Microlink PC - Independence Through Assistive Technology

Background Information

Microlink PC UK Ltd was established 17 years ago on a mission statement to help disabled people acquire' independence through assistive technology'. Since then it has grown to become the country's largest independent supplier of assistive technology (a far reaching term to describe any technology which removes a barrier to a person with a disability reaching their life potential). As well as becoming the distribution hub of a fast growing network of national offices across England, Wales & Scotland, the Chandlers Ford head quarters is a centre for research and development that also houses Europe's largest telephone based technical support team for disabled people.

Microlink PC serves disabled people in 4 key sectors; Universities, Schools, Charities and Employment. In each sector it has become recognised as a one stop shop providing specialist information; custom built computers; ergonomic equipment and bespoke solutions; technology for visually impaired people; and highly specialised support.

Nationwide supplier with local support

With regional offices around the UK, we provide local support as well as giving the security of being one of the oldest and largest suppliers in the country.

University Sector

The University sector has been the engine house of technological development in assistive technology for the last 17 years. When a disabled students enters University they are entitled to a Needs assessment which looks at how technology can help put them back on a level footing with their peers.

Microlink PC currently supports approximately 50,000 disabled students in UK Universities. In the vast majority of cases the company has supplied this student with a custom built computer and software designed to enable them to overcome any barriers to learning caused by their disability.

Schools Sector

Success in the University sector has given rise to an expansion into mainstream education in the last 2 years. The focus of Microlink PC's work in this sector has been to provide solutions for teachers and students in mainstream schools.

Thanks to our involvement in the No to Failure programme, aimed at enriching the education experience of disengaged students in mainstream education, approx 100,000 students will benefit from assistive technology in the classroom this year. These students have significant data literacy problems caused by dyslexia, learning in their non native tongue or other specific learning difficulty. Training on the use of technology to support students with learning difficulties will have been delivered to staff in approximately 300 schools.

The Government is evaluating the project with view to defining new standards in mainstream education. The technology component of the programme and the staff training is being provided exclusively by Microlink PC who are considered market leaders in integrating assistive technology with modern teaching techniques.

"It is the strong view of The British Dyslexia Association that technology can play a crucial role in releasing people from the straight jacket of dyslexia and enabling them to fly"

Judy Stewart, Chief Executive, The British Dyslexia Association

Charities

Operating in the disability sector inevitably means that Microlink PC works closely with several national charities. Microlink PC has become the corporate partner for the British Dyslexia Association, managing their online shop; organising their international conference programme and providing essential training for their staff. Microlink PC is also a significant benefactor to the Royal National College for Visually Impaired students and a core partner for the Adult Dyslexia Association. We believe wholly that by enabling these charities to become self sufficient they can continue to develop into sustainable entities contributing to greater understanding of disabilities in all sectors of UK society.

Employment Sector

In addition to the raft of compliance legislation which supports disabled people in the workplace, there is a growing awareness that providing people with the right technological solutions can be a very effective productivity driver. Microlink PC has been uniquely poised to bring expertise to bear in this rapidly growing sector and was recently invited to become a Gold Member of the Employers Forum on Disability (the only member from outside the FTSE 500 group) and is leading the national taskforce on Assistive Technology in Employment. We provide work based assessments; training and consultancy to some of the largest companies in the UK as well as local authorities and the public sector.

So what is Assistive Technology?

"Any technology which either removes a barrier to learning or helps a pupil engage with their studies"

Dr Nasser Siabi, MD, Microlink PC

International Profile

As well as a managing a growing network of dealerships across Europe, Microlink PC has been approached by universities and Government departments across the EMEA region and also South Africa. We have recently opened an office in Cape Town to support an ongoing project to provide literacy solutions to students in the Western Cape and also the merging disability support programme in South African universities.