Media Releases

Seeing Beyond the Struggle – Upper Hutt Leader 7 May 2008

Born with cerebral palsy and a visual impairment called optic atrophy Genevieve McLachlan and husband Bruce run a small but important business called Adaptive Technology Solutions.

Genevieve decided to start her own business because she was noticing more people with multiple disabilities seeking solutions in their everyday lives.

Her aim is to be an inspiration to others, she says.

"I have a disability, not just one but several and I have gone out and started my own business."

Her business specialises in assisting people with health and accident related visual impairments.

"I guess because I had it hard, I want to make it easier in whatever way I can for other people in similar situations, to give them the information.

"It doesn't have to be a struggle now."

Helping people gives the couple a huge amount of satisfaction.

Bruce comes from a truck driving background so working with people with disabilities is a complete change.

Bruce really enjoys seeing people's faces change when they realise they can achieve their goals through the available technology, Genevieve says.

"The technology I supply to help people, I use myself and it would be next to impossible to run my business without it.

"This creates a sense of comfort with my clientele," she says.

If Genevieve can do it, so can they.

SEE CLEARLY NOW: Adaptive Technology Solutions team Bruce McLachlan, Genevieve and their dog Hobbit.

OUT OF SIGHT: Genevieve reading with clearnote which magnifies documents for those with vision impairments.

Select the Seeing Beyond the Struggle link to view the origonal article as it appeard in the Upper Hutt Leader on 7 May 2008.