Autumn 2020 – Karten Network

How to update centre information

Posted on October 9, 2020 at 1:30 am.

Written by martin

The Karten Network website aims to not only provide information to the general public but to serve the Karten Network itself. A prime example of this is our Home Learning Support section, if you have not already done so, please take a look at the resource: https://karten-network.org.uk/home-learning-support/

We also aim to facilitate collaboration by providing information about what services and areas of expertise a centre has. We would therefore kindly request that the information on your centre page is kept up-to-date. This can be done by your Karten Centre manager, or the relevant person within your organisation.

While every effort is made to ensure that the current person responsible for the Karten Centre information has a Karten Network account with the necessary privileges we do know that things change. If you don’t have an account please contact me.

If you have forgotten your password, this can be reset, by clicking on the “Login” link, located on the top left of every page on the website.

Clicking on the “Lost your password?” link below the login form.

screenshot showing the lost password link

Enter either your user name or e-mail address and clicking the “Get New Password” button. You should then receive an e-mail enabling you to reset your password.

Allow a few minutes for the email to reach you. Please check your junk/spam folder.

If you don’t receive an e-mail, please contact me.

To update your centre page:

Please login to the Karten Network website.

The login link can be found on the top left of each page or by visiting: https://karten-network.org.uk/login/
Enter your username or e-mail address, and your password.
Once logged in, navigate to your centre page. Below the page title an “Edit Centre Information” link should now be visible. If this is not the case, please contact me [martin@karten-network.org.uk]
Click on the “Edit Centre Information” This will take you to a form where you can update and add information.
Edit the information as necessary. Then scroll down to the bottom of the page, and click the “Save Changes” button. Should you wish to exit the edit form without saving any changes, a cancel link is also available at the bottom of the page.

Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions about your centre page, please contact me: martin@karten-network.org.uk

Welcome to our Autumn 2020 Newsletter

Posted on October 9, 2020 at 1:30 am.

Written by martin

Welcome to our Autumn 2020 Newsletter from Arwyn Jones, Chair of the Karten Network Board

First and foremost I sincerely hope you, colleagues, friends, family and service users are keeping safe and well during these unprecedented times.

We entered 2020 but 10 months ago – a sparkling new decade – with high hopes and aspirations. A decade where the pace of technological innovation and creativity would continue to accelerate and bring huge potential and life changing benefits to the community that Karten Centres support across the UK and Israel. Who could have known then how the year would evolve.

Indeed reflecting back on past issues of the Karten newsletter and how all of the Centres have evolved over the years, applying technology with innovation flair, passion, and a commitment to making a positive difference, one can only feel proud and humbled by what has and continues to be achieved.

This year we were hoping to celebrate what would have been Ian Karten’s 100^th birthday, at an event in Birmingham – sadly, but correctly, we have had to postpone that event. But that does not detract from the amazing work being done. Ian would have been immensely proud at how his vision has grown, and reaches so many people in a positive way. His foresight, energy and passion to make a difference is a legacy of life changing support and services that has already benefitted 1000’s over the last 40 years or so, and with what has been developed, will continue for many years to come.

We all know how immensely challenging COVID-19 has been during 2020, and all the current indicators point to that remaining to be the case for the foreseeable future. Notwithstanding that, it is truly heartening to see how organisations across the Karten Network have adapted to face these challenges, seeking to ensure that they can provide the optimum services and support in a safe yet accessible way.

The Karten Trustees who fund the Network have also had to adapt, not least because revenues into the Trust have been adversely affected, and will likely continue to be so for some time. Despite that the Trustees have committed to continue to support the Network through funding for specific applications, but unfortunately a need for more prioritisation will mean that not all applications can be supported.

However, whilst immensely important, funding is but one feature of a Network such as Karten. One of the core strengths of any Network is the willingness and ability to share and learn from each other – harnessing the creativity and can-do approach that is so evident. Karten I feel is a vanguard in this respect. I would encourage all our centres to continue with that spirit of sharing and collaboration and celebrating the positive impact we are having.

Please take time to read this issue of our newsletter, and also to capture and share with us your stories so that they can appear in future issues. In the meantime please continue to stay safe whilst doing the amazing work you do.

Best Wishes

Arwyn

Nuvoic project

Posted on October 9, 2020 at 1:30 am.

Written by martin

Lady in wheelchair, with iPad mounted in front of here, using the voiceitt app

In our last newsletter we announced our involvement in the Nuvoic Project, a collaboration with specialist app developer Voiceitt, which aims to improve access to speech recognition technology for people who have non-standard or dysarthric speech. Voiceitt are developing an app for people who want to communicate using their own voice but have difficulty being understood by unfamiliar people, or who want to use their voice for smart home control but can’t access mainstream technologies. You can see video clips here of Voiceitt in action for communication and smart home control.

