A MAN who was left brain-damaged and paralyzed after a vicious attack has been able to communicate for the first time in 20 years – – all thanks to an iPad.
Kevin Beverley, from Barnsley, was left severely injured after an unprovoked attack in his home town two decades ago.
His life-changing injuries included severe brain damage, right side paralysis and he also lost the ability to speak, meaning he could only communicate by making noises and gestures.
But now, through the use of an iPad, his life has been transformed as he is able to speak to his family and carers. The 55- year-old, who attends the Carlton Centre in Barnsley, run by the Disabilities Trust, has been able to tell the staff about his likes and dislikes as well as ask for a cup of tea.
He does this by touching the screen to select the relevant letters to form words, and at the end of the first day he typed this message: “It is so good to be able to speak again.” He also plays games on the iPad to help improve his hand-eye co-ordination.
“It is the first time he has been able to communicate with people in an effective manner for well over 20 years,” a spokesman said.
Belfast Telegraph
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