Latest News : Lions Roar into Action


The Lions Club of Hereford roared into action when they heard that a local man with cerebral palsy was short of funds to buy a computer and camera that would open up his world.

Richard Hooper, 47 from Hereford has had cerebral palsy since childhood. His brothers found out that a local company in Malvern were working on software interfaces with computers which would enable Richard to override his disability.

Smartbox Assistive Technology Ltd in Malvern supply Eye gaze systems which allow people with severe physical disabilities to access a computer. These high-tech systems have an in-built camera which tracks where your eyes are looking, enabling you to move the mouse pointer around. You can 'click' by blinking, dwelling (staring at the screen for a certain length of time) or using a switch. This is done by the software The Grid 2 which is made by Smartbox's sister company Sensory Software.
The quote for the system was around £5,500.00 and the family had to find top-up money to be able to purchase this equipment.

Welfare Chairman of the Hereford Lions, Mr Mike Hughes said : “Lions knew Richard as over the years we have provided transport for him to visit his family in Wales and Devon.

“Members admire the way he copes with his limitations. He is a nice chap and never asks for anything. When we heard that this computer could open up his world, our members immediately supported the application for help and allocated £1,000 from our funds to help with the purchase.“

Richard’s brothers say that for the first time in his life, Richard is able to override his disability. “The first time he opened up the computer using his eyes, and read ‘Welcome’, he became very emotional. With Skype he can now answer calls from us and see us too. Amongst other features the Grid 2 reads out his messages to him which will help with his reading.

“This technology really is a great breakthrough as disabled people become isolated very quickly”.

Mr Neil Jenkins, who was the President of the Hereford Lions Club last year, took the cheque to Richard and said. “Frankly, seeing Richard in his room and his delight at showing me what he could do with his new computer was the highlight of my presidential year. It is very moving and I am delighted that Lions could help in this way”.
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