Assistive technology supports children and young people to reach their full potential

Meet Liz, an Occupational Therapist (OT) at Sheffield Children’s, who is advancing healthcare for children and young people through collaboration and improving access to innovative technologies.   

For over 10 years, Liz has supported children in both special and mainstream schools. Now part of the community therapy team, she noticed that some children with physical disabilities were struggling to reach their full potential in mainstream school.  

Inspired to help change this, Liz has spent the past two years working with NHS South Yorkshire, Barnsley Assistive Technology Service and Sheffield City Council to secure long-term funding for a new service. This powerful collaboration led to the launch of the service earlier this year, and it is continuing to be delivered in partnership to support children and families. 

The service provides children across Sheffield Children’s with the chance to discover, test, and use assistive technologies which is helping to improve access to education and support greater independence.  

Reflecting on her motivation to lead this work, Liz said:   

“Technology is hugely important for children and young people with physical disabilities as it helps them to thrive without relying on adults for support. If children can experience tech in their education from a young age, they can build independence and confidence which helps them through into adulthood.”

Looking ahead, with Sheffield Children’s upcoming National Centre for Child Health Technology opening in 2026, Liz hopes to build on the success of this collaboration even further. She hopes to work in partnership with industry leaders to develop the service and shape the future of child health innovation.