Dr Nick Pickett explains how he uses technology improve the health, development and social lives of sick and disabled young people, particularly those who spend much of their early lives in hospital. He designs and builds his own equipment and writes his own software. See all Audio tech reviews.
For the past 20 years Dr Nick Pickett has been a music specialist at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.
He works with profoundly ill children, using music to encourage social interaction, enjoyment and faster recovery. He specialises in using computer technology to allow physically impaired children to make music - even if they can't use their hands. He works with children with a variety of physical and neurological issues, ranging in age from three weeks to 16 years. Some of these children spend years in hospital.
In this video he explains how he uses technology improve the health, development and social lives of sick and disabled young people, particularly those who spend much of their early lives in hospital. He designs and builds his own equipment and writes his own software.
Nick was inspired to start using technology to develop musical instruments for disabled people by a chance encounter at one of his gigs.
A paralysed man said he wished he could play a musical instrument, but his disability meant he couldn't. Nick suggested he try the mouth organ, but his companion said 'I hate the mouth organ'.
Nick says the challenges arising from caring for profoundly ill and disabled young people constantly change and inspire. He hopes to be around for the next 20 years allowing any child to experience the joy of making music.
If you're interested in the work Nick is doing, let us know in the comments below and we'll be glad to put you in touch.
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