1. TechAbility Natspec / Jisc Technology Service
Introduction

2. We believe… Values Statement
About Natspec
Who we are
The membership association for organisations, including colleges and independent providers, which offer specialist provision for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities
We believe… Values Statement
Centred on the individualised needs of the young person
The importance of specialist expertise and inter-disciplinary teamwork in different settings, within an inclusive society – ‘Specialist teaching, Inclusive learning’
Young people should be encouraged to have high aspirations
What we do
Advocate and represent
Influence national policy
Promote quality standards
Work in partnership
Share best practice
Run networks, forums, training
Deliver projects
(We work with ALL organisations with specialist provision for high needs students)
Our Vision is that all young people with learning difficulties or disabilities can access quality education and training which supports their aspirations for skills, work and life.
What we do ………
What we believe, which I am assuming is similar to your own organisation’s value statements.
You will of course be receiving a copy of all the slides.

3. Vision
“that all young people with learning difficulties or disabilities can access quality education and training, which meets their individual needs and supports their aspirations for skills, work and life.”
Options
Outstanding
Opportunity
Outcomes
Breaking down the vision into four words

4. Technology changes lives

5. What is the most exciting thing you have seen related to technology?
(Could be in or out of college Could be AT or IT related)
Your experience

6. The technology service
TechAbility
Students with learning difficulties and disabilities
High Needs Students in all providers
Specialist
Colleges
190,000
Training and development: whole sector
25,000
Slide shows Natspec’s role – our membership services are for those with high needs students – specialist colleges at the core, but other providers with specialism in high needs too. Our CPD, projects and training – including Tech-Ability – is for all providers across the sector, working in partnership with others.
Membership and representation: Natspec members
3,000

7. Context Reduction in AT provision with recent cuts
End of DART project and TechDis
Rise in numbers of high needs students in GFE
Pockets of excellence and specialism that is “hidden”
Unmet demand?

8. The TechAbility service: What is it?
A Natspec Jisc partnership project
A service for organisations across the FE sector
Showcasing best practice - events and workshops
Development of on line & published resources
Assistive technology solutions for student with SEND
AT and IT advice and guidance, from strategic to operational
Bespoke solutions for your college – individual service

9. Discussion Consider: 1) IT infrastructure 2) Assistive Technology
For each:
What are the issues and challenges you face?
Any more examples of good practice and innovation?

10. March - July Roadshows and events during March
Assessment of demand and taking requests for support – contact
Resource bank of existing material
Development of new material
Showcasing innovative work at Digifest
Really effective fundamental stuff: e.g. someone who is dependent on a communication aid so gets a switch in the right place.
Environmental controls. Infrared technology
Or someone who is dependent on a power wheelchair controlling it with a switch behind th eelbow, using it appropriately for them
Text to speech software.
Education – use of Apps.
Pictello – simple sequencing app. E.g. independent travel training, familiatising them with a journey, take picture of landmarks, e.g. Past boots, get off. Put text over the top of the picture. Sequencing an independence activity such as washing.
Book creator APP – enables students to manage portfolios, evidence for qualifications or progress. E-portfolios.
Really fany stuff – Natinoal Star – 3 D printing and tactile maps.
Derwen – label printer. The students can use the software to design the labels; they come out looking great. Also they have the devie that enables the students to stick the labels on straight. . Completely accessible.
Show you tube videos.

11. Apps to support learning / RARPA
Strip Designer
Aurasma
Pinterest
Pictello/Our Story
Dragon
Animate It
Book Creator

12. Examples… Orchard Hill: Contour National Star: Star Print
Derwen: Labelling
Percy Hedley: Media Suite
Beaumont: Augmented Reality
QAC: Braille
AT without “technology”
Barnsley: communication aids
TalkitSD

13. A video assessment tool for measuring progress for learners with PMLD
A task based learning system that combines systematic instruction with location based technology. For people with learning difficulties and their work coaches in work environments in colleges and businesses.
Contact:
David Finch
Director
Tel :
Memo – is a smartphone application that reduces anxiety for users with memory difficulties. Using calendar prompts, online checklist alerts, profile distribution and GPS tracking.
A one handed wheelchair lap belt designed specifically for wheelchair users who transfer but only have the use of one hand.
A web based dashboard for storing accessibility profiles and changing settings on any computer network.
A video assessment tool for measuring progress for learners with PMLD