Innovative Centre promotes inclusive society

Now that three-year research project, supported by the GE Fund, the charitable foundation of General Electric, has come to a conclusion, Western is handing over responsibility for continuation of CAT to the London Public Library at a ceremony Friday.

"We've accomplished what we set out to do," says Colin Laine, retired Director of CAT and the Centre for Inclusive Education at the Faculty of Education. "The London Public Library now feels it can take on these programs and run with them."

CAT, located in the main library at Galleria, provides assistive technology such as computers, specialized software and devices, that assist children and adults with communicative or cognitive disabilities. Individuals have the opportunity to make full use of the resources for information, seeking education, employment and improved quality of life.

This is the only publicly located centre of its kind in North America.

"Having the centre located in the London Public Library provides easier access to the centre and offers a less intimidating atmosphere for those seeking help," says Laine.

Grace Howell, Manager of CAT, says the centre has also provided opportunities for graduate students in Education and Library Information Science and researchers to work with individuals in the use of assistive technologies to better their quality of life.

"With assistive technology, we have learned there is no limit to what potential can get unlocked in people with communicative or cognitive disabilities," says Howell.

Some of assistive technologies available at CAT are:

*Screen readers that give individuals full access to print on the computer;

*Voice recognition technology that allows an individual to dictate to a computer what they want typed;

*Dyslexic spell check for those with language difficulties;

*Word prediction program to enhance the writing process;

*Organization tools used to help organize ideas for writing.

The London Lions Club has funded talking books at the centre to assist reading skills in these individuals.

"It's been a real community effort and partnership between Western and the London Public Library," says Howell. "The centre opens learning doors to many members of our community and we wish the library well in continuing to serve the community needs."