The Karten Network is leading on user involvement and testing in the UK. Since June, we’ve been working hard to produce resources, we’ve received ethical approval for the planned work with participants, and now we’re pleased to announce that recruitment is open and we’re in the process of enrolling our first testers at The Grange Centre in Surrey!

We’re currently looking for people who would like to get involved in testing the app, particularly the new Smart Home feature which gives integrated control of an Amazon Echo smart speaker. We’re looking for people who:

Are aged 16+
Have ‘non-standard’ speech, sometimes not understood by others
Want to use speech to communicate
Are interested in technology
Can use a tablet or phone by touchscreen
Can read in-app instructions
Can understand what’s involved & agree to take part

The app runs on an iPad or iPhone, we can provide testing kit on loan as needed. We will ask participants to choose around 15 commands or phrases which will be useful to them in daily life, to train the app to recognise how they say these and then to practise using them over 3-4 months. At the end of this time we’d like participants to tell us about how easy or difficult they found it to train and use the app, how well it worked for them, what they liked and what could be improved. Participants who complete the feedback interview will receive a £20 app store voucher as a thank you for their time and effort, and a further 6 months’ free use of the Voiceitt app.

As well as working directly with individuals, family members and carers we hope to work with partner organisations such as our Karten Centre hosts and others offering services and support to people with impaired speech. We have funding available to reimburse local support teams for help to recruit and work with participants. We’re delighted that The Grange Centre in Surrey will be taking part and we look forward to working closely with them and other partners in future!

We would love to hear from you if you, your organisation or someone you know may be interested in taking part, or if you would like more information. Please email our project co-ordinator: liz@karten-network.org.uk and look out for our Nuvoic project web pages, available soon, linked from the Karten Network website.

TechAbility

Posted on October 9, 2020 at 1:30 am.

Written by martin

TechAbility support for Karten Centres

TechAbility are ensuring that Karten Centres are supported with their assistive technology, despite the restrictions on face to face interactions. Instead of a single, face to face visit, Neil and Fil are holding multiple, shorter online meetings.

If observation of practice or areas is required this can still happen remotely. There may indeed be advantages for some centres to these new arrangements for example ensuring people who may be part-time or shielding are part of the process.

Centres can be prioritised for visits if this is necessary and the risks to the people you support have diminished.

If you haven’t had a consultation and report yet please get in touch – techability@natspec.org.uk

TechAbility is available all year round to answer your AT questions, ideas and developments.

TechAbility conference

The TechAbility Conference goes virtual in 2020 with ‘Access to a Digital Future’. This one day event will bring together practitioners, experts and suppliers from across the assistive technology field. It will focus on what has been learnt throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, how organisations have adapted, the benefits to students, and how we ensure those are universal and continue going forward.

There will be two types of sessions happening throughout the day. The first, a series of 20 minute presentations, are practice based and provide practical solutions to issues you might be facing. The second, a series of 5 minute AT-shorts, highlight new AT projects, suppliers, and quick fire hints. There will also be opportunities for discussion and questions throughout the day.

Discounted rates are on offer for all Natspec Colleges & Karten Members

Confirmed workshops include:

Accessibility insights from remote assessment – Craig Brown, Hereward College
Apps for independence – lessons from delivering AT training in India – Neil Beck, TechAbility
Sensory rooms – getting it right – Carol Allen and Richard Hirstwood, Hirstwood Training
Become a qualified Educational Assistive Technologist – Rohan Slaughter
Widening access? The future of assistive technology policy in the UK – Clive Gilbert, Policy Connect
Using Amazon Echo devices with adults with Learning Disabilities and Autism – Carrie Sant, Fitzroy

Booking link: https://natspec.org.uk/events/techability-conference-2020/

TechAbility webinars

Tuesday 17^th November 2020 13.00

Assistive Technology Training: What is available?

In this webinar we will take a look at what training is available for those looking to take their knowledge around Assistive Technology to the next level – whether this is a short course or a Masters.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5624412129115917

Tuesday 8^th December 2020 – 13.00

Captioning

Adding text to your video calls or recordings can improve accessibility for a wide range of disabilities, is good practice and can help when sound issues occur. We will cover some of the main platforms with both paid and free tools.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2526010727224251661

Tuesday 19^th January 2021 13.00

Digital Mental Health

We are joined by Jisc’s subject specialist for accessibility, Kellie Mote MSc MBPsS, to discuss her research and practice. Expect useful insights from an experienced Assistive Technologist about her investigations into the role of technology acceptance as an influence on young people’s willingness to use digital mental health interventions.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3049046209534055693

Tuesday 23^rd February 2021 13.00

Claro Writing Helper

Claro Writing Helper helps you organise your essays. It guides you through a linear, structured approach starting with an essay question and a deadline, and ending with your essay in Word format! This exciting new product helps learners with disabilities to understand essay questions, set tasks, manage citations, create bibliographies and much more.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4117269034918444813

Tuesday 16^th March 2021 13.00

Accessing Technology and languages

Are you working with learners who have English as a second language? We will review tools that can help to cross language barriers. This will include options on computers, tablets, mobile phones and AAC devices.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6088068860916252429

Accessible Tech Thursdays

Posted on October 9, 2020 at 1:30 am.

