Equip2Speak

         The Specialists in Brain Injury

Tel/Fax:  01706 320066  W:   www.equip2speak.co.uk E:  slt / at@equip2speak.co.uk

RÉSUMÉ

Mr David Humberstone

Assistive Technology Consultant & Speech and Language Technical Trainer

PAST EXPERIENCE

I began my career as Systems Research and Development Engineer undertaking a wide range of duties from cutting edge theoretical studies through to delivering production ready hardware.  For over 15 years I worked on a range of projects progressing to the position of Principal Engineer before leaving this role in 2002 to devote my efforts full time to our own company Equip2Speak, this following many years of background technical and managerial support to this endeavour.  As my career progressed I took on more responsibility for overseeing design development and project management as well as preparation of key documents involved in tendering for new projects.  Relevant skills acquired during this time to my current role as a Consultant for Equip2Speak are as follows:

Ø Design experience with technologies incorporated into Assistive Technology

Ø Programming and custom computer solutions

Ø Field installation and equipment commissioning

Ø Pioneering work with a range of smart sensors and  multimedia technologies

Ø Design of a point of gaze (eye tracker) for use with people with severe motor disabilities as a cursor pointing device.

Ø Detailed technical report, e.g. proposals, theoretical studies, environmental approval and software verification plans and operation manuals all prepared to full military and rail standards.

Ø Cost estimation and delivery of through life support for long life products and services.

PRESENT ROLE

Since the early 1990s when my partner Lisa Humberstone, Consultant in Acquired Adult Speech and Language Therapy began producing medico-legal reports I have provided technical contributions and general support.  This is based on extensive experience I had gained with relevant technologies and equipment specifically their suitability and limitations for the types of difficulties that arise from brain injury.    This input has markedly increased with her entering independent practice in 1997.

Since 2002 I have been able to fully devote my skills to Equip2speak, permitting the expansion of the service to include full assessment of enabling technology needs direct to clients or case manager, or as part of a CP35 compliant report for the court.  

A key part of my role is to translate recommendations for technology into actual equipment provision, installation, training and support.  This includes reviewing and if necessary adjusting those recommendations by other medico-legal experts to either capitalise on emerging technologies or to be more appropriate given the cognitive deficits of the client that the multi-disciplined capability of Equip2Speak often permits us to better assess.  

I am a qualified speech and language therapy assistant benefiting both from formal qualifications and  extensive in-house training in adult acquired brain injury and have since 2002 been involved in providing domiciliary therapy and AAC training to clients and carers.

TRAINING AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

Over the years I have attended numerous courses to enhance my skills originally in engineering and my interest in photography leading to gaining a Licentiate of the Royal College of Photography (LRPS).  Since 2002 I have undertaken courses specifically intended to strengthen the service offered by Equip2Speak, most notably several MSc. accredited modules in AAC an Assistive Technology and an Advanced BTEC Certificate in Speech and Language Therapy with passes in all assignments at distinction level.  I have also acquired an Advanced Website Design BTEC Certificate which has proved valuable in the development of resources for therapy.  

CONTRIBUTION TO EQUIP2SPEAK

My collaboration with Lisa Humberstone has allowed Equip2Speak to offer a wider range of services beyond those just linked to speech and language therapy but encompassing assistive technology aids generally such as environmental controls and adapted entertainment equipment.  Whilst we specialize in providing speech and language therapy to the age band of adolescents to adults through my involvement Equip2Speak can provide recommendations and support for equipment to all age groups and other medical conditions where adapted equipment of this type is required such as through spinal injury.  I am experienced at assessing mounting needs for switches and communication aids drawing on engineering experience to provide custom solutions when off-the-shelf components are not available.       

Training and therapy are intricately linked for effective rehabilitation and my inter-disciplined experience helps to improve the delivery of this service.  

Last Update: 23.07.08