BURNABY, British Columbia, June 27, 2012 – The Rick Hansen Institute (new window) has provided the Neil Squire Society (new window) with a grant in the amount of $112,000. These funds will help the Society deliver the Computer Comfort Program to adults with physical disabilities across British Columbia.
The Computer Comfort Program provides the perfect setting for adults with spinal cord injuries and mobility impairments to access a wide range of advanced assistive technology hardware and software to help them overcome the physical barriers that prevent them from successfully working with a computer. For many, this can be the first stop in gaining confidence to move towards mainstreaming into society and provides a stepping stone to building confidence and motivation to pursue further education. The Computer Comfort Program, offered free of charge, provides one-on-one instruction, recommendations for adaptive equipment, and refurbished equipment to be used in the client’s home.
“We are continually grateful for the support from the Rick Hansen Institute. The ability to offer the Computer Comfort Program allows more people with physical disabilities to have an increased connection and participation with the community through the use of adaptive technology,” says Gary Birch (new window), Executive Director of the Neil Squire Society.
About Neil Squire Society
Neil Squire Society is the only not-for-profit organization in Canada (new window) that for the past 27 years has used technology, knowledge and passion to empower Canadians with physical disabilities. The Society has developed innovative programs and services and some of the world’s leading edge assistive technology for people with physical disabilities. More than 25,000 people with disabilities in Canada have benefited from the work of the Society. With about fifty staff, Neil Squire Society has offices and provides services to Canadian in Vancouver (new window), Regina (new window), Ottawa (new window), Fredericton (new window), and Moncton (new window), as well as to many small communities across Canada via distance education.
For further information, please contact:
Alexi Thomas
Tel: 604-473-9363
E-mail: alexit@neilsquire.ca