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Exciting Developments in Esports at Portland College

Posted on February 24, 2026 at 11:09 pm.

Written by martin

A computer lab with multiple gaming PCs, monitors, and gaming chairs arranged in rows for esports training.

Over the past two years, Portland College has entered the world of esports by offering dedicated gaming sessions to our learners. Starting with just eight learners in our first year, the programme has grown significantly, with 19 learners now actively participating in its second year.

This growth is a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of our learners and staff, as well as to the college’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge equipment and resources. By doing so, we have ensured that learners not only refine their gaming skills but also develop valuable transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and strategic thinking.

Some of our learners have even gained vocational qualifications through their involvement in esports, highlighting the educational opportunities this innovative programme provides. Now, we are taking things a step further by looking to establish connections with other colleges to create a network. This exciting collaboration aims to open up opportunities for online competitions and tournaments, giving learners a chance to showcase their skills on a larger stage.

If you are interested in learning more or becoming part of this network, Rebecca and Ashleigh would be delighted to hear from you.

To get in touch, please contact Rebecca Cooper at rebeccacooper@portland.ac.uk or Ashleigh Smedley at ashleighsmedley@portland.ac.uk.

Esports is more than just gaming—it’s about building connections, developing skills, and preparing learners for the future!


Matan – a case study

Posted on February 23, 2026 at 9:20 pm.

Written by martin

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The Migdal Or logo

Background

The service recipient is a 29-year-old law student.

On 7 October 2023, he was called up for reserve duty and joined the fighting in the Gaza border region. On 8 October 2023, he was injured by shrapnel and completely lost his vision. He spent an extended period in a rehabilitation unit.

During hospitalisation, he began receiving initial rehabilitation services, including orientation and mobility training, white-cane use, and smartphone accessibility skills. After being discharged, he joined a technological training program in Migdal Or’s vocational rehabilitation unit, where he began learning computer accessibility skills such as touch typing, screen-reader use, and keyboard shortcuts to support independent functioning.

In parallel, he continued rehabilitation aimed at strengthening his smartphone skills and using dedicated accessibility apps to improve daily independent functioning.

At a certain stage, he independently chose to stop the rehabilitation process, stating that he no longer felt it was necessary. At the same time, he increasingly relied on an assistant (usually his partner) for mobility and orientation, to the point that he stopped using the white cane and other functional techniques.

At the start of his technological training, he demonstrated persistence and motivation despite understandable frustration caused by the need for intensive practice. However, after taking a two-month break for his law internship, he had difficulty returning to consistent training and practice. As a result, it was decided to discontinue the program, and the rehabilitation process was halted before achieving its full potential.

Analysis

Two key issues emerged in this case:

1. Stage of acceptance of disability

It appears that at the time he arrived at Migdal Or, the service recipient was not yet ready to commit to a structured process intended to strengthen his functional independence following the loss of vision. In our professional assessment, rehabilitation can be renewed successfully once he demonstrates readiness, insight, and an understanding of what is required to rebuild independent functioning and reduce reliance on others.

2. Influence of support services

Rehabilitation authorities such as the Ministry of Defence provide extensive support mechanisms, including high assistant allowances, multiple personal assistants, and various forms of functional support and volunteers. While these services are vital, in some cases they may unintentionally delay the development of independent functional skills. When support becomes a substitute for rehabilitation rather than a bridge toward independence, the individual’s potential to achieve full functional ability is limited.

This case highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration between all rehabilitation bodies to ensure a holistic approach and a comprehensive plan tailored to the individual’s personality, stage of disability acceptance, needs, and abilities.

Current status

He is currently preparing for the Bar examination.

If you would like to watch more about Matan’s story, below is a short news interview (YouTube). The film is in Hebrew. You may be able to switch on English subtitles using YouTube’s subtitle/CC settings, although the translation may be imperfect and may include some inaccuracies. The video focuses on Matan’s rehabilitation journey and his resilience as he adapts to life after losing his sight.


Using an iPad as a “CCTV” for people with visual impairments

Posted on February 23, 2026 at 9:20 pm.

Written by martin

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

For many people with low vision, a CCTV (closed-circuit television) is a familiar and trusted assistive tool. In this context, “CCTV” does not mean security cameras. It refers to an electronic magnification device used to enlarge text, documents, and everyday objects to support reading and writing. These systems come in desktop and portable versions, and they can make a significant difference to independence at home, in education, and at work.  

In recent years, the iPad has become a practical alternative to dedicated CCTV devices for some users. With the right setup, it can provide high-quality magnification, flexible viewing options, and access to a broader range of accessibility tools in one device.  

What a traditional CCTV does well

Person using a desktop electronic magnifier (CCTV) to view an enlarged cross-stitch pattern displayed on a large screen above the reading surface.

A dedicated CCTV is designed primarily for magnification. It uses a camera to capture what is on a desk or in front of the user, then displays it on a screen with adjustable zoom and contrast. Many people rely on it for reading mail, filling in forms, looking at labels, and writing, because it provides stable positioning and consistent performance. Desktop units can be particularly helpful for long reading sessions or sustained writing tasks.  

Why consider an iPad instead

The iPad can offer a cost-effective and multi-purpose option, especially if a person already owns one or can access one through school, work, or a service. In addition to magnification, it also supports a wide range of iOS accessibility features, including VoiceOver and dynamic zoom options. Unlike a single-purpose CCTV, the iPad can also be used for communication, learning, entertainment, and daily planning, which may reduce the need for multiple devices.  

Another advantage is personalisation. Users can adjust magnification and contrast to match their needs and preferences, and iPads benefit from regular software updates that can improve performance and accessibility over time.  

Making the iPad work like a CCTV

A key practical adaptation is using a stand. With a stable stand, the iPad can be positioned above reading material for hands-free use, which is especially useful for reading and writing tasks. This setup can feel more like a traditional CCTV experience, because it keeps the camera steady and frees the user’s hands to turn pages, write, or handle items.  

When paired with appropriate magnification and camera-based apps, the iPad can support common CCTV tasks such as enlarging printed text, viewing objects on a table, and adjusting contrast for improved readability.  

How it compares to a dedicated CCTV

iPad Tablet mounted on an adjustable stand, displaying enlarged text on screen to demonstrate its use as a digital magnifier for reading.

A quick comparison is helpful here. In general, an iPad-based setup tends to score highly for portability, display quality, and personalisation. Dedicated electronic magnifiers (often called CCTVs) can vary in portability depending on the model, and they are typically more expensive. Where the iPad can really stand out is in the extra functionality it can offer alongside magnification, such as OCR (text recognition) and a wider range of built-in accessibility features, while many dedicated devices remain focused primarily on magnification and contrast.

When a dedicated CCTV may still be the better fit

An iPad will not replace every CCTV use case. Some people benefit from the simplicity and purpose-built design of a dedicated device, especially for long sessions of reading and writing, or when a stable desk-based setup is essential. Others may prefer the physical controls and specialised ergonomics of traditional systems. The best choice often depends on the person, their vision, their daily activities, and what support they have for setup and training.  

Video demonstration

If you would like to see the setup in action, there is a short YouTube demonstration in Hebrew that walks through using an iPad in a CCTV-style setup. Even if you do not speak Hebrew, the visuals can be useful for understanding how the iPad is positioned on a stand and how the camera-based magnification is used in practice. Depending on your YouTube settings, you may also be able to enable English subtitles, although the translation may not always be accurate.


Tish’s New Device

Posted on February 23, 2026 at 9:20 pm.

Written by martin

Trish using an AAC app on a tablet to communicate while seated at a table in a group learning session.

The process of assessing a young person for high tech AAC devices is a long process; after gathering evidence and applying for funding, a young person can be left with no device for as long as 6 months.  Thanks to a grant from the Karten Trust Bridge College has been able to purchase 2 brand new devices that mean these young people can keep their newfound voice whilst waiting for assessment and funding requests to find their way through the appropriate channels.  Tish took to her new device immediately and was enjoying communicating how she was feeling and discussing what music she wanted in ways she had never been able before and losing this brand-new ability for even a couple of weeks would have been hard for her. Instead, using our new loan out device she can keep and practice this new communication, preparing her for her future.


Technology Serving Inclusion: AI and Human Partnership in Accessibility

Posted on February 23, 2026 at 9:20 pm.

Written by martin

Using Captions and Transcription to Enable Inclusive Learning

Vision and Values

The Ono Academic College has committed itself to creating meaningful change within Israeli society.” Guided by this vision, the Centre for Academic Support and Accessibility is advancing innovative solutions that promote equal participation for students with disabilities in higher education.

The Challenge: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Academia

Deaf and hard of hearing students face significant barriers in academic environments, including difficulties accessing spoken lectures, reliance on human-mediated support, limited availability of captioned recordings, and inconsistent transcription quality. These challenges are particularly evident in content-heavy courses and discussion-based teaching.

