About Possum

Where it started:

While volunteering at the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Reginald Maling met a young man paralysed from the neck down. He had very little voice, and could only alert nurses by blowing on a whistle hung near his mouth. Maling designed a suck or blow mouthpiece that enabled the man to activate mechanisms to turn on a light, or the TV, and eventually use an electric typewriter.

Maling called his invention Patient Operated Selector Mechanism or POSM. As a near match for the word Possum – Latin for ‘I can’ – it became our Company name when it was founded in 1961.

Possum Today:

Today Possum continues to develop innovative Assistive Technology (AT) solutions to help people with a range of needs including the elderly and people with learning difficulties. As a result of our efforts, in 2009 we received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category.

Our Core Values

Possum strives to provide life enhancing solutions while upholding our core values.

Equality

Everyone has the right to be or become independent

Empowerment

Our solutions allow disabled and elderly people to do everyday tasks and provide support through technology

Excellence

We set the highest standards in product development and service

Innovation

By listening to our customers we design pioneering products using the latest technologies

Dedication

Our staff are committed to making life easier for clients and carers

Humanity

Our ethical, person-centred approach ensures that our technology precisely meets the needs of every individual

Possum Timeline

We’ve being operating since the early sixties and there’s plenty we’re proud to say has made us who we are today.

1961

Maling called his invention Patient Operated Selector Mechanism or POSM. As a near match for the word Possum – Latin for ‘I can’ – it became our Company name when it was founded in 1961.

1972

Possum Users Association Concert at the Royal Albert Hall (PUA is now the Sequal Trust).

1975

PSU 3 Launched.

1982

Possum ZX Spectrum launched.

1994

Philip Robinson becomes Owner and Managing Director of Possum Ltd.

2000's

First Touchscreen Controller Primo Launched.

Telecare integrated into product range.

2009

in 2009 we received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category.

Present Day

Continuing to develop and provide innovative solutions in the NHS and Telecare markets.

Our Mission:

We use technology to empower people with disabilities by increasing their independence.

As an independent, privately owned British company we develop, manufacture, supply, install and support AT products and systems. We assess our clients’ needs and abilities, as well as train and support them in the use of their equipment.

As the benefits of AT become more valued, additional funds are becoming available from Government, charities and other sources to bring this technology to ever more people.

Our Customers

For over half a century we have been at the forefront of supplying advanced Assistive Technology (AT) , Assisted Living.

“Our partnership with Possum has spanned some ten years, and their consultative approach has enabled our business to continuously grow and adapt to the evolving landscape within the telecare industry. As our business transitions to embrace the digital switchover, Possum continue to provide outstanding technical and sales support.”

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“When the Possum equipment was put in, it was life changing, because it meant I could have some privacy, call for help and control my environment.”

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“Supportive training, always at hand to support with any technical questions and approachable.”

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“10 out of 10 from me for all the support and expertise Possum provide and I look forward to working with you for many years to come!”

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