VIDEO: AT Superstore partnership with The Brain Charity provides access assistive tech
AT Superstore has partnered with Liverpool-based The Brain Charity to help people with neurological conditions access assistive technology that makes education and employment more accessible.
Their first initiative has supported Chris Hawkins, a 29-year-old Liverpool resident, who is currently studying for a civil service course while managing multiple health challenges, including impaired vision, ADHD, and ongoing cancer treatment.
The £1,000 assistive technology bundle, provided by AT Superstore, includes specialist software and devices to help him better engage with his studies, hobbies, and future career opportunities.
Chris is one of many people who could benefit from assistive technology, but the cost and lack of awareness often mean individuals do not have access to the tools that could make a difference, says AT Superstore.
This collaboration between AT Superstore and The Brain Charity aims to change that.
Many people with neurological conditions experience difficulties with reading, writing, organisation, and concentration, which can make education and employment more challenging, says The Brain Charity. However, assistive technology, including screen readers, magnification software, and specialist keyboards, can help people work more independently and efficiently.
Chris explained how assistive technology helps him: “So I got involved with a brain charity about six months after arriving in Liverpool.
“I had been through some treatment for some long term health issues I was born with congenital cataracts, something that seems to just be on the male side of the family. It led me to have several surgeries when I was very young to correct it but, unfortunately, my left eye never fully learned to work, so I ended up retinal blindness.
“Assisted tech has built my confidence, particularly with painting. Once I started using the combination of strong magnifiers and light, I was able to realise that I hadn’t plateaued. I was worried because I’ve actively tried to become like a competitive painter. It’s something I have a lot of passion for, and it was very frustrating to feel like I wasn’t making any improvements.
“But once I actually found a good set up with lighting, with magnifiers that I realised I am actually a lot better than what I saw. I just physically couldn’t see what I was doing at that point.
“I enter competitions fairly frequently. I entered Golden Demon in 2023, and I wouldn’t have done that before because I didn’t think I was good enough. But once I started to use the technology to actually be able to see, I found I was much better at painting.”
The Brain Charity, which supports people with over 600 neurological conditions, says it has seen first-hand how the right tools can break down barriers and improve access to work and education.
Pippa Sargent, CEO of The Brain Charity, commented: “We are really excited to begin this partnership with AT Superstore to highlight the real benefits of assistive technology. So many people could benefit from these tools, but they don’t always know what’s available or how to access it.
“This collaboration will help to raise awareness and provide practical solutions to support people’s independence and aspirations.”
For many people with neurological conditions, finding and maintaining employment can be a challenge. The Brain Charity’s employment team works with individuals like Chris to help them access the right training, support, and workplace adjustments to succeed in their chosen careers.
Matt Dean, CEO of AT Superstore, emphasised the importance of making assistive technology more accessible: “Chris’ determination to build his career despite the challenges he faces is inspiring.
“Assistive technology is not just about convenience – it’s about giving people the tools they need to fully participate in work and education. We’re delighted to work with The Brain Charity to make these solutions more widely available.”
The collaboration between AT Superstore and The Brain Charity is just the beginning of a wider effort to increase awareness and accessibility of assistive technology. The two organisations plan to continue working together to help more people access the tools they need to thrive.
Watch the video showcasing the partnership and the impact of assistive technology here:
