Our Story
About The Harchie Way
Honouring Harchie Sagoo by ensuring that people who use Assistive Technology and AAC are placed at the centre of every decision, design process, and conversation about the technologies that shape their lives.
"To amplify the voices of AT and AAC users, connect them with innovators and decision-makers, and champion technologies that reflect real needs, real experiences, and real lives."
— Our Mission
Our Vision
"A world where every person who relies on assistive or communication technology is heard, included, and empowered to shape the tools that support their independence."
What We Stand For
Our Purposes
To advance the health, communication, and independence of people who use AT and AAC by promoting user-centred design, access to appropriate technologies, and improved clinical and technological support.
To advance education for the public, professionals, and industry in the fields of AT, AAC, inclusive design, and emerging access technologies.
To relieve the needs of disabled people who rely on communication and access technologies by ensuring their lived experience informs the development, evaluation, and implementation of new solutions.
To promote the inclusion and empowerment of AT and AAC users through advocacy, awareness-raising, and collaboration with healthcare, education, and technology sectors.
The Journey
Harchie's Story
The Beginning
As a baby, Harchie Sagoo developed viral encephalitis following a family holiday in Spain, which left him with acquired cerebral palsy. The condition affected his gross and fine motor movement and his speech — but not his understanding. His family knew from the start that technology would be the bridge.
Finding a Voice with AAC and AT
By the age of four-and-a-half, Harchie was using Eye Gaze technology — tracking his eye movements to navigate a screen, communicate, and engage with the world. As he grew, his AAC device became far more than a communication tool; he used Assistive Technology to control the lights, heating, and televisions at home. His father Bob described it as 'an extension of himself — a lifestyle device.'
Shaping the Technology
From 2014, Harchie worked with Smartbox — creators of AT and AAC devices used by over 100,000 people worldwide — as a key product tester. He didn't just test their devices; he gave feedback that was built directly into the final designs. His lived experience as an AT and AAC user made him an invaluable voice in the development process.
A Legacy That Lives On
Harchie passed away in 2024 at the age of 18. In 2026, Smartbox named their new testing laboratory 'Harchie's Lab' in his honour. The Harchie Way was created to carry his belief forward — that AT and AAC users must be placed at the centre of every decision, design, and conversation about the technologies that shape their lives.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Lived Experience First
Users are the experts; their voices guide everything we do. No decision about AT or AAC is made without the people who rely on it.
Inclusion by Design
Technology should adapt to people, not the other way around. We champion solutions built from the ground up with accessibility at their core.
Collaboration
Change happens when industry and users work together. We connect innovators with the communities they serve to build better outcomes for everyone.
Innovation with Purpose
New ideas must improve communication, independence, and dignity. We champion AI-driven access, hardware and software design, and integrated health monitoring.
Legacy with Love
Every action honours Harchie Sagoo's spirit, strength, and impact — ensuring his legacy lives on in every voice we help to be heard.
Join the movement
Every voice matters. Get in touch to learn how you can support AT and AAC advocacy and help carry Harchie's legacy forward.
Get in Touch