Meet the team
Welcome to the Assistive Technology team at Leonard Cheshire.
Our team is led by Steve Tyler, a visionary leader with 30 years of experience in the accessible technology sector and making technology work for disabled people.
Steve started our department with a pilot project at Hill House, building our team to deliver new technologies to the residents and facilities. Securing additional external funding along the way, Steve has led our team to expand its reach again and again, reaching more services within Leonard Cheshire across the Northeast and Northwest regions.
Our team now includes Julie Eshleman, a dedicated researcher focused on using technology to improve lives, and Dave Hursthouse, who oversees our strategic growth. We also have Kay Barnes, our first Assistive Technologist, and Will Baker, who both work directly with our projects to bring the latest tech solutions to those who need them most. Together, we are committed to helping people live, learn, and earn in their chosen communities.
Steve Tyler
Job Title: Director of Assistive Technology and Digital Transformation
Steve brings 30 years of experience in accessibility, assistive technology, and digital transformation. His experience includes working in such areas as improving disability access in retail, transport, finance, TV and radio, mobile telecoms, and publishing. Steve has a background in accessibility and technology and product usability, with a Masters in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science. When not working, you can find him roasting and brewing his own coffees, trying out new technologies, and spending time with his family.
Julie Eshleman
Job Title: Assistive Technology Researcher
Julie is our dedicated Assistive Technology researcher, with 20 years of experience in disability supports, organisational psychology, and mixed methods research. She is currently completing her PhD in Sociology and Social Policy through the University of Stirling, leveraging her expertise to produce rigorous research focused on the AT work at Leonard Cheshire. Julie is not all work though; she also enjoys reading, being outdoors, and especially reading outdoors! Her experiences and interests bring a unique perspective to our team!
Dave Hursthouse
Job Title: Assistive Technology Project Manager
Dave leads the organisation’s Assistive Technology (AT) provision, having been instrumental in its development and growth from its early pilot in Cheshire to a network of regional hubs providing national AT support.
Passionate about raising standards and promoting best practice, Dave is committed to strengthening the role of Assistive Technology within adult social care, an area where representation and consistency have historically been limited. As a founding member of the Professional Association of Assistive Technologists (PAAT), he is actively involved in supporting the development and professionalisation of the sector.
Dave brings more than 30 years of senior IT leadership experience across e-commerce, telecommunications and manufacturing. His career spans technology management, strategic transformation and business and cultural change, giving him a broad perspective on how technology can deliver meaningful and sustainable impact.
Away from work, Dave embraces endurance and adventure sports, taking on challenges including ultramarathons and Ironman triathlons. He also volunteers as a lifeboat crew member and ALB Navigator with the RNLI’s Porthdinllaen All-Weather Lifeboat on the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales.
Kay Barnes
Job Title: Assistive Technologist
Introducing Kay, the very first Assistive Technologist of our team. Kay has worked in Health and Social Care for nearly 40 years and has made significant contributions in nursing care, community support, palliative care, and supportive living services in Cheshire, England. Currently, she is engrossed in bringing technology champions along the Leonard Cheshire AT journey at new project sites in the NE, NW and in the South.
In her free time, Kay loves reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Will Baker
Job Title: Assistive Technologist
Introducing Will, our team’s second Assistive Technologist. Will has been in the technology field for 4 years and has made significant contributions, including a short film exploring the life of learning difficulties in children. Currently, he is engrossed in expanding the future for Leonard Cheshire residents with AT implementation. In his free time, Will loves a round of golf, video games, photography, and going for pints with mates!
Toby Wallace
Job Title: Assistive Technologist
Toby is one of our new Assistive Technologists in our Northern Region hub. Toby has been in the technology field for over a decade and has made significant contributions, including several Research projects with Mencap, Google & Ofcom exploring online harms and digital literacy for young people and adults with a learning disability. Currently, he is excited about working with new people across Leonard Cheshire’s services in the North and expanding Leonard Cheshire‘s digital footprint in the assistive technology scene.
When he isn't doing Assistive Technology work, Toby also works as the Chair of Leonard Cheshire's Disability Employment Network on a voluntary basis. In his free time Toby loves playing drums for thrash metal band, Toranaga UK, playing with smart gadgets, editing video content and trying the strongest coffees he can find..
Nathan Southward
Job Title: Assistive Technologist
Nathan is one of our new Assistive Technologist, with 26 years of experience ranging from product development to education. He has spent the last decade specialising in assistive technology, where his passion for innovation and helping the personal development of others truly shines. Currently studying robotics part-time, Nathan was honored with acceptance into the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2023. When he’s not tinkering with tech and maniacally laughing like a Bond villain, he’s indulging his adventurous side; riding free on his motorbike (sporting a giant rabbit helmet, of course), embarking on hikes in the Lake District, and wild swimming in any sizable puddle he stumbles upon, Nathan embraces life with enthusiasm.