tote Board Enabling Lives Initiative grant.
Tech Able believes that the model can be replicated in other countries, but there have been no concrete inquiries to date.
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