Access Technology Group
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It seems like a long time since the days when micro-computers were a novelty in Malta. People (predominantly males between the age of 10 and 30) used to buy cryptic magazines, with pages chck full of program code, to key in, with the hope of creating a game of sorts. Hours if not days later you would still be looking up the all-too-common spelling mistake which prevented the thing from running. Back then computer clubs were fashionable. We did not have the Internet and people used to group up mostly by locality. You would be able to share experiences, learn from one another, loan resources, like magazines, software etc. With the advance of the Internet, feature rich magazines and a multitude of computer shops, personal computing has become a more individualistic and personal thing. No one has the time to share his knowledge and collaborate. The services are there, but they have been heavily commercialised. This has its advantages, prices have fallen and popular technology products are more easily available. Problems arise, when your needs differ from the predominant standards. In these areas, information is lacking and products are hard to get or come at a premium. Prime examples are assistive technology and special education needs. I believe there is still scope for computer clubs within a niche market, concerned with the requirements of persons with disability. The market is not sufficiently profitable and proper expertise is lacking. The great number of NGOs working in this field is living proof of this. As you will discern, I decided to actually do something about it, and devoted a part of this web space to this activity. This is a web based group, for persons with an interest in assistive technology solutions and their effective use in improving the quality of life of persons with disability. Through the Access Technology Group (ATG), people who become members, can share ideas, learn about new products and also get to try/borrow software and hardware resources before actually buying them. We also rate and evaluate software, thus adding value to the software procurement services provided to members. Together with others who share the same goals, we provide diagnosis and repair services, and also loan and sell specialised hardware and software to members residing in Malta and Gozo. Membership is free. Simply forward us your email, and we will keep you posted about the latest information and news. You only pay for services you actually make use of. Below are links to the services presently provided by the ATG. |
