The Karten Trust grant awarded to Toynton campus has had a substantial impact upon the campus as a whole by increasing the availability and use of digital tools for learners to communicate and to access the curriculum.
For learners with a range of disabilities that have been unable to access the college campus the purchase of iPads, webcams and microphones has provided the opportunity to receive a form of face-to-face delivery. This has had a significant and positive impact on inclusion for learners, and has also supported lecturers to deliver across site and into the learner’s home – something which would have been otherwise impossible.
As a result of the Karten grant, we are able to support and signpost learners, showing how they can access this equipment within their own home. This will allow them to transfer their skills in preparation for future independent lives.
Through Enterprise sessions, learners have been able to explore the assistive technology and have recently begun to use programmes such as Minecraft for education on the iPads to identify shapes within core skills, and work towards qualifications. Using the technology develops the learner’s cognitive skills and we have seen an increase in learners using collaboration and problem-solving skills throughout other areas – supporting and encouraging their peers in social and emotional scenarios.
Case studies
Leah W
Leah has ADHD and delayed cognitive development. In support of any activity, Leah accesses the computer with a mixed colour upper case keyboard independently, and can complete tasks within busy environments with minimal adult support. Leah is developing her orthographic knowledge, and uses the keyboard to locate letters to support her spelling and to develop her reading skills.
Leah is easily distracted by noise due to a sensory issue. The headset grant-funded by the Karten Trust has supported Leah to self-regulate and enable behaviour independence. She accesses the computer independently, using the accessible keyboard to play music and avoid distractions from within the teaching and learning environment to focus and work towards qualifications while increasing her metacognitive skills.
Learner X
Learner X has cranionasal dysplasia with a visual weakening in both eyes: this has resulted in short-sighted vision and a requirement for large print. Throughout any activity the Zoomax magnifier converts the task into the font size required. The Zoomax is portable and supports X to develop independence and improve literacy skills.
Learner X’s aspiration is to work within the hospitality industry. At Linkage, hospitality sessions take place in an industrial kitchen, and embedding the talking equipment into the kitchen has supported X to access the course with minimal staff support. This learner has developed the skills to prepare hot and cold snacks using the equipment to a high standard, and is working towards a City and Guilds qualification. Learner X is looking for work experience within the industry with a view to gaining paid employment applying visual impairment strategies learnt within the college environment.
Through the TechAbility training, staff had the skills and knowledge to implement user experience virtualisation for learner X, personalising the approach to meet individual needs. Social interaction skills for X have developed over the academic year; and through using baked-in accessibility features and assistive technology, X has expanded listening skills, increased communication and reduced the level of support required within the sessions.
Photos of activities held in the Karten centres and outside of the classroom
The photo below demonstrates using the iPad within a media and horticulture session to take photos. Learners at Toynton have embraced the additional technology within sessions, and support peers to use it. Learners have developed online safety skills in an ever-changing digital environment.
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- This article was written by the Linkage College Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Case Study, Centre News