A University of Dundee member of staff has written a CD of 10 tracks in order to raise funds for a cyber cafe where world class researchers will develop software for the disabled and elderly.
Christina Costello has written all but one track on the CD Accept One Another, enlisting help of friends and colleagues to help contribute to the project in the Queen Mother Research Centre (QMRC), located in the University's new Applied Computing building due to open in spring 2005.
Christina performed lead vocals and guitar, Margaret Kean sang backing vocals and played guitar, Alison Hastie also sang backing vocals and Willie Hastie was responsible for additional instrumental work.
She also had help from University Applied Computing staff Andy Cobley and Dr Iain Murray.
Christina said, "I wrote all the songs myself except for one, but this was a real team effort. We have already sold a number of the CDs within the University - and we're hoping that the local community will be interested in buying a CD with all the profits going towards this very good cause."
Professor Alan Newell of Applied Computing said, "The QMRC for IT to support Older People, a permanent memorial to Her late Majesty, will be a focus for research into using IT to enable older people to retain their independence, keep them intellectually and physically active, and reduce their social isolation.
The Centre will be based in the exciting new building for Applied Computing, home to a pioneering academic group developing IT for older and disabled people. The Centre will include research laboratories and an internet café - for which Christina is fund-raising - where older people can meet, learn about the technology, and contribute to the research in the Centre."
There is already a large group of older people and organizations of older people in the Dundee area who are helping University of Dundee researchers with their work.
The cyber café - with approximately 25 computers - will provide a focal point for them to meet and work with QMRC researchers. It will be dedicated to, and will form a social and learning space for, older users. Specialist software will ensure that older people with age related impairment will be able to use the computers. Staff will also be experimenting with novel software which we have developed specifically for older people.
The older people who use the cyber café will help by providing their views on what computers can do for older people, and what they want them to do. Professor Newell wants older people to have a pivotal role in the design and development process and evaluations of computer systems.
He said, "The cyber café will ensure that we can do this very effectively for the systems which we are developing. In addition it will provide a facility which will enable this group to take advantage of what computers and the internet can offer to older people."
For a copy of the CD - costing £6 plus p&p - call Christina on 01382 345144/816361.
Editors' notes
The Queen Mother was the University’s first Chancellor from 1967 until 1977.
By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk