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.
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.
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!”
Article meta data
Clicking on any of the links in this section will take you to other articles that have been tagged in the same category.
- This article was written by the Sense College Loughborough Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Summer 2025 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Centre News, Events