We can’t believe a year has gone by since introducing the first class of AT Scholars. It has been a real privilege working with and supporting them through their journey. Like last year, the applications for 2025 were a group of the best and brightest stars from the UK AT and AAC industry. Our judging panel was made up of representatives from our partner organisations including the All Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology (APPGAT), British Assistive Technology Association (BATA), CENMAC, Communication Matters and Inclusive Technology and previous AT Scholars. They had tough decisions to make yet they came to a conclusion which will see four applicants represent the UK at the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Conference, which is the world’s largest AT event where the latest and greatest developments are showcased.

Claire Harrison and Fil McIntyre will be flying off to Orlando to attend the conference in person the 30th of Jan to the 1st February while Clare Thorn and Deborah Little will be joining virtually. We can’t wait to hear about all they learn and the connections they make in their subsequent reports and presentations at events like Communication Works 2025!

So, without further ado we are pleased to introduce our 2025 AT Scholars …

Claire Harrison 

Since the early 2000’s Claire has worked as a teacher for children and young people with complex learning needs in specialist provisions in London, Fife, Angus and Dundee. Since 2017 she has worked as an Assistive Technology & Complex Needs teacher at CALL Scotland (Communication, Access ,Literacy and Learning) at the University of Edinburgh.

Fil McIntyre 

Fil supports organisations and individuals to deliver technology solutions which enhance life, learning and communication. He has provided training in assistive technology hardware and software to a wide range of professionals from schools, colleges, universities, charities and healthcare. Fil moved to managing TechAbility full time in February 2021 after three years in a split role between TechAbility and Beaumont College in Lancaster.  At Beaumont College, Fil was the Lead Assistive Technologist where he managed a team which assessed and supported students to gain maximum advantage from technology. Prior to Beaumont College, as part of The BRITE Initiative, Fil delivered Assistive Technology training and support to every college in Scotland. He has also been part of the training team at Inclusive Technology and developed the first assistive technology post at Seashell Trust specialist school and college. 

Deborah Little 

I am a Speech and Language Therapist and AAC Clinical Lead working with Children and Young People within NHS Dumfries and Galloway.  I am passionate about delivering an AAC service that enables Children and Young People to access AAC as effectively and as efficiently as possible, within the settings and with the people, that are most important to them.  I am an alumni of the NHS Education for Scotland AHP Careers Fellowship and as part of this scheme delivered a work based Quality Improvement project focused on embedding use of Core Vocabulary Boards into the everyday communication supports used within education settings.  In 2023, I began working as a Clinical Tutor with the University of Strathclyde and really enjoy coaching and supporting the next generation of Speech and Language Therapists – particularly when we can discuss AAC!  An important part of my role is being a Licenced Trainer with Talking Mats as I prioritise working to ensure that the views, thoughts and ideas of children and young people are captured as they grow, develop and receive support in therapy, school and beyond.   

Clare Thorn  

With over two decades of experience working at Pioneer School in Essex, I have honed my skills in supporting pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). I am passionate about creating inclusive and enriching learning environments, and I find great joy in designing sensory spaces using lighting, sensory umbrellas, and tents. By incorporating these elements into my teaching practice, I aim to provide stimulating and engaging experiences that cater to the unique needs of my students. The use of ICT within the classroom has been instrumental in empowering my students to have control over their environment. Through the use of sound effect switches, they can actively participate in sensory stories, while switch-based computer games and communication tools enable them to interact with others. These technologies provide valuable opportunities for exploration, engagement, and communication, fostering a sense of independence. Through my virtual attendance at the conference, I aim to gain valuable knowledge that I can use to support my students and share with others.