| “I love using the iPad. I can take photos now myself and look for things on the internet that can help me learn”. – Student |
Background
As a result of funding from the Ian Karten Charitable Trust, in March 2021, we purchased 16 iPads and Mac Covers.
The iPads, are based at Kisharon Childs Hill Library in Barnet. The project was initially delayed due to the impact of Covid and the further lockdown in December 2020.
Why were iPads Needed
The iPads were purchased to support the people we support whose day-to-day activities were dramatically affected by Covid.
As much of the world moved on-line it was vital that all the people we support could access work and information.
This proved a challenge for those who are digitally excluded due to their economic circumstances with no access to a computer at home.
The iPads
| “With the era of zoom sessions, it has been another way for students to use technology to become independent and reconnect with others. We have seen students learn how to log onto zoom with a meeting ID and passcode, set up a meeting and heard that this skill has been used at home too by students in order to attend social events in the evenings during the height of the pandemic”. – Aviva Braunold , Project Manager |
iPads have been purchased from our preferred supplier Marsworth Computer Network Support Specialists.
The iPads include easy-read programmes which are simple to operate, and helped assist the people we support in accessing information independently.
Many of our young adults have required the iPads to be pre-loaded with religious restrictions on internet usage and with activities and college work.
How the iPads have helped the people we support
Since purchasing the iPads our young people have developed a range of skills that has enhanced their independence and prepared them for future employment opportunities.
We have supported them to plan and take control of their day by creating personal plans which includes reminders of when to do particular activities.
One particular area, where young people have benefitted which was unanticipated at the time of the application was using the iPads for recording and registering Lateral Flow tests.
| “Now I know how to look up recipes on the iPad I can do it on my phone at home. I will make this (pizza) for my family. It’s so good!” – Service user |
One service user wanted their friend to come and have a tour of the college but as it was during lockdown, visitors were not able to come into the setting. Instead, he learnt how to set up a meeting, send an email with an invitation on and invites his friend to a virtual tour of the college.
The tour allowed him to take ownership of the activity as he was holding the iPad and showing his friend around the college whilst explaining what each room was used for.
This was a great example of using technology to enable him to communicate with others whilst learning new IT skills which he could later use in other parts of his life.
We also had a baking session for all people we support across different parts of the service which had to be moved to zoom due to the pandemic.
One of the young people led this session by logging onto the zoom account, muting and unmuting people and using his iPad to host the session and show others how to bake a cake. The other people we support followed his instructions and made the cake with him in their own homes at the same time.
How the iPads have helped the people we support
We have observed the following increases in outcomes for the people we support from some of the activities listed below:
- Online shopping → Enhanced numeracy skills
- Looking up and learning travel routes to get around and making social plans like meeting up with friends Increased independence → Increased independence
- Reminders of when to take medication → Increased independence
- Browsing the internet and using apps → Increased literacy
- Keep a photographic journal of their week and share this via a secure network with family, peers and support workers → Enhanced communication
- Watching music videos → Increased social skills
Thank you very much once again for your support, we hope you have enjoyed reading about our work
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- This article was written by the Kisharon Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Winter 2022 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Centre News