Identifying the Need

The pilot initiative emerged in response to direct requests from students who require accurate and accessible captions, especially for recorded lectures, as a foundation for comprehension, revision and independent learning.

The Solution: A Hybrid Human–AI Approach to Captioning

The Centre for Academic Support and Accessibility at Ono Academic College has launched a pilot based on a hybrid model that combines AI-generated captions with human refinement. While AI enables fast and scalable access to lecture captions, human involvement ensures accuracy, clarity and sensitivity to the linguistic and academic complexity of Hebrew. This approach reflects a core value of accessibility work: technology serves inclusion most effectively when it is guided by human expertise, responsibility and commitment to equal participation for all students.

Benefiting Wider Student Populations

Beyond deaf and hard of hearing students, AI-generated captions can support students with attention deficit disorders and those studying in Hebrew as a second language, enhancing focus, comprehension and retention of academic content.

Technology as a Tool for Social Inclusion

The integration of AI into accessibility practices reflects not only technological innovation, but a broader social commitment: reasonable adjustments are a prerequisite for equal participation in higher education.

Implementation Challenges

Alongside its significant potential, the implementation of AI-based captioning presents several challenges:

Technical infrastructure

Research in speech recognition consistently demonstrates that audio quality is a key determinant of transcription accuracy. Microphone quality, lecturer proximity, and background noise levels all directly affect system performance.

Collaboration with academic staff

Effective optimisation requires close cooperation with lecturers, including awareness of clear pronunciation, appropriate speaking pace, consistent terminology, and minimising overlapping speech. Such practices substantially improve automatic captioning outcomes.

Linguistic challenges in Hebrew 

Hebrew presents unique linguistic barriers for AI-based speech recognition, particularly in academic contexts. Its lack of written vowelisation, frequent homophones and rich morphology increase transcription error rates, especially when specialised terminology is used. As a low-resource language in speech processing, Hebrew requires systems to infer pronunciation and meaning from context alone, making automated captioning more sensitive to speaking style, audio quality and domain-specific language.

Current solutions and human refinement

To address these challenges, many systems adopt a human-in-the-loop approach, combining AI-generated captions with post-editing or quality control by trained human reviewers. Human refinement enables correction of linguistic ambiguities, specialised terminology and contextual errors, significantly improving accuracy and usability. While this hybrid model enhances quality, it also highlights the continued importance of professional expertise alongside technological innovation.

Looking Ahead

This pilot represents an initial step towards broader adoption of AI-based accessibility tools. By combining technological innovation with human expertise and institutional commitment, Ono Academic College continues to advance inclusive excellence and equal opportunities in academia.

References

Turetzky, A., Tal, O., Segal-Feldman, Y., Dissen, Y., Zeldes, E., Roth, A., Cohen, E., Shrem, Y., Chernyak, B. R., Seleznova, O., Keshet, J., & Adi, Y. (2024). HEBDB: A weakly supervised dataset for Hebrew speech processing. Retrieved from https://pages.cs.huji.ac.il/adiyoss-lab/HebDB/


Julia – a case study

Posted on February 23, 2026 at 9:20 pm.

Written by martin

Julia, smiling seated in a powered wheelchair outdoors, with supportive arm rests and a lap tray.

I returned home from work and at some point after 8pm I fell backwards down my stairs, hitting my neck on the radiator and knocking myself unconscious. The alarm was not raised until after 9am the next day when I failed to pick up my colleague from work. She contacted my boss who lived in the next village, who came to the house with a friend who had a key and they found me trapped behind my radiator unconscious. They contacted the ambulance service but was told it would take 6 hours minimum. After explaining what had happened, an air ambulance was sent instantly and I was airlifted to Heath Hospital in Cardiff.

After several tests and scans the doctors performed an operation to try and relocate two discs (C5-C6) that had moved forward and was pressing on my spinal cord. During the operation my blood pressure dropped so they had to finish prematurely to save my life. I still had no comprehension as to the damage that I had done. I was in the intensive care unit for several weeks where family and friends visited but I have no recollection they were there even though I was talking to them. I remember asking every person that treated me to help me to get out of bed and everyone explained that I had a serious injury to my neck, and they wouldn’t be able to help, but that didn’t stop me offering to bribe them to not tell anyone!

I had vivid dreams which I thought were true that I was in danger of having my organs harvested and this continued and was taken so seriously by the hospital that they contacted the police and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) got involved. Over the next few months, I was visited frequently by CID and I provided them with information, names and descriptions of the people involved! By the time I was moved to Morriston Hospital in Swansea in October 2024 I realized that the organ harvesting was a side effect from the drugs I was being given and retracted my accusations with a very red face. Thank God I can laugh about that now.

Throughout my time in Cardiff and Swansea I don’t think I fully understood exactly what had happened to me because of the damage that was caused. Even though they were telling me daily that I would never walk again, it didn’t sink in. Whilst in Swansea I contracted C. diff and pneumonia twice and was not sent to my care home until March 2025, just in time for my 60th birthday. I had planned an isle cruise but had to cancel – I will celebrate, but at a later date. I was lucky to be transferred to the Spinal Injury Centre in University Hospital Llandough for rehab from 23rd April to 10th September 2025 and it is only there that I had my injuries fully explained by my consultant. It was also there that I learnt to appreciate what I can do and not focus on what I can’t do.

They have been so wonderful and helpful, it is hard to explain in words. All the staff and patients are like a family and it’s this that has made the difference to my recovery. The main person that has been constant since September 2024 has been Drew, an Aspire Assistive Technologist.  He has provided support and he is amazing with Assistive Technology. 

Without Drew my journey would have been so much more difficult and honestly, I don’t think I could have done this without him. I am a technophobe and a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to anything electronic and I honestly didn’t know what was out there to help, but Drew has stayed patient, calm and friendly throughout.

I now embrace technology and will be actively be using it to be able to return to work. Previously I used a keyboard and a conventional mouse to search the web using Microsoft and Google to carry out my role at Citizens Advice in Swansea.  Drew set me up with Voice Access on my phone and then we progressed to computer access. I trained to use an Integra Mouse and Dragon dictate after trialing several other applications. Using these two tools together is the closest match to what I was doing before my injury.

The most frustrating thing I still find is not being able to use my hands, as they are fixed at a 90 degree angle, and my fingers don’t move which means I’m unable to type, write or hold anything (hairbrush, toothbrush etc) so I am asking for any aids to help me with these tasks.

I miss my hobby, which is painting rocks to leave out for children to find, but I’m hopeful that with I will be able to do this again. I have learnt so much about the spine and the central nervous system from the Patient Education talk and that has equipped me with the knowledge and information to be able to deal and recognize the challenges that come with a spinal cord injury such as bladder, bowels and skin care.

I’m more than grateful for the help and continued support from Aspire, I could never have done this without them.


Use of the VITA Learning Platform in the Adult Department at Shalva

Posted on February 23, 2026 at 9:08 pm.

Written by martin

Shalva logo with stylised human figures above the name “Shalva” and the tagline “Inspiring Hope. Changing Lives.”

General Background

Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, promotes the integration of individuals with disabilities into Israeli society by providing holistic support throughout the lifecycle. The Adult Department currently includes approximately 100 participants employed both in Shalva and in the wider workforce, all receiving tailored professional guidance.

As part of the department’s activities, we were generously granted access to the VITA learning platform by the Karten Foundation. VITA is a virtual job interview simulator with varying levels of difficulty. It enables graduates to practice communication skills, self-expression, and coping with employment-related scenarios in preparation for integration into the open labor market or supported employment.

Use of the Platform During Wartime

During the recent war, graduates faced complex emotional challenges, including processing national trauma with limited cognitive tools. In this reality, the VITA platform was utilized to create a safe, stable, and structured space where they could continue to dream, aspire, and practice employment skills.

Many participants connected to the platform in a heartfelt and innocent way, forming a personal bond with the virtual interviewer. Those who experienced the platform expressed a strong desire to return and continue practicing, reporting feelings of satisfaction and hope.

Supporting Tools for the Platform

Alongside the VITA platform, the following complementary tools were developed to collect qualitative data from both graduates and employers:

  • Demographic Questionnaires – Collect personal data, employment background, interests, and vocational needs.
  • Employer Questionnaires – Assess the graduate’s suitability for a role, considering their abilities and the support they require.
  • Training Protocols – Document the training process, including practice stages and difficulty levels.

Graphs for Illustration

Bar chart titled “Graph 1: Satisfaction Levels with the Platform (Qualitative Estimate)” showing increasing satisfaction ratings from 1 to 5, with the highest number of adults selecting rating 5 and the fewest selecting rating 1.

