TELUS is empowering people with disabilities with customized technology and connectivity
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 23, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Millions of Canadians are living with at least one disability, 80 per cent of whom require an aid or assistive device. As part of its commitment to bridging digital divides and helping ensure the digital space is inclusive for all Canadians, TELUS has partnered with Neil Squire Society to launch the TELUS Assistive Tech for Goodtm program. Currently available in British Columbia and Alberta, this program is designed to help people with disabilities who require a customized solution involving assistive technology to independently access their TELUS smartphone or tablet so they can stay connected to the people, information and opportunities that matter most.
"At TELUS, we understand that technology is the great equalizer, but only if we all have access to it equally," said Darren Entwistle, TELUS' President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our portfolio of Connecting for Good initiatives are providing TELUS-subsidized access to the technologies that underpin the success of so many Canadians at risk of being left behind in our increasingly digital society. Through TELUS Assistive Technology for Good, and in collaboration with the Neil Squire Society, we are pleased to be able to empower Canadians of all abilities to participate fully in our digital world. By offering assistance in selecting the most effective customized TELUS solution, compatible assistive technology, training and support, citizens with disabilities can enjoy the same digital resources, social connections, entertainment and information as their peers."
Assistive Tech for Good provides Canadians with disabilities specialized support in selecting the right assistive technology based on their diverse needs, such as LipSync, a mouth controlled input device which enables people with little or no hand movement to operate a touchscreen device. In addition, the program assists customers with selecting a compatible smartphone or tablet as well as free set-up and training needed to independently control their mobile device.
"We are grateful to TELUS for their ongoing support, the partnership we have created and the journey we have embarked on in an effort to create an inclusive digital space," said Gary Birch, Executive Director of Neil Squire. "We want to knock down the physical barriers to the digital world Canadians with disabilities face on a daily basis. This program opens the door up to digital accessibility; the same accessibility as every other Canadian. It is truly life-changing."
Assistive Tech for Good is part of TELUS' broader commitment to leveraging its technology to ensure vulnerable, remote and underserved populations are connected to the people, information and opportunities that matter most in our increasingly digital society, including:
- Internet for Good, which offers 50,000 low-income families access to low-cost, high-speed Internet and a computer, as well as training and tools to participate safely in our digital world.
- Mobility for Good, enables 15,000 youth aging out of foster care to gain their independence while staying connected with a fully subsidized cell phone and data plan.
- Health for Good, brings necessary medical care, including electronic health records, to vulnerable people on the streets through mobile health clinics and has generated 12,000 patient visits since its inception in 2014.
For more information on TELUS Assistive Tech for Good, visit telus.com/assistivetech.
About Neil Squire Society
"We use Technology, Knowledge, and Passion to Empower Canadians with Disabilities". The Neil Squire Society is a national not-for-profit organization that empowers Canadians with disabilities through the use of computer-based assistive technologies, research and development, and various employment programs. The Society has served over 40,000 people since 1984.
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is one of Canada's largest telecommunications companies, with $14.4 billion of annual revenue and 13.4 million subscriber connections, including 9.2 million wireless subscribers, 1.9 million high-speed Internet subscribers, 1.2 million residential network access lines and 1.1 million TELUS TV customers. TELUS provides a wide range of communications products and services, including wireless, data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, television, entertainment, video and home and business security. TELUS is also Canada's largest healthcare IT provider, and TELUS International delivers business process solutions around the globe.
In support of our philosophy to give where we live, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed over $650 million to charitable and not-for-profit organizations and volunteered more than 1.21 million days of service to local communities since 2000. Created in 2005 by President and CEO Darren Entwistle, TELUS' 13 Canadian community boards and five International boards have led the Company's support of grassroots charities and have contributed $72 million in support of 7,000 local charitable projects, enriching the lives of more than 2 million children and youth, annually. TELUS was honoured to be named the most outstanding philanthropic corporation globally for 2010 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, becoming the first Canadian company to receive this prestigious international recognition.
For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com.
For media inquiries:
Suzanne Wiens
Neil Squire Society
604-473-9363
[email protected]
@NeilSquireSoc
Donna Ramirez
TELUS Public Relations
[email protected]
416-220-8245
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