Grid Technology Helps Harrogate Pupils Communicate

Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate has received a £2,000 donation from housebuilder Redrow to purchase ‘life-changing’ technology.

Henshaws Specialist College supports young people aged 18 to 25 who live with a disability; offering education and learning to prepare students for employment, making friends or learning to live more independently.

The college has been seeking sponsorship to help its students even further, offering Grid Technology to non-verbal students or those who have limited communication.

It is designed for anyone with complex communication or access needs and includes a wide range of resources that can be controlled with touch, switch, eye gaze and pointing devices.

“The introduction of this technology and software will completely change the lives of our students,” said Gemma Young, fundraising development officer.

“This donation from Redrow will help fund 20 licenses, allowing students with complex communication and access needs full-time access to Grid Technology to carry out the everyday interactions we take for granted.

“Giving our students the ability to communicate in this way will break down barriers and build futures that would otherwise be unimaginable for them.”

Steve Jackson, sales director at Redrow Yorkshire, said: “Henshaws Specialist College offers a much-needed service to the community in Harrogate, so we are pleased to offer our financial support to such a worthy cause.

“I know this new Grid Technology is going to make a huge difference to the pupils at the college.”