TechAbility Conference
The TechAbility Conference 2026 is taking place on Thursday 19 November at the Coventry Building Society Arena and bookings are now open!
Some of the subjects covered include:
- Smartglasses as AT: opportunities and ethics
- Embedding AT and AI for access, independence and consistency
- The missing piece: ATech and employment transition
- Strengthening the intersection of AAC and AT: Insights and a planning resource
- Assistive Technology to support formative assessments
- Completing the picture: why cultural change is as important as technology
- HandShake: Gesture as control with a smartwatch
- Try before you buy: Building an Assistive Technology lending library
- What does ‘very important’ mean? The impact of AT on user’s lives
Plus
- Keynote from Beth Moulam, author of how to live audAACiously
- AT Supplier Exhibition
- Hot topics discussions
If you need to stay the night before, the Hilton Hotel is in the Coventry Stadium building. We’ve negotiated a preferential rate – details will be provided when your book. Alternatively, there are several hotels within a small radius.
Hope to see you there!
Mobile phone app cards updated
Thank you for all the positive feedback around the mobile phone app cards, it’s been great to hear how you are all using them.
They are apps that TechAbility or associated professionals have used over the years. They can be printed out or used as a digital resource. Some centres have printed key apps out as a display to show others.
As the apps change it’s important to periodically update them, for that reason please find the links to the updated app cards below:
We’re always looking for more apps, so if you have any you’d like to feature in the next update then please email neil.harrodbeck@natspec.org.uk
Webinars
Beechband
Helen chats to Carl Beech, creator of BeechBand an innovative device which can support regulation across movement, speech, and wellbeing. Carl shares his personal story of early onset Parkinson’s, the development of the BeechBand and stories from people who have benefited.
Everyday access in Microsoft Word
It is easy to make Word documents more useful and accessible for you and for other people. In this guide you’ll be shown how to:
- make document navigation straightforward
- access the Immersive Reader tool to help reading
- use the Accessibility Assistant to check your document can be read by as many people as possible.
Creating Easy and Accessible Microsoft PowerPoint Presentations
PowerPoint presentations can be a great way to deliver accessibly, but only if you are aware of the features in the software and the theories behind creating accessible resources In this previous TechAbility webinar highlight we will create a presentation live demonstrating how to lay out text, compliment this with visuals, while demonstrating the accessibility features in Microsoft PowerPoint.
Training
Please email fil.mcintyre@natspec.org.uk to find out more/sign up to any of these courses:
10 practical steps to include more learners
22 September 2026
Join one of our Assistive Technologists to discuss ten quick fire topics covering a wide range of assistive hardware, software and techniques.
Supporting learners’ Assistive Technology at all stages of their college journey
7 October 2026
This course focusses on key stages in a learner’s journey and highlights the appropriate support required for effective outcomes.
Built-in access
21 October 2026
Computers, tablets and phones have a wealth of accessibility options already built into the operating systems. All teaching and learning support staff should have an awareness of these features so they can remove barriers for learners.
Assessment for AT Part 1
3 November 2026
Get in touch to find out more details
Technology for learners with PMLD
11 November 2026
Learn about the types of technology which can support learners with PMLD and how to effectively support their use with learners.
Access the World through a Smartphone
25 November 2026
This course will give staff the knowledge to help learners discover accessibility features and apps on phones, which in turn should reduce people’s requirement for human support to support basic skills
Assessment for AT Part 2
1 December 2026
Get in touch to find out more details
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Clicking on any of the links in this section will take you to other articles that have been tagged in the same category.
- Featured in the Karten Summer 2026 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: TechAbility