Most adult participants rated the platform 4–5, expressing emotional connection and a sense of achievement.

Pie chart titled “Graph 2: Vocational Interest Areas (Initial Impressions)” showing Services (35%) as the largest area of interest, followed by Technology (25%), Education (20%), Logistics (10%), and Other (10%).

This graph reflects the vocational aspirations of adult participants as identified in the questionnaires.

Proposal for Future Research

Suggested Title

The Impact of the VITA Platform on Vocational Self-Efficacy Among Adults with Disabilities

Research Objectives:

  • Examine whether practicing with the platform enhances self-efficacy. 
  • Assess the platform’s influence on readiness for employment. 
  • Explore the role of parents in the process.

Research Methodology:

  • Pre- and post-practice questionnaires 
  • In-depth interviews with graduates and parents 
  • Qualitative analysis of participant feedback

Expected Outcomes:

  • A working model for integrating technology into vocational preparation 
  • Recommendations for expanding platform use in additional frameworks

Summary

The use of the VITA platform in Shalva’s Adult Employment Department represents a breakthrough in vocational preparation for individuals with disabilities. During a time of uncertainty, the platform provided a safe, empowering, and professional space. We view it as a significant tool for continued personal and vocational development and recommend expanding its use and involving parents in the process.

Dr. Liron Benisti 
Director of Research and Development at Shalva


Sense College Rap Battle

Posted on November 6, 2025 at 1:47 pm.

Written by martin

This half term the Learning for Life Communication Group held a Rap Battle using communication devices!

A student using a communication device with eye gaze technology, supported by a staff member, preparing for their turn in the Sense College Rap Battle.

The five students were all AAC users, using an eye gaze or a switch to control their communication devices.  This was a one on one, no holds barred battle with voting by the group at the end of each round.  The overall winner was the rapper who had won the most rounds.   

The students took turns to play lines of rap and then the whole group voted for their favourite.  There were some memorable lines such as:

“Your rhymes are weak like decaf tea, I serve full strength, don’t mess with me!”

and

“We’re learning for Life, we’re college crew, we do things our way, fresh and true!”

Each student also had the opportunity to do a “clap back / comeback” reply after each turn, which made it even more fun and the clap backs were flying even faster than the rap verses. 

A student using a communication device smiles and laughs alongside a staff member during the lively Sense College Rap Battle event.

The students especially liked the most sassy comebacks like “cute effort, now let the pros handle it” or “I didn’t come to play – I came to win” and the sound effects such as “mike drop!” 

It got rather competitive, and the competition was very close, but in the end the “rapper with the most attitude” was chosen. 

Two communication devices displaying custom AAC pages filled with expressive phrases, used by students during the Sense College Rap Battle.

The students (and staff) all had great fun, so we will definitely be repeating this Rap Battle again in the future.


Bouncing in 4D and following your Destiny

Posted on November 6, 2025 at 1:14 pm.

Written by martin

For this newsletter, I’d like to share two of our Karten funded projects. 
 
The first of these is our interactive 4D suite. This was a space funded by the Karten Charitable Trust many years ago, and it is still having impact for so many young adults today.  

Two young women smile at each other while lying on a padded surface in a sensory 4D suite, with autumnal forest projections creating an immersive background.


Our post-16 Learning Centre students use the 4D immersive suite as part of their rebound sessions. We set the trampoline up in the Karten-funded suite three afternoons a week for rebound therapy sessions, so that the young people can enjoy their physiotherapy programmes in an engaging and relaxing environment.

oung person lying on a therapy wedge during a rebound session, supported by a staff member in a sensory 4D suite, with colourful cityscape projections in the background.

The young people love their sessions in this environment, and the projections allow us to create wonderful environments which follow the themes explored throughout the year, such as pride events, VE Day and many more. This means that all the young people engage with their rebound therapy programmes, meet their aims, and having lots of fun.

Two staff members support a young person on a trampoline during a VE Day-themed rebound therapy session in the immersive 4D suite, with vibrant projected visuals of the Union Jack and historical photos in the background.

 
The second project is our media production enterprise, Destiny. In July, two of our students left the organisation and were offered employment or further training.

Waj, a former student, smiling at his desk in his new role as a Level 3 apprentice with Everyone Learning, seated beside a computer and tablet.

Waj is now working as a level 3 apprentice for Everyone Learning, supporting their training and development programmes, whilst Max is undertaking a supported internship with DISC, a digital college in the heart of Manchester.

Max, a former student, smiling while standing on a bridge near Manchester’s MediaCity, wearing a black Destiny-branded hoodie.

We are really proud of both of these students who have graduated from the New Bridge Group and have bright futures ahead of them!

We are also really excited to welcome our new cohort, who are just getting started with the enterprise, Destiny, and are starting to develop their skills in videography, photography and print production.

Group of Destiny enterprise students in black hoodies holding cameras, standing below a bold Destiny logo on a black background, representing their focus on videography and media skills.

To find out more about the Destiny enterprise, please visit our Destiny website.


Buzzing with Creativity

Posted on November 6, 2025 at 12:14 pm.

Written by martin

Supporting The World of Glass

We’ve been working closely with the inspiring team behind The World of Glass to support their crowdfunding campaign, a heartfelt effort to preserve and celebrate the artistry and heritage of glassmaking.

Four photos showing members of the print team working on custom T-shirts for The World of Glass campaign. Activities include heat pressing orange text onto blue fabric and positioning the designs carefully.

To help raise awareness, our print team members Jeff and Aiden created a special run of custom HTV vinyl T-shirts, each one crafted with care and purpose. These navy-blue shirts, featuring a bold orange logo, were proudly worn by The World of Glass staff throughout and beyond the campaign.

Four images showing the process and outcome of creating custom T-shirts for The World of Glass campaign. Includes team members heat pressing, holding up finished shirts, and a close-up of the final navy T-shirt with bold orange logo.”

“We absolutely LOVE our new T-shirts created by your team! We can’t wait to show everyone who comes into The World of Glass! Thank you so much!” — The World of Glass Team

In under three months, £87,000 was raised by the St Helens community, keeping The World of Glass open and thriving.

Winter Ready with Buzz Print!

Our incredible Buzz Print Team were recently tasked with another exciting project for FC St Helens – producing the club’s winter accessories, including stylish hats and scarves for fans to show their support while staying warm.

Four images showing the Buzz Print Team creating winter hats for FC St Helens. The team carefully assembles red bobble hats featuring the club’s badge, using heat-press equipment and hand-finishing techniques.

From start to finish, the team brought creativity, precision, and pride to the project, making sure every item met the club’s high standards. The finished accessories not only look fantastic but are a testament to the skill and dedication of Jeff and Aiden.

Five photos showing Buzz Hub team members creating FC St Helens bobble hats. The process includes assembling red hats, adding white crests, and using a heat press to apply logos.

This latest order highlights how Buzz Hub continues to support local organisations while giving our team members the chance to develop new skills and showcase their talent.

Two Buzz Hub team members proudly wearing and displaying finished FC St Helens merchandise - one holding a red bobble hat and the other wearing a red and white scarf.

Youth Open Art Celebration

Winning entries from the Youth Open Art Competition: a close-up photo of a bee on a pink flower (1st place), colourful mixed media artwork featuring positive words and a sculpture (2nd place), and a painting of a brick building against a blue sky (3rd place).

We’re incredibly proud of our talented artists who took part in this year’s Youth Open Art Competition, creating original artworks that explored what it means to be part of St Helens.

Three artists standing beside their exhibited artworks at the Youth Open Art Competition, each smiling proudly in front of their colourful and varied creations.

In July 2025, St Helens Town Hall hosted an exhibition showcasing the amazing range of submissions from schools, colleges, and community groups, including our very own Buzz Hub artists. Lewis achieved 1st place in the SEND Photography category, Abigail came 2nd in the SEND Collage category, and Aiden secured 3rd place in the SEND Colour category. Each winner received a trophy and a hand-printed tote bag, crafted by our print team.

Buzz Hub artists proudly receiving their awards at the Youth Open Art Competition, including close-ups of trophies and group shots with event organisers and local officials.

As well as participating in the Youth Open Art Competition, our print team had the exciting opportunity to create the tote bag prizes for the winners. A huge thank you to Nicola Ashurst from St. Helens Council for entrusting us with this special part of the competition!

Buzz Hub team members proudly displaying their hand-printed tote bags featuring colourful artwork, with additional images showing a vibrant exhibition of the completed designs laid out on tables and displayed in a hall.

Pawsitive Magnets

Buzz Hub members using tablets and digital pens to illustrate animals for a creative project in support of Max’s Legacy animal rescue, focusing on digital drawing and concentration.

Our talented members recently took part in a creative and heartwarming collaboration with Max’s Legacy, a non-profit rescue run by volunteers passionate about the rehabilitation and rehoming of all animals in need. This project supported their mission to help rescue animals find safe and loving homes.

