We rely on technology for so many things - keeping in touch with family and friends, shopping for bargains on Cyber Monday, online banking to name a few - and probably take it for granted that we can access the world via a phone, tablet or laptop. But what would you do if you weren't able to type a request into a search bar? This is the reality for many people who are paralysed by spinal cord injuries (SCIs). High level SCIs can restrict the use of your arms and hands, and often standard equipment is difficult to use. Aspire's Assistive Technology service provides a range of devices and software packages that enable anyone, regardless of their level of injury, to use a computer independently. This equipment is available in specialist Spinal Injury Centres with staff working one to one with patients and helping them make the most of the technology available.

This Christmas, Aspire is fundraising for equipment to enable more people like Dennis to get online.

"I was paralysed by a spinal cord injury when I fell down the stairs. I was taken to the Princess Royal Spinal Cord Injuries Centre at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield where I have been ever since. When I was first told I had a spinal cord injury I felt angry and dismayed and my friends and family were devastated.

I heard about Aspire from Gaye, one of their Assistive Technologists, who came to see me on the ward. I am 68 and before my injury I wasn't using any technology at all, I only had a push button phone and was a bit of a technophobe!

I have restricted head, shoulder and elbow movement but Gaye showed me how to use an iPhone and iPad using Siri and voice control. Being able to use these has improved my life no end and given me a new sense of purpose. If I hadn't been shown how to use these, I would have been extremely bored over the last few months! I'm able to use WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger for video calling my family, which was invaluable during times they weren't able to visit due to Covid restrictions. Being able to search the internet has meant I can keep up with some of my hobbies, such as horse racing, and I use the Libby app to read books online from the library."

Give the gift of technology this Christmas and help Aspire to help families connect at this special time of year.

Thank you for your support!