What’s it all about?

Possum is about making simple things possible.

We give control and independence to disabled and elderly people who may be totally dependent on others to do everyday tasks. Tasks you or I take for granted. Like answering the door, drawing the curtains, making a phone call, switching on the lights, or just turning on the TV.

Gaining the capacity to do these things has a massively liberating, inspiring, exciting and transformational impact on individual lives. View people's personal accounts, and see for yourself.

For nearly 50 years, devising such life-changing solutions for disabled people has been Possum's driving passion and purpose. We do it by designing, installing, and training people to use "Electronic Assistive Technology" (EAT).

"Electronic Assistive Technology" (EAT) is a cumbersome term, covering a range of technology with different applications including Communication Aids, LifeSkills learning suites in schools and Telecare. But a significant part of EAT is about linking home appliances and specialist electrical products to a single personal electronic controller.

So say you need to draw the curtains: a button activates an infra-red signal which triggers a specially designed motor to pull the curtain across the rail. Simple requirements, clever technology, easy outcomes. That's what EAT is all about.

Our electronics design expertise is also applied to communication, learning and monitoring systems. We've developed voice synthesisers, learning suites for schools, and a range of link systems which connect carers to clients 24 hours a day.

We provide technology to individual users and carers, and we provide a full project management service for the installation of complex systems in large new builds or refurbishments, in consultation with architects, housing authorities, housing associations, charities and private companies.

Where is it appropriate to employ EAT technology? Residential homes, hospitals and hospices, special schools, private dwellings: in short, anywhere where there's a need for technology to make disabled and elderly people's everyday living easier and more rewarding.

In Latin, "possum" means "I can". And that's what we're about. Ensuring that when it comes to carrying out everyday tasks and connecting with the wider world, disabled and elderly people can say "I can".