Below is a small sample of some of the hundreds of successful technical solutions TADQ's technical Volunteers provide each year.

Giving control over music

Volunteer Fred Nott modified a CD player for young student Tamesia, giving her full control over when she chose to start and stop her music. Before having her modified CD player, Tamesia was forced to rely on others to start and stop her CDs for her.

The Occupational Therapist at Tamesia’s school reported that the CD player has made a ‘profound difference’ to Tamesia, giving her a sense of control and a greater desire to participate in school activities.

Voice-activated computer improves communication

TADQ were approached to see if anything could be done to help Ken communicate with others. Ken has a form of muscular dystrophy that gives him very limited movement.

With a voice-activated computer package provided through TADQ, Ken is now able to communicate effectively.

After 10 years of living in hospital accommodation, at age 42, Ken will soon be able to communicate with the wider world in an independent living situation.

Computer-based solutions like Ken’s are not cheap. TADQ’s Computer Sales and Service team set up the computer for Ken, in collaboration with Thiess Services (who funded the computer package) and with VisETrain (who trailed the system and provided training for Ken).

When asked what sort of impact having a computer had made to his life in the past 7 months, Ken happily replied, “It’s made a huge change. I don’t have enough time every day to do everything! (on the computer)”. Ken last used a computer 10 years ago, and is relishing this new way to communicate. He hopes to have email access installed in his new home and looks forward to playing online chess.

Media release about Ken Broad, a 2004 Thiess Services Corporate Recipient

After 10 years in hospital, independent living is very close.

Ken Broad has spent 10 years living in hospital accommodation at The Prince Charles Hospital. At 42, Ken is the oldest man in Australia living with his form of muscular dystrophy.

In July 2005, Ken will move into independent accommodation. His ability to communicate with the outside world has been greatly improved with a little help from Technical Aid to the Disabled Qld Inc (TADQ), Thiess Services, and computer trainers VisETrain.

Early in 2004, Thiess Services made TADQ a Corporate Recipient with a generous donation of $10,000. This enabled TADQ to co-ordinate and supply three clients with precisely the items they required to improve their quality of life. Without this donation, TADQ would have been unable to help due to high costs for these particular items.

A voice-activated computer package with the program ‘Dragon, Naturally Speaking’ was recommended for Ken.

Ken received the program and training from VisETrain, a Brisbane-based company specialising in training people with vision impairments. VisETrain is run by Liz Smith and Lyn Eagers, who are themselves visually impaired.