Issue 04—MAY 2016

Newsletter Theme: TaCT Events

als working in different AT sectors and with different age groups may not know what is available for other sectors / age Researchers from the Universities of Sheffield and Southampgroups, confirming that individuals transitioning between serton held a workshop on Barriers to Assistive Technology Use on vices could face disruption; and, a reiteration of the im25th April 2016. The workshop brought together representaportance of AT-related training and frameworks. tives from health and social care, education and industry to discuss the provision of Assistive Technology (AT) across different sectors (and disciplines). These sectors do not normally work closely with each other, although they might refer individuals to other AT services depending on the individual’s needs. Attendees completed case studies showing how their particular AT service could help people with certain conditions and circumstances to live a full life. We later debated current barriers to AT provision and use, and how these might be overcome. The workshop took place in Sheffield and was based mainly on AT provision in the local area. The main findings were: that the definition of AT may not need to be refined for people operating provision / support services; that profession-

Workshop on Barriers to Assistive Technology Use

Stroke research Showcase Event Dr Rebecca Palmer and Madeleine Harrison, based in the Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Group at the University of Sheffield, have been collaborating with stroke survivors on research projects since 2009. During the South Yorkshire CLAHRC they established a database of people who are interested in being involved in research both through collaboration in the design and conduct of research projects and as participants in future research. We are looking to extend this database by generating more interest from stroke survivors and those interested in other conditions so that we can draw on a variety of expertise to help us develop our research ideas in the future. We are holding an event in June 2016 to showcase the research activities that these stroke survivors and carers have been involved in at the University of Sheffield over the last few years. The event is being funded by CLAHRC Yorkshire and Humber. This will be an opportunity for stroke survivors and carers to find out about the research going on and how they can get involved. We have visited a number of community stroke groups in Sheffield to generate interest in this event.

AAATE Conference 2017—Sheffield

tive technologies in Europe and beyond.

The 2017 Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) conference will take place from 11– 15 September 2017, with up to two days of pre-conference events at venues in Sheffield.

Individuals, researchers, businesses and organisations wishing to propose a focus on a specific topic should contact: [email protected]

The 2017 conference will address the global challenge of meeting the needs of the increasing number of people who could benefit from Assistive Technology – after asking the question: How can we design and implement accessible, usable assistive technology and associated services to achieve sustainable independence? The conference will add to its usual breadth a focus on the translational research agenda. The programme will include contributions in topical subjects such as: the GATE initiative; Society, Policies and Assistive Technology; dementia; and the successful implementation of Assistive Technology services. In addition, the event will offer opportunities for sharing and networking with the aim to harness advances in the understanding of people, technology and services, to advance assis-

ADHD Clinicians, Researchers, parents and school deliberate self-harm. The research team are exploring the potential to screen children and staff work together young people who present at the Accident and The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Tracking ADHD Cohort – Sheffield (TrACS) team invited members of the public who work or live with young people living with ADHD to an event on Thursday 7th April 2016 to discuss a number of projects being developed in Sheffield. This included a project that uses a computer task to measure attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in those living with ADHD. The task, known as the “Qb Test” produces simple to interpret graphs showing the individual the severity of their symptoms. The guests believed that it would be a great way to show their sons/daughters that their ADHD medication does work if they could see their Qb Test results before and after taking their ADHD medication. They suggested this would be particularly useful for the young people who don’t always choose to take their medication. The guests provided useful feedback on the ADHD Service redesign in Sheffield which will amalgamate the Neurodisability and CAMHS services for assessing and treating ADHD. The consultants present were keen to gain their perspectives as those who have accessed the service in the past. Useful feedback was also provided on a more sensitive topic of

Emergency Department (A&E) with cases of deliberate self-harm, for ADHD. Our guests were extremely helpful in providing insight that potential participants in such a project could be feeling, what they may be going through and what the most appropriate way would be to approach these people. On behalf of the team we would like to thank our guests for their insights and hope to welcome them to other events in the future.

Contact us: Dr Jack Parker [email protected]

(Theme

Manager):

Blog: http://scharr-rat.blogspot.co.uk/ TaCT website: http://clahrc-yh.nihr.ac.uk/our-themes/ telehealth-and-care-technologies