Buzz Hub members proudly display their digital pet portraits created for Max’s Legacy, showcasing colourful artwork of rescue dogs and cats on tablets and printed formats.

Using iPads and the tracing method, our members drew digital portraits of Max’s Legacy rescue animals, capturing each pet’s unique character and charm. The finished portraits were transformed into over 40 beautiful magnets, each one a celebration of second chances and new beginnings.

Buzz Hub artists proudly present their digital pet portraits of rescue rats and rabbits, displayed on tablets and colourful prints, as part of a magnet-making project for Max’s Legacy.”
Buzz Hub members proudly display their digital pet portraits on tablets, featuring striking dog and cat illustrations created for Max’s Legacy fundraising magnets.

These magnets were proudly sold at Max’s Legacy’s fundraising dog show, displayed on their own dedicated stall, helping to raise vital funds to continue the charity’s incredible work.

Handmade magnets featuring digital pet portraits, neatly displayed on wooden shelves and a wall, ready for sale at Max’s Legacy fundraising event.

Good Day to be Alive

We’re thrilled to share this beautiful new video featuring the Everyone Move Collective, which we at Buzz Hub are proud to be a part of! Our talented performers have combined Makaton and the art of dance to create something truly special. The energy, joy, and teamwork shine through every second of the video, showcasing the dedication and creativity of everyone involved.

Performers and crew from the Everyone Move Collective filming in front of a green screen, using Makaton and dance for a creative video project.

Everyone Move brings communities together through collective sessions, workshops, private classes, and performances. They believe that dance should be inclusive, accessible, and joyful for all, and this project is a perfect example of that ethos in action.

Everyone Move Collective members rehearsing choreography and reviewing footage in a large indoor studio space.

This fantastic project was produced by us at Buzz Hub and features incredible performers from ourselves, Circle Inclusive CIC, The ARC, Zoe’s Place Liverpool and A Chance To.

Buzz Hub performers rehearsing dance routines together in a church hall, showcasing teamwork, energy, and inclusion.

Everyone worked incredibly hard to bring this project to life, and the result is inspiring. Seeing everyone perform with such confidence, creativity, and pride has filled us with so much joy. The video is a beautiful celebration of creativity, inclusion, and community spirit.

Large group of Buzz Hub performers posing and smiling in a sports hall beneath a row of international flags and Olympic rings.

Excitingly, our performers will be dancing alongside this video live at the St. Helens Community Conference, hosted by MenCap Active Community, a fantastic event that aims to support people with a learning disability to get active. The event will take place on Tuesday 18 November 2025 at St Helens Rugby Football Club.


Flag-Tastic Fun with IT!

Posted on November 6, 2025 at 8:44 am.

Written by martin

Our IT group meets twice a week in the Skills Centre and is currently learning how to use Canva. They are really enjoying the creative side of the software, each working on their own individual projects at their own pace. Some are designing posters of their favourite pop stars, while others are creating fitness-inspired imagery to set themselves exercise goals. Members of the geography group have been designing flags — so far, we have UK France, and Japan.

Group of learners creating national flags using design software on laptops during an accessible IT session.

The group members shared their thoughts about the sessions:

John said, “I really enjoy coming to the IT session, I find it really relaxing.

Richard commented, “I like the company, we get on really well together as a group.”

Adam shared, “I like to be able to create specific projects from ideas that I have when I come to this session.”

Arthur added, “The house where I live can be quite noisy, so this session really helps me to relax and enjoy some quiet time.”

Andrew explained, “IT really relaxes me, I also feel like I’m achieving something when I work on different Canva projects.”


Enterprise Team transformed

Posted on November 6, 2025 at 1:23 am.

Written by martin

Kisharon Langdon, a proud member of the Karten Network, offers supported training and employment to Jewish adults with learning disabilities and autism through our social enterprises.

Technology, generosity gifted by The Ian Karten Charitable Trust, has streamlined processes considerably and the people we support are delighted with the changes that have been made to their working day. The technology has also given opportunity for new skills to be developed, opening new career pathways for the people we support.

The three social enterprises which have been in receipt of the new technology are:

  • Our Bike Shop
  • New Chapters (our second-hand online bookstore)
  • The Enterprise Team (as part of our Learning and Development offer)

Each team have given an overwhelming amount of positive feedback; with people we support enabled to execute tasks they have never been able to before.

The below will give an insight into the impact one item has had specifically for our Enterprise Team who are supported by our Learning and Development offer.

Two members of the Enterprise Team sorting and packaging colourful cards at a workstation, surrounded by storage shelves filled with supplies.

The Enterprise Team have moderate to severe learning disabilities and wish to work and develop their key skills within a supported environment. Within this provision, literacy, numeracy, IT and social skills are embedded into all training, volunteering, and work opportunities. The Team specialises in producing bespoke food gifts to celebrate Jewish festivals, and their service is in high demand amongst the Jewish community. All gifts are meticulously weighed, counted, packaged and delivered to customers.

Over the past year business has been transformed for the Enterprise Team with the generous donation of a 55-inch interactive board, amongst other technology which has also enhanced learning opportunities. The interactive board has been invaluable during the Team’s sessions and used in multiple ways. People we support who find it difficult to see can view pictures and text on a larger screen and can type using the manual wireless keyboard which is connected. This means people can input information from their seats. The technology pens provided allow people to practice their motor skills by signing themselves into the sessions and writing on the board, helping with their motor skills and letter formations. Feedback was that it is exciting to write on a board, and it encourages people to learn whilst having fun. Sharing an iPhone/ iPad screen with the group onto the interactive board means that everyone is involved together in the learning process.

A learner interacts with a touchscreen display, using an on-screen calculator app while supervised by a support staff member.

The Team also uses the board as a calculator. They do this by individually adding up stock totals using an iPad calculator app (also donated by Karten), and a group member will show the calculation in large on the interactive board. It is then clear for the whole group to get involved in the calculation together and see how the total was reached.

When writing down the tasks for each day, people will choose different colours on the board’s menu to tick off when they have completed a task which makes it clear to see, and for those who find it hard to read, they will use colour codes or symbols.

Handwritten list of colours on a digital whiteboard, numbered 1 to 8, with annotations such as ticks, “½”, and “no” next to some items. Colours include yellow, dark blue, light green, light blue, orange, light pink, silver, and dark pink.

All work is automatically saved onto the IT system as people write up ‘what went well’/ what I learnt’ for the session which is then inputted into the feedback forms for staff’s evaluation of the session.

The impact this interactive board has had, is articulated below by the people we support:

“I like using the calculator and everyone sees the numbers on the board.”

“It is a very good piece of technology. We can see everything clearly and if we forget what we did before we can just go back a page, and it is still there.”

“We can write messages to each other, and it will save it.”

“We don’t run out of board markers now. We can type on the board and we can write on it too. It is very clever.”

“We can look up different ingredients or recipes and we can all see it at the same time.”

“It was good when we did a baking session here and the recipe was in Easy Read in really big on the screen and everyone could see and then we can just go on to the next bit when we have finished that part of the instructions. It’s more hygienic than using lots of paper recipes as it is on the board for us to see.”

Thank you again to the Karten Network for your partnership and enormous contribution to the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people.


St John’s College, Karten Centre: Inklusion Print and Creative Case – a case study

Posted on July 17, 2025 at 12:07 pm.

Written by martin

Lily, a young lady sits at a table slicing a banana on a blue cutting board. The individual's face is obscured for privacy
Lily sits at a table slicing a banana on a blue cutting board. The individual's face is obscured for privacy.

The Karten Centre at St John’s College is a hub of activity helping our learners develop vital employability skills. From here, we run our social enterprise Inkusion of learner’s artwork transformed into prints, postcards, mugs and so much more! 

Student A has been a student at St. John’s for three years. During the current academic year, she joined our Karten Centre Printshop and has become well-versed in the basic workflows and processes of design. 

Recently, Student A played a key role in printing and pressing uniforms for one of our partners, The Real Junk Food Project where she is undertaking a work placement. As a gesture of goodwill, Inklusion offered to replenish their old uniforms, something that Student A was highly involved with.

With funding for our new Oki transfer printer from the Ian Karten Trust, we have been enabled to print transfer images of The Real Junk Food Project’s logo. Student A assisted in preparing the transfer images, printing them on the Oki transfer printer, and then heat pressing adhesive patches to brand the logo onto the old uniforms.

A group of eight smiling adults stands together in a kitchen all wearing matching black aprons with a circular white logo. One person in the center holds up a small pink T-shirt with the same logo. Folded T-shirts are stacked on the table in front of them.

The refreshed uniforms were presented to our partners last year. Since then, Student A has been using her newly prepared uniforms during her weekly placement at The Real Junk Food Project.


