Things seem to have gone back to normal … clear roads, lots of work and memories of the Fringe Event and BATA launch party!


Special Needs Fringe Event 2010
We had a great time at the Special Needs Fringe event, meeting customers and suppliers - all on the look out for the next big thing in the world of Assistive Technology! The new Home Access programme Assistive Technology Package was causing quite a stir among everyone!

BATA Launch Party
We also celebrated the launch of British Assistive Technology Association with plenty of bubbly! Several of the Keytools team enjoyed meeting the other members of BATA, discussing the future of assistive technology and how we can promote the interests of those needing AT.

Keytools, a founder member of BATA, will provide expert knowledge and guidance to authorities and agencies involved in computer access.

Yes – we will ensure assistive technology has a voice.

The Keytools Workshop is off to a great start - advancing all your assessor and occupational health skills for the year ahead!

Treat yourself to some refreshing new skills, broaden your knowledge and be inspired.

This Workshop is designed especially for Occupational Therapists, Health and Safety Advisors, Disability Officers and anyone who helps people use computers.

Be inspired

• Be the first to know what's new in assistive in ergonomic IT


• Touch, feel and use innovative technology


• Discover new ways to help the people you care for

Put it in your diary

• Wednesday 24th February – (London)


• Tuesday 23rd March


• Wednesday 21st April – (London)


• Tuesday 27th April

Highly recommended

The Association of Occupation Health Nurse Practitioners (UK) is a fond advocate of Keytools Assistive Technology and Ergonomics Workshop. They recommend this course to occupational health nurse practitioners.

Find out more about this course and gaining a certificate of attendance which contributes to CPD programmes – click here.

Your first step
Take a look at our website and decide which date is best for you. You can book online or call us on 023 8029 4500 for more information.

P.S Buddy up - The cost of the full day workshop is just £129. Book yourself and colleagues onto the workshop and receive £30 off per person!

Following guidelines from the Department of Health (HTM 01-05) addressing infection control within dental practices, Keytools can offer a range of solutions to keep dentists’ computer equipment clean.

Tackling infection control
Computer keyboards add to the spread of germs, and are a source of bacteria which is often ignored.

A standard keyboard takes time and effort to keep clean. The Health Technical Memorandum, (HTM 01-05) issued in April 2009, advises dentists to replace conventional keyboards with "easy clean" keyboards.

The hygienic answer for your computers
For 20 years Keytools has offered a huge range of keyboards, mice and software to make IT easier for everyone.

Keytools offer dental practices a range of infection control solutions including easy clean keyboards, fully washable keyboards and budget friendly protective covers.

Buy yours
Please visit the product page here or call us on 023 8029 4509.

Keytools at The Special Needs Fringe 2010

The Keytools team is at the Special Needs Fringe 2010 this week, next to the BETT Exhibition.

It's the 10th Anniversary of the Fringe and it seems even the snow hasn't stopped you from getting here.

We're here all week so make sure you come and see us on stand S28. We'll let you touch and test fantastic products like the BigKeys Keyboard. You can talk to the experts and get some great advice on learning support software and assistive mice.

See you there!

Tim, Val, Jonathan, Becky and John

P.S. Why not Download a map to The Special Needs Fringe? (502KB)

With Britain in the grip of such wintry weather, many firms are allowing staff to work from home rather than risk a dangerous commute.

But employers should be reminded that they need to ensure that employers’ computer workstations aren’t causing health problems. The HSE have issued guidelines on homeworking and state:

"When working with computers it is
important for homeworkers to adjust
their work station to a comfortable
position"

With so many staff using laptops, it should be highlighted that laptops offer the most un-ergonomic computer configurations possible. Heavy use of laptops is likely to produce RSI symptoms with related posture problems. In the Netherlands, the law states that laptop use should be limited to just 2 hours a day!

It is essential for home-based laptop users to acquire a basic set of ergonomic accessories:

Laptop Stand – ensures that the screen is at the correct height.

External keyboard – allowing safe and comfortable typing.

External mice – helping create the perfect ergonomic workstation

Complete Mobile Office solution - allowing you to obtain the correct posture when working on your laptop.

To discuss your ergonomic needs, give us a call on 023 8029 4500.

It's snow bother!

RSI can affect even the most rockin’ bands in our time!

Guitarist Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath had treatment for repetitive strain injury (RSI) “to save the hand that inspired a generation” (Times Online, 2009).

More than 40 years of working a plectrum, Iommi told BBC Radio 2 “The cartilage [was worn out between] the joints, and the joints [were] rubbing on the joints. It was bone to bone and it was getting a bit painful.”

Iommi turned to Stem cell treatment, which can help to regenerate cartilage growth. The rock star said he was “feeling great” after 6 weeks. (BBC News, 2009).

The number of rockers suffering from musculoskeletal disorders that affect the hand, arms and wrist is likely to increase, with many already taking physiotherapy. Overexertion and the way the instruments are held (albeit look and sound cool) is putting pressure on the shoulder and upper arms, resulting in injuries to the fingers.

Our RSI expert Paul Goddard, has a bit of rock and roll in his blood has commented; “Repetitive strain injury is a minefield whatever your profession. The key is prevention - find the equipment designed to fit your natural position, ensure you take sufficient breaks and listen to your body when it’s telling you to take it easy.”

Rockers who have suffered from RSI
Status Quo – Francis Rossi
The Who – Pete Townsend
Guns and Roses - Slash

BBC News
Times Online
NME