www.try-it.ie is an on-line library of electronic assistive technology (EAT) – the first resource of its kind in Ireland. This multi-agency and non-disability specific initiative came into operation in July 2008. Since then staff and service users of member agencies throughout the country have benefitted from trials of a wide range of up-to-date EAT equipment, improving assessment outcomes and enhancing service efficiency.
Five agencies in the disability sector lead by The National Rehabilitation Hospital and including Enable Ireland’s National Assistive Technology Training Service and the National Council of the Blind of Ireland, came together to establish www.try‑it.ie fuelled by the knowledge that:
• Electronic Assistive Technology (EAT) can be a powerful tool for independence. Significant enhancements to independence and quality of life can be achieved for disabled individuals through appropriate use of EAT. Trialling of EAT devices prior to purchase results in more successful device selection and more cost-effective use of funds; and
• Existing services provided by multiple agencies can achieve greater efficiency by sharing resources and collectively benefiting from a cost-effective and accessible EAT library.
This resource was recently evaluated. Key indicators of the impact of www.try-it.ie include:
¨ 100% of respondents stated the resource allowed them to offer an enhanced service;
¨ 98.2% of respondents considered that www.try.it.ie made it easier for them to source EAT devices on a trial basis for their clients;
¨ 89.5% of respondents stated www.try.it.ie had enhanced their professional knowledge base;
¨ 98.2% of www.try-it.ie users expect to use the resource again;
¨ Case studies reveal that professionals and service users recognise the importance of trialling the device in everyday surroundings;
¨ Significant financial savings have already been recorded as a result of the trial facility and more can be expected as economies of scale grow and greater numbers of organisations participate.