Each year we’re surprised and impressed by the innovation shown by our entrees, but nothing could have prepared us for the winner of the IT Volunteer of the Year Award 2015.
With a shopping list of spaghetti hoops, custard and jelly moulds you might think Rachael Moat is organising a birthday party. But in fact she’s using her skills as a musician, educator and tech enthusiast to build customised tech that helps children who have severe learning difficulties meet their learning potential.
Rachael tells us how winning the Award has led to incredible opportunities, allowing her to bring her engaging skills to more children in the UK:
“I’m extremely fortunate to have been offered a place on the Arts+Tech accelerator at MadLab, an incredible scheme designed for artists working with digital technology, who want to use their skills for social good.
“Over the next four months I’ll be focusing on improving my existing prototypes and developing further musical objects to help children with complex learning difficulties improve fundamental skills, like getting dressed. There are so many possibilities – I’m starting with musical zips! I’m also one of the Musicians in Residence at Seashell Trust.
“I’d like to thank everybody involved in AbilityNet’s Tech4Good Awards for the part they played in making this possible. If you’re considering entering this year – go for it! The opportunities that winning created for me have been incredible. Who knows what will happen for you?”
To find out more about her fantastic work, visit Rachael Moat’s website.
Entry for AbilityNet’s Tech4Good Awards 2016 opens on 15th March – sign up to our newsletter to find out how you can enter, or how you can nominate someone else.