The content creators

Posted on July 17, 2025 at 12:07 pm.

Written by martin

Four people stand in a grassy outdoor area, smiling for a video being recorded on a handheld camera in the foreground. Two of the individuals are wearing protective helmets. The group is dressed warmly, with one person in a red coat and another in a green jacket, suggesting a cool day. Trees and a building can be seen in the background.

As part of our digital inclusion programme, a group of residents with complex epilepsy and other disabilities took the lead in co-creating content for The Meath’s social media platforms. Supported by staff and using adaptive equipment—including accessible cameras, tablets, and editing tools—participants planned, filmed, and edited short videos and interviews capturing day-to-day life at our residential care setting.

A person wearing glasses and a red fleece holds a digital camera up to their eye, preparing to take a photo. They are indoors, with a cozy, festive scene of a decorated dining room displayed on a large screen in the background. Art supplies and shelves can be seen in the surrounding room.

Working in small, interest-led groups, they identified the topics they wanted to cover. With guidance from our Head of Marketing and IT provider, they learned how to operate cameras, set up lighting, conduct interviews, and edit footage. Accessibility features—such as touch-friendly tablets, speech-to-text software, and visual editing tools—ensured everyone could take part, regardless of ability.

The result was a series of short interviews and posts giving an authentic insight into the personalities and stories behind The Meath. Participants gained confidence, communication skills, and a deep sense of pride in representing their community. The project not only enriched our social media but also built digital and creative capacity among participants—showing what’s possible when people with lived experience are involved in the process.

A young woman sits smiling against a plain wall, framed by a circular ring light. In the foreground, a camera captures her image, visible on its display screen, showing her centered and well-lit. She wears a striped shirt and has long dark hair.

Creativity in action at the Cantraybridge Karten Centre

Posted on July 17, 2025 at 12:07 pm.

Written by martin

At Cantraybridge College, students are exploring digital creativity and design in their newly renamed Karten Centre, formerly the Digital Studio, supported by equipment funded through the Karten Network.

A computer lab setup with several workstations arranged in a U-shape on light wooden desks. Each station has a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, paired with black office chairs. In the background, there’s a 3D printer, a fan, and a multifunction printer against the wall. The room has neutral-colored walls and carpeted flooring, creating a clean and organized learning or working environment.

The updated space features a suite of PCs and 3D printers that students are using to develop their skills in 3D modelling, animation, and design. Using Blender, a powerful open-source 3D software tool, learners are building confidence through hands-on projects that cover everything from sculpting and UV mapping to shading and keyframe animation. Each student is working on their own unique creation, and the results speak for themselves. From stylised character models to ambitious architectural scenes, the work on display reflects both creativity and technical skill.

A  collage of four digital 3D artworks created in Blender. Top left: a muscular stylized Batman character in a modeling interface. Top right: a futuristic golden city with tall, ornate spires under a sunset sky. Bottom left: a sleek, reflective sci-fi cityscape with fluid architecture and smooth water surfaces. Bottom right: a nighttime scene of a small modern building flanked by construction vehicles, set in a rural area with trees and distant lights.

As part of the relaunch, students also created a new Karten Network Centre sign using the 3D printer. It was a collaborative effort that now proudly marks the entrance to the space. It’s a small detail, but one that showcases both practical application and a strong sense of ownership over the learning environment.

A wooden wall plaque with bold black carved lettering that reads "Karten Network Centre." To the right of the word "Karten" is an oval-shaped wooden emblem with the words "Karten Network" engraved inside it. The plaque is mounted on a white wall with a wooden doorframe partially visible on the right.

This blend of creativity, technology and skill-building highlights what access to the right tools and support can unlock. The Karten Centre is more than just a room full of computers; it’s a place where students explore, design, and express ideas in exciting new ways.


Life goes on buzzing!

Posted on July 17, 2025 at 11:53 am.

Written by martin

We were thrilled to see our Life Goes On poster proudly displayed in the window at Cineworld St Helens in the run-up to our public screening on 6th June. Seeing our film featured at a major cinema was a huge milestone for the whole team!

A  three-part collage showing the premiere of a film titled Life Goes On. The first image shows the exterior of a Cineworld cinema with a poster displayed in the window. The second image is a close-up of the film poster featuring portraits of cast members in colorful blocks. The third image shows the inside of a cinema with rows of empty red and black seats facing a large screen displaying the title LIFE GOES ON....

Before the public debut, we hosted a special cast and crew screening in May at Lucem House Cinema. It was a heartfelt afternoon, giving everyone who worked on the film a chance to come together and see their hard work come to life on screen, a well-deserved moment of celebration and pride.

A group of people stand at the front of a small cinema auditorium, smiling and waving at the camera. Behind them, the large cinema screen displays the title LIFE GOES ON. The group includes a mix of individuals, some standing and others seated or using mobility aids. The atmosphere is cheerful and celebratory.

To make sure everything was just right, we ran a screen test at Cineworld St Helens ahead of the June screening. Everything looked fantastic, and we were ready to welcome audiences for a top-tier big screen experience.

A  triptych of images from the Life Goes On film screening. The left image shows a scene from the film projected in a dark cinema, where three women are standing and talking. The centre image is the film’s poster, featuring a collage of cast portraits against colourful pastel backgrounds with the title Life Goes On – A Buzz Hub Production. The right image shows a close-up of a woman speaking in a kitchen, with captions reading “staring into space and then randomly disappearing for hours on end.”

Life Goes On is a moving ensemble drama produced by Buzz Hub Productions, interweaving four powerful storylines that explore the complexities of modern life, love, loss, and personal growth. Written by Sophie Tickle, the film was uniquely shaped through a collaborative process—members of our film club selected the themes and direction, making Life Goes On a true reflection of shared creativity and storytelling.

A massive thank you to everyone who supported us along the way!

Art on the platform

In a vibrant partnership with Rotary St Helens, our talented Art Club members have brought the town’s history to life through a remarkable series of seven collaborative artworks, now proudly installed at St Helens Central Station.

Four Polaroid-style photos show large-scale artworks displayed outdoors on metal fences along a brick pathway.

    A vibrant collage of colourful abstract and geometric shapes, created in bold tones of red, yellow, blue, and green.

    A detailed, busy cityscape drawing dominated by red tones, featuring buildings, roads, and movement.

    A Van Gogh-inspired painting with swirling skies and stylised towers, blending night-time blues with warm orange accents.

    A wide-angle view showing multiple artworks in a row along a fenced walkway, with trees in the background.

Each piece highlights a different historic location in the town, blending the distinct styles and talents of multiple artists into rich, collaged compositions. Each artwork draws inspiration from both the architecture of the historic site and the art movement that aligns with the period in which it was built. In addition, every piece includes the names of Buzz Hub artists, project sponsors, and a QR code linking to historical insights and future updates.

A colourful abstract painting filled with blocks, stripes, and overlapping shapes in soft pastel and bold shades, displayed on a fence in an urban area.

A bright and expressive artwork made up of several colourful scenes showing stylised buildings and landscapes with bold outlines and vivid contrasts.

A detailed black-and-white architectural drawing of the Friends' Meeting House, showing intricate textures and historic brickwork in fine linework.

Together, the artworks form a striking visual celebration of St Helens’ heritage, creativity, and community spirit.

This inspiring project was made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as part of the Creative Underground initiative, and was coordinated by the St Helens Archive Service (part of St Helens Borough Council). The aim was to transform the station into a more welcoming space—one that reflects the town’s unique identity and artistic energy. It has done just that.

Kicking goals in Belfast

A huge thank you to Rotary St Helens for generously donating track tops to our football team! The lads looked sharp and proud as they headed to Belfast for the George Best Community Cup on June 18th.

Two men in red F.C. St Helens tracksuits smile at the camera while sitting in stadium seats.

A group of players in matching red tracksuits celebrate with their arms raised on a football bench.

A man in a blazer poses with a football player holding up a red F.C. St Helens shirt, in front of a "Next Home Match" sign.

Four men pose together, two holding up another red team shirt with sponsorship logos visible.

Our Buzz Print Team did an amazing job customising the jackets, adding that extra boost of confidence before the tournament.

A young man carefully positions a sponsor logo patch on a red football jacket.

The same man uses an iron over a cloth to apply the patch.

Another man in a striped t-shirt presses a different patch onto a similar jacket.

Two men proudly show off the completed jackets, smiling.

The first man peels off the backing from a freshly ironed-on logo patch.

Over two tough days, the team played nine matches against top UK and Irish disability teams, finishing with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses — narrowly missing the finals by just one goal difference! A special highlight was beating the unbeaten professional side Glentoran FC — a historic win for Buzz Hub.

A group of players in white and red football kits smile and pose together on a grassy field, some crouching or kneeling.

