Transitioning from education into the workplace “A how to guide by Luke Nadin”

Assistive Technology in the Future Summary INTRODUCTION ‘’Throughout my career in education, I have always struggled with writing essays and getting my thoughts down on paper” School Years College University Work Journey Assistive Technology in the Future Summary

SCHOOL ‘‘ The use of assistive technology was not prevalent throughout my early years at school. I actually started to use assistive technology when I was about 15. . ’’ SCHOOL YEARS Challenges I faced to write essays using my hands and a normal laptop. “Dragon Naturally Speaking” made my life much easier. My sentences were more structured and my essays were more detailed. I had an amazing progress with the use of Assistive Technology.

COLLEGE During my time at college, where I gained a diploma in ICT, the use of assistive technology was slightly more prevalent. ‘‘ ’’ College At college, I only had text-to-speech to help me with my essays and my college work. I felt I am getting my independence back as everything I was saying was being put down on paper and I wasn’t having to go through someone and tell them what to write

‘‘ ’’ UNIVERSITY University When I started university, I felt the system is more supportive than my earlier educational system. I was able to read more complex documents with the additional Assistive Technology which I was entitled to. With the help of Assistive Technology I got my independency back and was able to deal with my stress. I wrote my dissertation on Assistive Technology in higher education and the workplace. ‘‘ During my time at university, assistive technology had become part of everyday life. ’’

WORK ‘’I now get to look at the new technology and how it can help people in both the workplace and education and I feel that I’m in the unique position of looking at it from both angles .’’ Work journey I shared my Video CV on social media and on my LinkedIn page. After various interviews, I joined Microlink in an apprenticeship role. now get to look at new technology and how it can help people in both the workplace and education. ‘‘ After graduating from the University of Portsmouth in 2015, I decided to work in the disability sector and use my knowledge that I gained through the years of using assistive technology. ’’

‘‘ ’’ ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY There are alternatives for expensive Assistive Technologies. ‘‘ ’’ Assistive Technology in the Future There are some alternative software that students can use if they are on a financial budget. The alternative for Dragon NaturallySpeaking is “Siri” on Apple products and versions of voice recognition systems for android products. “Alexa” can be used as a planner in the educational system for disabled students and a reminder to hand in specific projects, homework or assignments.

SUMMARY Summary assistive technology has changed my life for the better. I’m also using Assistive Technology around my home a lot more, so I can eventually become self-sufficient. Assistive Technology allow people to have more independence. Assistive Technology allowed me to become more independent and achieve my potential . ‘‘ ’’