Uploaded July 2011 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Claire, who has cerebral palsy, is studying physics at Imperial College. She uses a ruggedized tablet computer that she accesses with a joystick and switch. The computer contains a dongle which enables her to send and receive text messages -- essential for coordinating a busy student social life! Although she often relies upon her own speech, she uses synthesised speech as a backup, or when she is giving talks or presentations. Claire requires powerful customised onscreen grids to enable her to produce the complex calculations required for her studies. During tutorials, Claire's Study Assistant writes notes onto a DigiMemo that can be shared amongst other students. Interestingly, Claire's Tutor finds that the students engage much more with Claire's assistive technology than with the conventional whiteboard that they had all found a bit daunting! Claire has been a high flyer throughout her academic career and has aspirations to pursue a PhD. She also uses her technology to manage her busy social life!
In this short film Claire talks eloquently about her assistive technology and what it has enabled her to achieve. We also hear from Claire's Study Assistant and Tutor about her experiences at university. David, a teacher from the ACE Centre in Oxford also contributes to the story as the ACE Centre has been assisting Claire since she was four.
The production of this video was financially supported by the UK Department for Education.
Claire, who has cerebral palsy, is studying physics at Imperial College. She uses a ruggedized tablet computer that she accesses with a joystick and switch. The computer contains a dongle which enables her to send and receive text messages -- essential for coordinating a busy student social life! Although she often relies upon her own speech, she uses synthesised speech as a backup, or when she is giving talks or presentations. Claire requires powerful customised onscreen grids to enable her to produce the complex calculations required for her studies. During tutorials, Claire's Study Assistant writes notes onto a DigiMemo that can be shared amongst other students. Interestingly, Claire's Tutor finds that the students engage much more with Claire's assistive technology than with the conventional whiteboard that they had all found a bit daunting! Claire has been a high flyer throughout her academic career and has aspirations to pursue a PhD. She also uses her technology to manage her busy social life!
In this short film Claire talks eloquently about her assistive technology and what it has enabled her to achieve. We also hear from Claire's Study Assistant and Tutor about her experiences at university. David, a teacher from the ACE Centre in Oxford also contributes to the story as the ACE Centre has been assisting Claire since she was four.
The production of this video was financially supported by the UK Department for Education.