The team sits at an outdoor pub table, sharing drinks and laughing together.

The team gathers on an airport tarmac in red travel tracksuits, posing in front of a plane’s boarding stairs.
A football team huddles in a semi-circle on a sunny pitch, receiving instructions from their coach.

Players in striped kits walk across the pitch, some chatting and preparing for the match.

A group shot of players in red and black kits seated and smiling on a patio.

The team walks off the pitch after a game, chatting and relaxed.

Even an Irish FA representative praised our grassroots squad’s dedication and skill, making us all proud

“What an experience flying over competing with some of the best disability teams in the UK. Everyone played a part, we all had a laugh, and the lads gave it everything. Winning 5, drawing 2, and losing just 2 of our 9 matches over the 2 days. We didn’t win it overall but we did create a bit of Buzz Hub history beating the unbeaten professional side Glentoran FC (one of the biggest teams in Northern Ireland) in our last game to top off a great weekend”

– Chris, Buzz Hub Staff Member

Players in red travel outfits walk toward a building on arrival.

Several players in kit rest on the sidelines, chatting or hydrating.

A small group of players walk together on the tarmac beside a plane.

Players board a flight via stairs to an easyJet plane.

A group of players in kit line up on the field, posing for a team photo.

The team huddles before kickoff, hands in the centre.

A player prepares to take a penalty shot during a match.

A goalkeeper in a bright yellow kit stands ready in goal as the ball is lined up for a shot.

Thanks again to Rotary St Helens and the Buzz Print Team for their incredible support. The whole Buzz Hub family came together to represent St Helens with pride. Up the Buzz Hub Stripes! ⚽

#LOVESTHELENS Exhibition

Inspired by all the things they love about St Helens, our arts and crafts unit groups were busy creating a collection of heartfelt artwork. The finished pieces were proudly on display at St Helens Parish Church in the town centre between 23rd and 29th June as part of the six-week #LoveStHelens festival celebrating everything local.

There was a variety of different artwork created by our members, all made collaboratively using different mediums for each piece. The exhibition included paintings, collages, drawings, sculptures, and even a film

A vibrant, multi-layered sculptural tower made from colourful translucent materials, displayed on a hot pink table inside a church. Surrounding it is a backdrop of sketches and architectural drawings pinned to a board.

World of Glass – Inspired by the vibrant art at the World of Glass, this sculpture featured painted and engraved panels, including handwritten notes from members. Its shape echoed the museum’s entrance chimney.

A large handcrafted model of a reddish-brown historic building made from painted cardboard. The structure includes photo cut-outs of people and windows, and is displayed on a red carpet in a grand interior setting.

Gamble – A model of the Gamble building displayed our members photography in the windows, alongside handwritten local phrases and inspiring quotes from members.

A small bronze-coloured metal house sculpture on a pink table, beside a bowl filled with red heart-shaped paper pieces and pens. Behind it, art panels and painted boards are visible in a wooden-panelled hall.

Parish Church – An interactive sculpture inviting visitors to write why they love St Helens on heart-shaped notes and post them inside. It will be gifted to the church as a lasting tribute to the town.

A large, energetic mixed-media collage on an easel featuring drawings of rugby players, team logos, and fan art in red, white, and black tones. The work celebrates local team spirit and individual creativity.

Saints – A mixed media collage combining digital iPad artwork with traditional materials like paint and ink, created by our talented art club members.

An expressive silhouette of a tower painted in abstract splashes of blue, green, pink, and yellow on a cut-out board, displayed on an easel. The piece features sketched towers at its base, blending architecture with colour play.

Beechams – Using oil pastel transfer techniques, members recreated photos from our media group and collaged them onto a canvas shaped like the iconic Beechams building.

A textured bust sculpture made from blue-toned papier-mâché with visible layered paper and collage elements, displayed on a pink table with a circular white base. Children’s drawings hang in the background.

Dream – Built from wire mesh, paper, and mod roc, this sculpture was finished with photos of the Dream and its surroundings, captured by our media group.

A large square canvas filled with swirling shades of green, brown, and yellow paint, suggestive of leaves and forest textures. The piece is displayed on a pink cloth-covered plinth beneath ornate wooden panelling.

Carr Mill Dam – Made using foraged materials from around Carr Mill Dam, this piece used ink and dam water to brush, splash, and print natural textures onto canvas.

Four Polaroid-style photos show participants taking part in a creative activity in what appears to be a church or community hall, with pink tables and small decorative birdhouses:

    A woman carefully places a painted item into a pink birdhouse with a smile.

    A man in a grey hoodie and red scarf drops something into a similar birdhouse, smiling warmly.

    A young person in a burgundy hoodie beams at the camera while taking part in the same activity.

    A man in an F.C. St Helens jacket concentrates as he draws or writes on a pink surface.

Print for change

We were delighted to support Listen4Change, the St Helens Parent Carer Forum, by printing 200 branded tote bags and 200 trolley tokens for their latest outreach initiative.

A sequence of five photos shows individuals engaged in the process of creating printed tote bags.

    A young man uses a heat press machine to apply a design onto a white tote bag.

    A man with a “Johnny Cash” t-shirt smooths out a freshly pressed bag design.

    Another man in a blue sports shirt carefully aligns a logo on a bag.

    The same man operates a heat press machine.

    A man stands at a workstation smiling, beside a heat press and a finished tote bag.
Two photos showing people proudly holding up the completed tote bags printed with the logo: "Listen 4 Change – St Helens Parent Carer Forum – www.Listen4change.uk".

    Three people (two young men and a woman) pose with the bags next to open boxes filled with them.

    Two men sitting at a table smile and raise the finished bags, showing the bold printed design.

These items were designed to help raise awareness of the forum’s vital work in supporting parents and carers of children with additional needs.

Our Buzz Print team independently managed and completed the entire printing process, demonstrating fantastic attention to detail and professionalism throughout. Handling an order of this size was a valuable experience, giving the team a great opportunity to refine their processes and maintain consistent quality across a large batch.

It was a pleasure to contribute to a project that empowers and connects families across St Helens.


A future vision: The Next Generation of Smart Glasses for the visually impaired

Posted on July 17, 2025 at 12:06 am.

Written by martin

It’s more than fair to say, that since November of 2020 when the first genuine pair of smart glasses for visually impaired people was released, that the competition in this particular market has evolved and is growing at a phenomenal rate as more and more companies are entering the space with ideas on how to solve age old problems we experience in our daily lives. These issues mainly relate to problems with reading and identifying text, navigating safely, locating objects and having a clear idea of your surroundings.

A man, Stuart Beveridge, wearing sunglasses and a grey polo shirt stands on a garden patio holding the leash of a black guide dog. Behind him are flower boxes and lush greenery, with a shed and blue sky in the background.

In terms of reading text and detailed scene descriptions, there are many different solutions currently available whether it’s an app on a smartphone or a specialist device. However, the two issues I personally find most challenging are navigating safely when both indoors and outdoors and locating different objects accurately and with confidence, which could be about to change, thanks to a new pair of smart glasses Seva Vision.

I am now involved in testing the software for the developers and the results, even at this early stage have been rather extraordinary and already have the potential to be extremely unique, life changing and can give information and details which are different to any other similar device I have previously tested.

Now in all honesty, it’s the “navigation” and “find object” features which have really got me excited. I’ve used similar features on other devices before, but none of them come anywhere close to matching the level of accuracy and detail in the Seva Vision Glasses.

Most other devices will just give a general description of objects such as “there is a table and two chairs in front of you.” You have no idea how far away the items actually are or exactly where they are actually located. However, the Seva Vision Glasses take this to the next level by giving the exact location of objects and how far away they are, which gives me access to more information than I have ever had before. Similarly, when using the “navigation” feature, audio instructions are given on where there are clear paths and the direction to go, but they then go the extra mile by giving additional information such as “walk for three meters and follow the wall on your right”, which could be extremely useful for cane users, in particular. The Seva Vision glasses also have some other interesting features such as face recognition, magnification and an SOS feature which allows you to call a designated contact in an emergency.

The text reading features on these glasses are vision based so still quite basic, however the next edition will be OCR enhanced, meaning you have more useability and can read offline, which is much more beneficial. The scene description feature is very detailed, but this sort of AI is already being used on lots of different devices, though it will be a massive and integral part of these glasses going forward.

What is also great is that the glasses can be personalised to provide the priorities and features most suitable to an individual, for example, digital zoom features for those with Low Vision making zooming on TV programs or small prints possible.

