How I work with families.

I’m James Northridge, an expert in Assistive Technology for people with disabilities.

Supporting a child, family member, or partner with disabilities can feel overwhelming and families are often unsure where to turn for clear, trustworthy advice. I help by assessing your loved one’s needs and providing an Assistive Technology Report with recommendations to make daily life easier.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology is any tool, device, or software designed to support people with disabilities in their day-to-day activities at home, school, work, or in the community. Assistive Tech can help to reduce barriers and increase accessibility, whether it's for communication, mobility, learning, or independent living, and can include things like:

  • voice control systems

  • adaptive keyboards

  • communication devices

  • specialist software

Who needs an Assistive Technology Report?

  • Families who want help in determining what technology can best support their loved one.

  • Solicitors who need an Expert Witness (that’s me) to provide a report to the court for personal injury, clinical negligence, or disability-related legal cases.

What is the assessment process like?

I know this process can feel daunting for families, so my approach is calm, straightforward, and always focused on putting the individual at ease and keeping things fun and friendly. Here’s how it works:

  • Assessments typically take between 90 minutes and 2 hours.

  • I normally assess the person in their home so they’re as comfortable as possible and I can learn about their normal daily life. Virtual assessments are also an option if required.

  • During the assessment I’ll observe, we’ll chat, and often we’ll test out some AT devices that I’ve brought along.

After the assessment, you’ll receive a detailed Assistive Technology report designed to help you make informed decisions with confidence, including clear recommendations, associated costs, and practical next steps.

“It's such a great thing to see families meet with an expert like James and benefit from his recommendations. There's nobody else in the field I would recommend—he is top of his game. The work he does changes lives.”

–Doireann O'Mahony, Barrister