Well that’s almost a wrap on the summer term of 2025, and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to a bit of downtime over the next few weeks. Recently, it has been so lovely to see celebratory events in many organisations hosting our Karten Centres. Recognising the progress and achievements of students and service users and the contributions of talented staff is so important, it’s great to take time out and reflect on the impact high quality provision can have on the lives of people we support. May I extend heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your hard work and commitment.
Professional Association for Assistive Technologists (PAAT)
I wanted to provide you with an update on the work undertaken to establish the Professional Association for Assistive Technologists (PAAT). Many of you will remember the consultation activities at the TechAbility Conference back in November 2024. Since then, the sub-group comprising of myself, Fil McIntyre (TechAbility), Dave Hursthouse (Leonard Cheshire) and Professor Jane Seale (Open University) has amended the PAAT documents and framework. Excellent progress has been made with the eligibility criteria and guidance to support professionals to submit portfolios for assessment. A small pilot will be undertaken, prior to PAAT’s launch at the 2025 TechAbility conference.
We are currently working to set up a CIC and secure seed funding for the initial set-up costs. If you know anyone who may be interested in supporting the PAAT CIC through a one-off donation or sponsorship please let me know.
St Helen’s Buzz Hub
On 6 June I was delighted to go to Cineworld in St Helens to enjoy the screening of St Helen’s Buzz Hub’s film called Life Goes On. Buzz Hub members worked on issues that were important to them as they were venturing out of the Covid lockdowns. The film was fabulous, an amazing mix of emotional, poignant, funny and touching as the cast worked through some tricky and sensitive material. What a very proud day for St Helens Buzz Hub, and hats off to Cineworld for providing such a brilliant big screen experience. Again there is a further report on this occasion later in the newsletter.
Sense College Loughborough
In May, Sense College Loughborough, held its first ever Assistive Technology Week – Limitless by Inclusion. I was lucky enough to attend on the final day. 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 TechAbility.
The highlight for me was the final presentation by Sense College student Technology Champions and from the College’s assistive technologist (AT). They spoke about what “Limitless by Inclusion” means. The AT spoke about 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 etc. The visitors to the events were from different FE Colleges, exhibitors, external professionals, parents/carers, staff and students. I’m going to finish with the words of the students, as I think you will agree they are very powerful!
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! Sense College Loughborough Technology Champions.
There is a fuller article on this event later in the newsletter.
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- Featured in the Karten Summer 2025 Newsletter
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