Assistive Technology for Access

Course aim:

To introduce Ace Centre’s award winning Look2Talk resource and explore who a colour-encoded eye pointing communication book would be suitable for.  This session will provide an introduction to the materials and how you might begin to implement them with a child learning to communicate by eye pointing.

You will learn:

• To identify who Look2Talk would be suitable for and why
• How to use Look2Talk to teach encoded eye pointing as an access method for communication

Course includes:

A live webinar providing an overview of the Look2Talk materials and signposting to further guidance.

Suitable for:

Practitioners who work with people who use AAC and are responsible for developing communication resources. This webinar will enable you to work towards the following:

IPAACKS competencies:

Identifying Needs

• Recognise when someone has communication support needs

Implementation

• Aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AAC

Special requirements:

You will be required to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, FireFox, Safari or Safari Mobile

Cost: Free

Course aim:

Learn how to use Splash! software. Splash! is an accessible Maths software program that enables students to manipulate shape and measurement tools and record their maths activities using alternative access methods.

You will learn:

• To setup a new user in Splash! with appropriate accessibility options to meet individual requirements
• To use the tools in Splash! and create number, geometry, shapes, measures and graphs activities for a student.

Suitable for:

Staff supporting pupils to access the Maths curriculum. This course will enable you to work towards the following:

Assistive Technology (AT) competencies:

Technology: Preparation, Adaptation & Integration

• Knowledge of how to create learning activities using appropriate software packages

Course includes:

8 Months access to online learning with instructional videos, handouts and activities to enable you to learn about the software.

Special requirements:

You will need access to Splash! software.

Cost: £30

Course aim:

Explore different ways to access an iPad and provide control. Discover the different accessibility features available within iOS 13 (or above) to meet a range of physical, learning and sensory needs.

This self-directed online course will demonstrate how and why different features are used and who they are suitable for. A particular focus will be on the interaction with the touch screen via touch, voice and switch control and consideration of hearing, visual and learning requirements.

You will learn:

To select accessibility options on an iPad to meet an individual’s abilities and needs
To understand how an iPad can be set up for different types of physical access and learning needs
To modify accessibility options to meet an identified need

Suitable for:

Practitioners who support individuals with complex physical, sensory and learning needs. This course will enable you to work towards the following:

Assistive Technology (AT) competencies:

Implementation

Aware of the fundamental skills required in order to use an AT solution

Review

Knowledge of how to adapt AT solutions to meet the changing needs and abilities of an individual
Able to make adaptations to an existing AT system as required, and where possible, to meet changing needs and abilities

Course includes:

3 Months enrolment to online learning with instructional videos, handouts and activities to enable you to learn about iOS accessibility features.

Special requirements:

You will need to have access to an iPad with iOS 13 or above

Course aim:

To provide an overview of Assistive Technology (AT) for communication and learning and consider the assessment process for identifying  a person’s AT requirements.

You will learn:

• To explain the AT solutions to meet the needs of individuals with complex physical, communication and learning disabilities
• To analyse an individual’s need for Assistive Technology and evidence the need
• To identify and select appropriate resources to meet the needs of individuals with complex needs whilst working as part of a team
• To reflect on and evaluate the implementation of Assistive Technology solutions in a given setting

Suitable for:

Practitioners supporting individuals to use Assistive Technology or responsible for coordination of Assistive Technology resources across a setting or service. This course will enable you to work towards the following:

Assistive Technology (AT) competencies:

Identifying Needs

• Knowledge of the environmental, attitudinal and human factors necessary for the successful implementation of AT techniques
• Knowledge of AT options that may be appropriate for a range of individuals

Assessment

• Knowledge of factors to be included in an AT assessment for individuals who have communication support needs in addition to other complex needs (e.g. additional physical, sensory, cognitive or behavioural issues)
• Knowledge of the AT assessment evidence base

Implementation

• Able to adapt an access method for an individual’s need and situation
• Able to select and modify access suitable for the individual and the activity they are undertaking

Course includes:

3 months access to online learning materials, 4 live webinars on the following themes:

• Identifying and exploring the key principles of assessment defining the need and purpose of the technology used
• Studying access and control of technology using different methods
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication strategies and solutions
• Investigating software solutions for writing and learning, with consideration of different access methods used.

Special requirements:

You will be required to use one of the following web browsers for the live webinars: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, FireFox, Safari or Safari Mobile

Cost: £800