Network Development Coordinator’s Update – Summer 2020
Hello Everyone I hope all is as well as it can be with you and yours during these very strange and challenging times. I have remained in close contact with many Karten Centres as the lockdown has progressed, either providing direct support or during our weekly Karten Cuppas. In the face of adversity, your passion, enthusiasm, determination and commitment to do the very best for the people you support have shone above everything else. I have never been prouder to be involved with the Karten Network and the organisations that make it.
Working in partnership with a number of organisations we have been able to provide resources, materials and access to webinars during the lockdown. Thanks particularly to TechAbility (https://www.techability.org.uk/) , Natspec ( https://natspec.org.uk/) and Jisc (https://www.jisc.ac.uk/) for providing timely and authoritative advice and guidance in response to Covid-19 related matters.
The Karten Network’s website has a section to support service users at home – https://karten-network.org.uk/home-learning-support/
Natspec’s Home learning website includes a wealth of material to help with home learning and a blended approach – https://homelearning.natspec.org.uk/
TechAbility also has fabulous sections for supporting people at home – https://www.techability.org.uk/resources/aiding-learning-from-home/
TechAbility has delivered an excellent series of webinars. Upcoming webinars can be found here – https://www.techability.org.uk/webinars/ All webinars are recorded and can be watched at a later date via the YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlQNUqK0ICK7tEd8rGaBmFUF5Lu4yyH-p
We are delighted to introduce Liz Howarth to the Karten Network team, she introduces herself later in the newsletter and introduces the exciting project she is managing.
Over the next few weeks we will be sending out a questionnaire to help us to focus our support for Karten Centres as effectively as possible as we start to get back to something closer to normal. Karten Centres are entitled to free support from myself and Martin Pistorius, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. Karten Centres can also access consultancy support from TechAbility.
Huge strides have been made by many organisations in the use of different technology and tech platforms during lockdown. This has been achieved more on a “needs must” than planned basis, but it has enabled many people see what is possible if we seek creative and innovative solutions. Many of those staff members who allegedly could barely turn the computer on to send an email are now Zooming, or using MS Teams like old hands – they have embraced technology and we now need to build on these advances in order to be optimally flexible and agile moving forwards. If you are looking to consolidate on the previous learning and development, I would encourage you to review and update your digital strategy. Reference to the TechAbility standards could inform your planning – https://www.techability.org.uk/techability-standards/
Unfortunately, due to the economic climate we are not currently able to accept applications from Karten Centres to procure additional equipment. I will keep you informed and make sure you are advised of the next funding window. I realise this will be disappointing to some of our Karten Centres who are now in scope for additional funding. Trustees are working diligently to maintain the sustainability of Ian Karten’s incredible legacy and to ensure that they can continue to provide financial support to Karten Centres well into the future. 2020 is Ian Karten’s Centenary year – we had wonderful ideas for Centenary Celebrations later this year but Covid-19 had other plans! We will celebrate 101 in 2021 and look forward to sharing our plans with you.
May I extend my best wishes to you for a safe and healthy summer.
Dawn Green
Karten Network and Development Co-ordinator