Some final points to make are that while most similar devices require a smartphone app to drive them in some way, the Seva Vision Glasses can be used completely on their own without the need for a mobile phone tether. They can be controlled via a touchpad or most interestingly, completely by voice activated commands, meaning that I have a completely hands-free solution which is a huge help, especially when using my Guide Dog. If you were to purchase the Seva glasses, they are supported by a SEVA on the GO pack; wi-fi dongle, a portable battery, Bluetooth speaker and magnetic charger, so you never need to worry about overuse, you can charge them while wearing and using them.

Unlike other consumer products in the market, SEVA is a specialist product dedicated to the Blind and Low Vision community to meet their special needs. SEVA is hardware agnostic providing them the freedom to bring versatile frame options in the future through manufacturing partnerships.

To sum-up, while these glasses will evolve, it’s already great to be part of the journey and I personally can’t wait to see where they go from here, as their potential is huge. The team is continuously evolving software & hardware to bring advance features to the community, and new and long-lasting hardware is already in the pipeline.

So, without doubt, extremely exciting times are ahead.

www.sevavision.com

A little about Purview Technology, the Scottish Company behind SEVA Vision

SEVA Vision was founded by Mani Gupta and Reddy Punna, both core technologists with over three decades of industry experience, dedicated to delivering cutting- edge solutions to clients. As industries increasingly adopt wearables integrated with AI and AR for enhancing the capabilities of field workers, Mani and Reddy envisioned using the same AI models to assist a team member who had lost their sight at an early age. They trained the AI models to recognise everyday items like sandwiches and milk bottles in a refrigerator, allowing their blind colleague to identify objects around them. This marked the inception of SEVA Vision, with a mission to leverage AI and AR-powered smart wearables to enhance the lives of people with sensory impairments related to sight, sound, or speech.

www.purviewtech.ai

SEVA Vision’s current glasses are now available to buy. They can be purchased as part of a subscription and licence model. All software and hardware upgrades will be free to those within the SEVA Vision Community. 

To learn more about owning your first SEVA Glasses, please contact stuart.beveridge@seescape.org.uk or lorraine@purview.co.uk

Look out for Purview Technologies latest development in your next Newsletter.

Following on from SEVA Vision, Maitiri, a solution developed to support individuals who are either Deaf or hearing impaired will be launched in the Winter. Glasses are currently being designed and testing will soon be complete.


Assistive Technology Week – Limitless by Inclusion

Posted on July 16, 2025 at 11:50 pm.

Written by martin

Three people smiling for a selfie indoors. The person on the left is holding the camera, while the woman in the middle holds a small blue model or object. A third person stands to the right. Behind them is a purple backdrop and part of a classroom or activity space.

We just wrapped up our Assistive Technology Week – Limitless by Inclusion, which concluded on a positive note with a small exhibition attended by visitors, staff, and students. Throughout the week, we experienced peak moments (Thursday) and some less favourable ones (Monday), along with instances where technology felt more like an adversary than an ally. Despite these challenges, the overall response was positive, and we’re certainly planning to host this event again next year.

Several people interact with a large interactive tabletop display, which is lit with colorful projections. The table is set up in a classroom or lab setting with computers and monitors in the background. Participants are using their hands to engage with the projected content.

The online event on Wednesday worked well with eight different presentations and participants from Loughborough University, parents and other Colleges.   Presentations included using virtual reality to teach different communication skills from Bodyswaps, music, and assistive technology, and Microsoft accessibility options, plus information about using AAC devices from Sense College’s Speech and Language Therapist.

The two live events featured stalls from several different technology companies, including Everway, Aventido, and Thomas Pocklington Trust, plus in-house stalls for MSI Technology and AAC.  There were a few speakers who gave short presentations about a range of topics, including an introduction to what AAA stands for and a little bit about Techability. 

Two women converse at an informational booth for Avenida, an assistive technology community. The booth table is covered with brochures, business cards, and a laptop, and features a banner inviting people to join the Avenida AT Community. The setting appears to be an indoor event space with large windows and other attendees visible in the background.

The final presentation was by Sense College student technology champions (Adam B, Ben C, Ben P, Esma O, Theo L) and from Kingsley Saba about what “Limitless by Inclusion” actually means.  Kingsley spoke about how our students use assistive technology in College, and about the challenges that people may face when using assistive technology, including funding AT, lack of awareness, and societal stigma.  Kingsley identified that these challenges can be resolved through partnerships with technology firms and charities, by attending events to enlighten ourselves on the potential of AT and training on how to use AT.  The visitors to these events were from different FE Colleges, parents, staff and students.

I thought I would finish off with an excerpt from the Champions’ powerful presentation. 

“We’re the Assistive Tech Champions, and today, we’re not just sharing our stories—we’re inviting you to join a movement.  Imagine trying to fit a round peg in a square hole. Well, that is how it feels when learning and other activities are not inclusive.

We as the champions are here to put an end to this by making it known to everyone what the challenges are and how Assistive Technology empowers everyone to make an inclusive society.

Adam – I use Assistive Apps like Seeing AI, and Talkback on my phone that helps me to do everything on my phone like access Google Maps for mobility purposes.

Ben C – I am proud to demonstrate how my technology works.  It helps me to communicate with my tutors and do other things which I won’t be able to do if the environment is not inclusive.

We believe raising awareness on the potential of assistive technology is a good starting point to develop a truly inclusive society.

People ask, ‘What does “Limitless by Inclusion” mean?

It means my wheelchair isn’t a ‘limitation’—it’s my freedom.
It means my AAC device isn’t ‘special’—it’s essential.
It means our differences aren’t barriers—they’re blueprints for a better world.”

So, this week, we challenge YOU – Try a tool you’ve never used. Ask us questions. Make a pledge.  Because when you embrace inclusion we all become limitless.  Thank you for believing in our vision. Now let’s build that future—one switch, one click, one voice at a time!”

Five young people wearing matching purple "Assistive Tech Champions" T-shirts pose in a classroom. Two are standing, while three use wheelchairs, one of which includes a mounted communication device. Behind them, a large screen displays a travel website showing a resort with a pool and the word "TIVOLI." The room has white brick walls, a red chair, and a coat hook on the wall


Printing, Pop-up shop and more

Posted on May 8, 2025 at 12:24 pm.

Written by martin

Custom hoodie for a good cause

We recently had the pleasure of printing a special hoodie for Willowbrook Hospice but with a twist. This one’s heading straight to none other than Johnny Vegas, who’s known for proudly wearing his support on his sleeve… and chest!

Three photos show a young man operating a heat press machine. In the center image is a close-up of a shirt printed with the Willowbrook Hospice logo and the slogan "Every Contact Counts." The man is engaged and focused, working in a well-lit room with a press and folded garments nearby.

A longtime supporter of local causes, Johnny often sports charity gear during TV appearances, helping to raise awareness in his own unique way. We’re honoured to have played a small part in that by creating a custom hoodie he’ll be wearing to help spotlight the incredible work done by Willowbrook Hospice. Even better, one of our talented team members, Will, independently printed this hoodie with our heat presses making it an even prouder moment for us all. It’s not every day you get to make something for the screen and for such a good cause too.

Will, a young man proudly holds up a black hoodie printed with the Willowbrook Hospice logo and the slogan "Every Contact Counts." Beside him is a larger version of the same logo with a green arrow pointing from the hoodie to the logo, highlighting his completed work.

New community connector

Liam, a dedicated volunteer at Buzz Hub, has now taken on a new role with the OAC team thanks to the support of Alex Craddock, Mencap, and the Our Active Community project. Through their collaboration, Liam has been employed as a new Community Connector and has already started working on the project.

Two men stand smiling outside the Buzz Hub St Helens CDP building, beneath a colorful sign with contact details and social media icons. To the right, a graphic reads "Our Active Community" with a yellow arrow pointing toward the pair, highlighting their involvement in the community project.

In his new role, Liam will be supported by Chris Meadows (pictured left), Health and Wellbeing Lead at Buzz Hub. Liam will be working closely with Alex to encourage more people with learning disabilities to get active and live healthier lives.

On joining the team, Liam said: “I’m glad to be on board to help bring more to the community and help get more people with a learning disability healthier and more active. “

This is a fantastic milestone for the project, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that the OAC programme is made for — and driven by — people with a learning disability. For more information please contact: alex.craddock@mencap.org.uk

Printing for a Pop-up shop

We were thrilled to collaborate with the talented Level 6 BA (Hons) Graphic Design students from St Helens College University Centre on an exciting project to produce merchandise for their pop-up venture, The KLASS Shop. The initiative gave students a platform to showcase and sell their original designs on a variety of items, including mugs, T-shirts, stickers, keyrings, and tote bags.

Collage of colorful handmade items from a pop-up shop, including printed T-shirts with cartoon and flame designs, a white mug with flower and bear prints, sticker sheets with motivational phrases, and a variety of keyrings, badges, and pins featuring cute and quirky characters.

