We’re thrilled to introduce the 2026 cohort of AT Scholars—four passionate individuals who are driving innovation and inclusion through Assistive Technology across the UK.
Each scholar brings a unique blend of lived experience, professional expertise, and creative energy to the programme. From empowering non-speaking autistic voices to embedding AT in Welsh classrooms, pioneering AAC strategies to blending AI with inclusive education. This year’s AT Scholars are united by a shared commitment to breaking down barriers and amplifying communication. Learn more about Laura, Kate, Steven, and David … we can’t wait to see what they get up to!
Laura Brown, Advocate and Parent
Laura Brown is the parent of Ethan, an autistic 5 year old, who is non-speaking & a proud AAC user. Laura is also autistic herself & was late-diagnosed a year after her son’s diagnosis.
Whilst Laura at first was thrown into an entirely new world she has since found her passion & drive for all things autism, SEND education & assistive technology. Ethan’s AAC use has been life changing for their family & now Laura proudly shares their AAC story via her @SpinningWorldOfAutism social media accounts.
This has seen her speaking at the Houses of Parliament, writing an article for The National Autistic Society magazine, being Keynote Speaker at Communication Works, featured on National Radio & TV & supporting many families along the way with her families lived experience & knowledge.
Kate Reader, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
It is my privilege to have worked as a Speech and Language Therapist in North East England since my qualification in 2009.
I have worked in NHS and special education settings, and recently moved to work as a Highly Specialist SaLT for AT Therapy. My roles have involved staff training; strategic planning with school leaders; supporting school staff; carer training and support, and; direct assessment/therapeutic work with clients. In 2025 my setting was shortlisted for the Communication Matters AAC Setting of the Year Award, on the strength of the AAC work I pioneered in my school.
I love to sing, and currently enjoy being part of a small semi-professional chamber choir, The Erimus Singers. I also enjoy creating personalised items such as T-shirts, bags and cards and have a small business called Kate Creates. I especially enjoy creating designs that are affirming of neuro-divergence, communication and feeding differences and disability.
Steven Campbell, ALN Advisory Teacher
Steven has over 25 years’ experience working in the field of Special and Additional Learning Needs, including roles in specialist settings, as an ALNCo in a mainstream secondary school, and currently as an ALN Advisory Teacher for a Welsh Local Authority.
In his current role, Steven supports schools across Carmarthenshire to implement the ALN Code (Wales), with a strong focus on inclusive, person-centred practice. He provides practical advice, training, and resource development to help schools integrate Assistive Technology (AT) within both Universal and Additional Learning Provision, ensuring equitable access for all learners.
Steven is passionate about making AT a natural and embedded part of everyday classroom practice. His work includes promoting tools such as text-to-speech, immersive reader, speech-to-text, Seeing AI, and Apple accessibility features – supporting schools to make AT easy to access, inclusive, and empowering for learners.
He was previously seconded as Assistant Manager for ALN Transformation, helping to lead on the LA-wide implementation of the ALN reform programme. As an AT Scholar, Steven is looking forward to exploring international innovation in AT and sharing learning that can help break down implementation barriers and strengthen inclusive practice across Carmarthenshire.
David Curran, Head of Assistive Technology
David Curran is Head of Careers and Assistive Technology at Moon Hall School Reigate, a specialist school for dyslexia in the UK. He leads the school’s whole-school digital strategy, blending Assistive Technology and AI to support inclusion, accessibility, and learning confidence.
With over 16 years’ experience across education, David has developed national training resources, CPD, and chatbot interventions that make learning more accessible for neurodiverse students. He is also active in international networks, presenting at conferences including AIducation25 in Bucharest and the upcoming AIEOU Conference at Oxford, TechAbility in Nottingham and Brilliant in Liverpool.
