TechAbility have released an exciting range of courses, delivered online over the next few months. These courses are discounted for Karten members. If you require training for groups or all of your staff team these courses can also be delivered directly to you and tailored to meet the needs of your organisation.
Full course details and booking are on the TechAbility website: https://www.techability.org.uk/training/
If you have any questions please email techability@natspec.org.uk
Built-in Access
Computers, tablets and phones have a wealth of accessibility options already built into the operating systems. In addition, Office 365, Google Classrooms and web browsers have many features to enable access. This session will:
- Show how to enable these features to ensure learners have the access they need.
- Discuss which settings which may support learners with particular impairments.
- Allow time to trial the options for yourself (subject to organisations having sufficient computers/tablets)
- Demonstrate solutions if the built-in settings are not sufficient.
- Discuss the accessibility advantages of learners choosing which platform they use.
All teaching and learning support staff should have an awareness of these features so they can remove barriers for learners. Therefore, this course is only delivered in-house for a single organisation. This has the advantage of the content being weighted to match your technology provision e.g. Windows, Mac, iPad, Android.
10 practical steps to include more learners.
Ten quick fire topics covering a wide range of assistive hardware, software and techniques. An efficient way to raise awareness in staff teams of the multiple ways learners’ needs can be addressed. Some examples of the subjects covered are:
- Using Your Voice to Type – Dragon, Google Drive, Windows, Mac
- Office 365 Learning Tools – inbuilt tools to aid literacy
- Making your Documents Accessible – it is digital, but can it be read?
- Mind Mapping – a study and creative tool
- Brain In Hand – support for Autism/Mental Health
- Captioning – easy ways to use subtitles in live online and recorded teaching
- Using your phone to read text and handwriting – iPhone and Android
- Reading websites – why Chrome isn’t always the best browser!
- iPad Accessibility – Reading options, guided access, magnifier and more
- Scanning Pens – Straightforward handheld tool for reading text
Assistive Technology for Physical Access
Delivered by Assistive Technology specialists, this workshop will ensure delegates learn about technologies which will enable learners to access desktop and laptop computers, tablets and phones. There is a wide range of technologies designed to support learners with physical access needs, this workshop will:
- Demonstrate a spectrum of physical access technologies
- Highlight how good assessment can change outcomes
- Discuss the differences each technology can make for learners
- Show how software choices can enhance physical access
- Discuss how using some technologies may be undesirable
Supporting Learners’ Assistive Technology at all stages of their college journey
The right support for assistive technology can make a significant difference to learners’ achievements and experience. Technology which learners arrive with may not support their study at college; technology which is suitable for use in college, may not be supported once the learner has left. This course focusses on key stages in a learner’s journey and highlights the appropriate support required for effective outcomes. Delegates will discuss the following areas:
- Intake
- Initial Assessment
- Support protocols
- Staff training
- Assistive Technology review points and ongoing support
- Transition plan – documentation, liaison, training
Voice control for accessibility
“Alexa, turn on my lamp”. Voice control devices are convenient for most, but for many people with disabilities they can be a solution to accessing information, entertainment and controlling their environment. This session will give an overview of the key technologies available, their advantages and limitations. There will also be practical advice on how to operate these in learning and residential settings, while safeguarding users. Subjects covered include:
- Basic setup and access
- Controlling the environment – lights, fans, TVs
- How to use if you don’t have a voice
- Using in a learning and/or residential setting
- Tips and tricks
- Future developments to aid accessibility – dysarthric speech access, AI bots
Emerging Technologies for Accessibility
Learn about cutting edge technologies which could change the way learners interact with the world. Some technologies are designed to enable access for people with disabilities, others are designed for convenience but enable access. Technology covered in this session includes, but is not limited to:
- EyeControl – wearable, screenless communication device
- Home control – use your voice to control your home
- Virtual Reality – immerse yourself in an alternative world
- Mixed Reality – augment the real world with objects and activities inside the real-world
- Artificial Intelligence – what can it do?
- Chatbots – what can AI contribute to learning
- Remote robots
- Eye control on phones
TechAbility have a series of webinars, all dates are given in the Events section of this newsletter.
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- Featured in the Karten Spring 2021 Newsletter
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