To bring their ideas to life, our print team used sublimation printing. This method is perfect for preserving the vibrant colours and intricate details found in the students’ artwork. Using our professional heat presses, we ensured each product met a high-quality finish while staying true to the creative vision behind it.

Collage of colorful handmade items from a pop-up shop, including illustrated bookmarks with tassels, keychains, sticker sheets, and motivational badges. The designs feature cute characters, bold text, and vibrant patterns, all laid out neatly on display tables.

As part of the collaboration, the students were invited to a drop-in session at our studio, where they had the chance to see their designs go from digital files to finished products. They also got to experience the production process firsthand and learn more about sublimation printing and heat pressing.

The print team

Four photos show two individuals engaged in creative tasks. A woman proudly holds a handmade bookmark with a frog pattern, uses a heat press to prepare designs, and later displays a round patch with a red mushroom illustration. A man focuses intently as he aligns a circular design on white paper. The setting is a bright, accessible creative workspace.

This project was not only a showcase of the students’ skills but also a valuable experience for our own print team. Managing a large, varied order on a tight deadline provided an excellent opportunity for the team to strengthen their workflow and coordination skills. We’re proud to have supported such a talented group of emerging designers and loved being part of their journey”

Collage of images from a pop-up shop display featuring handmade printed products. Items include illustrated keyrings, graphic T-shirts, tote bags, mugs with character designs, and various printed accessories. Products are neatly arranged on racks, tables, and walls with bright pink price tags in a welcoming retail space.

“I am over the moon. Shout out to Buzz Hub for providing an excellent service! The pop-up shop was a good turn out – a lot of people were interested in the cat T-shirt I made, which was great. It was fun to do and be a part of.” – Kayleigh, Graphic Design student

We’re always excited to collaborate with local students, colleges, and creative projects. This one was particularly rewarding—not just for the high-quality products produced, but for the enthusiasm and energy the students brought to the experience.

Train station art

In partnership with Rotary St Helens, our talented art club members have produced a series of seven striking collaborative artworks, each showcasing a historic location in the town. Each piece is a fusion of contributions from multiple members, carefully collaged together to create unique visual celebration of St Helens’ rich heritage.

The project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the ‘Creative Underground’ initiative and coordinated by the St Helens Archive Service (part of St Helens Borough Council), aims to make the station more welcoming and reflective of the town’s rich history and creative spirit.

Four people proudly display their artwork in a studio setting. The pieces include a vibrant colorful painting of a building, a detailed watercolor map in progress, and two intricate black-and-white architectural drawings. The artists are smiling and engaged, seated at tables surrounded by art supplies and creative tools.

Throughout the project, our members explored a variety of artistic mediums and had the opportunity to learn new techniques, expanding their creative skills while working collaboratively. Each artwork draws inspiration from both the architecture of the historic site and the art movement that aligns with the period in which it was built:

Detailed black-and-white pencil drawing collage of the Friends Meeting House, featuring various architectural elements such as stone walls, tiled roofs, and leaded windows. The artwork captures different perspectives and textures of the historic building, showcasing intricate line work and shading.
Friends Meeting House (1600s) – Baroque: Dramatic lighting and bold contrasts capture the building’s timeless grandeur.
A vibrant, colorful mixed-media collage artwork depicting elements of a town hall and its surroundings. The piece features bold textures, architectural details, and abstract interpretations of brickwork, windows, arches, and decorative patterns, all set against bright blue and green backgrounds.
Town Hall (1876) – Impressionism: Lively brushwork and vibrant colour reflect the energy of civic life.
A colorful painting of Beechams Clock Tower, creatively reimagined with swirling skies inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night. The artwork blends local architecture with vibrant, textured patterns, floral motifs, and dynamic brushstrokes in bold blues, yellows, and reds.
Beechams (1887) – Post-Impressionism: Emphasised forms and vivid, unconventional colour bring a modern twist to its classic design.
A vibrant, colorful collage artwork inspired by the Gamble Building, featuring architectural arches, stained glass motifs, and ornamental gate designs. The piece uses bold brushstrokes and a vivid palette of reds, yellows, blues, and greens to highlight decorative details and historic elements.
Gamble Building (1896) – Art Nouveau: Flowing, decorative lines echo the elegance of this cultural landmark.
Bright, expressive painting of St Helens' Old Central Station and surrounding architecture, divided into colorful sections. The artwork features bold outlines and saturated hues of red, pink, green, blue, and yellow, capturing buildings, rooftops, and a park scene with stylized detail and vibrant energy.
Old Central Station (1900) – Fauvism: Expressive, brilliant colours embody the hustle and industrial energy of the era.
Abstract collage artwork inspired by St Helens’ new Central Station, made from overlapping paper cutouts in bold colors like red, green, yellow, blue, and purple. The composition features a variety of geometric shapes and layered forms, creating a playful, energetic visual effect.
New Central Station (2007) – Minimalism: Clean lines and simplified forms reflect the station’s sleek, modern design.
Energetic collage artwork celebrating St Helens R.F.C. and the Saints Stadium. The piece combines photographs, drawings, and text featuring players, fans, trophies, and stadium views. Phrases like "Totally Wicked" and "Saints" appear throughout, layered with red, black, and white graphics that convey excitement and team spirit.
Saints Stadium (2012) – Street Art: Bold, urban styles and mixed media capture the passion and spirit of the town’s sporting heart.

These artworks will soon be installed at St Helens Central Station, transforming the space into a public celebration of local creativity, history, and community pride. This project was proudly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the ‘Creative Underground’ initiative, coordinated by St Helens Archive Service, part of St Helens Borough Council.

Together, through art and community spirit, we’re making St Helens a more vibrant place for all.


ComputerXplorers dive into 3D design

Posted on May 8, 2025 at 2:55 am.

Written by martin

The Meath’s ComputerXplorers group have been diving into 3D design with Tinkercad — and their progress has been amazing! With expert guidance from visiting session leader Alan, they’ve been unleashing their creativity and bringing ideas to life in 3D. So far, they’ve each designed a unique badge using a 3D printer and are excited to create even more soon.

Collage of students and staff at The Meath engaged in a 3D printing session. Images show students designing personalized badge shapes on laptops, holding finished 3D-printed name badges, and interacting with staff for support. The classroom is decorated with colorful artwork and posters, creating an inclusive and creative learning environment.

Booost Education

Posted on May 8, 2025 at 2:42 am.

Written by martin

an illustration promoting the "Booost" education app, featuring its logo with a rocket icon, a bright yellow background, and a cartoon character pointing to a glowing light bulb. Two mobile screens display a task list and daily schedule, showcasing features like lectures, group work, and course assignments.

Booost Education assists students to keep track of tasks, manage their time, prioritise tasks and provides prompts to remind students of tasks and appointments

Booost fits in the space between Brain in Hand, which also has the ability to input recognised difficulties, implementing them into personalised software, and utilises strategies and solutions for the recognised difficulties. With Brain in Hand these all come through in an app, meaning the strategies of what to do when faced with an issue can be accessed in that moment. For those who may not have the ability to recognise what to do in the moment. Booost and Brain in Hand provide task management and prioritisation, time management and prompts. Both are dependent on the activities the student has to complete being placed in them.

Why Booost over a digital calendar, as these can also provide prompts?
A calendar can provide reminders, but it cannot assist with prioritising and managing tasks, Booost also allows the ability to connect with several calendars.

Screenshot of the Booost productivity app interface displayed on tablet, desktop, and smartphone devices. The interface features a daily calendar with color-coded tasks such as lectures, morning routine, and wellbeing breaks. A course assignment card and checklist are also shown, emphasizing task organization and time management.


Why Booost over Brain in Hand, the difference is that Brain in Hand provides assistance for in the moment difficulties. It also has a traffic light system of how things are in the moment, which means if it seems someone is having difficulties, they will be contacted to check they are ok or if they need some assistance. The students’ personal individual difficulties are implemented into the software, as are their solutions. There is the ability to connect to a mental health or autism helpline or to the student’s chosen supporter. This goes far beyond prioritisation of tasks and time management. Booost can also connect to a mental health support line, which is available to anyone experiencing difficulties. Booost also has study support and health and well being support videos within the app. Feedback has been mainly positive although initial issues included the initial sign in needs to be on a Windows computer (we have not tried Macs), there is an accessibility overlay included for some features, and that scrolling is not intuitive when inputting information to be stored as tasks or within a timetable, and required support assistance. (These have all been fed back to the company).


Beyond that the students using it so far have reported it has made a difference to them. Students state they are arriving at classes mainly on time, thanks to the prompts, and are keeping track of their tasks and managing to better prioritise them, albeit some say they do need to be reminded to put any homework or assessment dates into the software.


It has so far proved useful for those who need a bit more than digital calendar reminders, but can manage when issues arise that they are not comfortable with, but know how to address them.


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