Written by martin

Every Thursday at 4.15pm the EdTech Demonstrator Programme will be delivering short webinars (between 20 to 40 mins) focusing on the best ways to integrate accessible technology into your classrooms – enabling you to improve the outcomes for all of your learners.

Accessible technology means technology that allows full access to digital content, whatever your needs. As a result, these webinars are for all educators, as we all know that mainstream classes include a range of students with needs, diagnosed or not. An accessible classroom makes learning easier for everyone.

What’s more, is the last Thursday of the month we will open up the end of the webinar as a “surgery” where you can get help with student issues around accessible tech. The first theme is access, where we cover the main tools learners can use to break through accessibility barriers.

Introduction

Meet the team of specialists, find out how best to access the programme and get some tips on getting September started right. Watch on YouTube.

Text-to-Speech

An introduction to one of the most useful tools to help learners access written text. We will cover options on different platforms and cover those extra features that can make all the difference. Watch on YouTube below.

Early Switch Skills

Taking a look at alternative access to computers/communication aids using switches. It will provide a step-by-step guide from the assessment process, to early switch skills such as awareness of cause and effect. It will explore a range of switch accessible software, websites, and activities. Watch on YouTube.

Dictation

Using your voice to write can be transformative for learners and is a useful life-skill for everyone! We will cover the main options and give options for the classroom, mobile devices, and exams. Watch on YouTube below.

Vision

Changing visual options can make resources accessible. We will go through the main software and features that can help your learners see the work in the best possible way. Watch on YouTube below.

Physical Equipment

How do we work out what equipment learners need? What is out there and where do we buy it from? We can help you with these questions and more. Stay on at the end for our “Drop-in surgery” Register for the drop-in surgery.

More webinars to follow.

Video Calls. Thursday 8 Oct 2020 at 4.15pm

Never before have we spent so long in video calls! But do we know how to make these accessible and do we know which platform to choose to suit our students’ needs? We will look at how to make your calls on Zoom, Teams and Hangouts more accessible with captions, transcripts, accessible resources, shared folders and more. Register for the Video Calls webinar on Zoom.

Remote Therapy. Thursday 15 Oct 2020 at 4.15pm

There are some excellent resources and tips on delivering remote therapy, we’ll review these and help you to feel comfortable delivering therapy in this manner. Designed with Speech and Language Therapists in mind, but with guidance that should help all therapists. Register for the Remote Therapy webinar on Zoom.

Blended / Flipped Learning. Thursday 22 Oct 2020 at 4.15pm

Blended learning is an approach to education that combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods. Flipped learning has been described as “school work at home and home work at school.” They are both effective when done correctly and can improve the differentiation, accessibility and engagement of learners. Register for the Blended / Flipped Learning webinar on Zoom.

Visual Learning. Thursday 5 Nov 2020 at 4.15pm

Mind-mapping, social stories, essay planning, symbols and timetables. We will discuss the merits of each, provide you with solutions (PC and mobile) and give you some new tools to deliver your sessions more inclusively. Register for the Visual Learning webinar on Zoom.

Update from Mobile Technology Advisor – Autumn 2020

Posted on October 9, 2020 at 1:30 am.

Written by martin

Intelligent virtual assistant accessibility

Intelligent virtual assistant Alexa and Google

It wasn’t that long ago when the idea of talking to and interacting with a computer by speaking was the stuff of science fiction. Now we “Hey Google…”, “Siri…”, and “Alexa…” without giving a second thought to it.

While Intelligent virtual assistants (IVA) are still maturing, they already offer an interface to many who would otherwise find traditional computer interfaces difficult to use. However, for some, accessing virtual assistants is still challenging. Thankfully, built in accessibility features may make this easier. As of iOS 11 you are able to type rather than speak to Siri.

Google Home accessibility features are largely dependent on the device. On mobile devices, the app relies on Android’s accessibility features. On Google Nest smart speakers and displays accessibility features are controlled through the Google Home app. To access these features, ensure you mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your smart speaker or display. Open the Google Home app. Tap your speaker or Smart Display. Tap on “Device settings, then “Accessibility”. Currently the options are limited. They mainly include additional audio feedback and cues. For smart displays in addition to auditory options, including closed captioning, it is possible to adjust the colours and the amount of contrast, as well as magnify the screen.

Amazon’s Alexa has a large number of accessibility features. Similar to Google Home, some of which are device specific. These accessibility features can be accessed either through the Alexa app or directly through the device. The features include audio instructions for configuration of Amazon Alexa devices; customisable sound cues; text size and contrast; screen reader support for the Alexa app; support for keyboard navigation in the app and on some Alexa devices; screen magnification; and the rate at which Alexa speaks can also be adjusted.

The “wake word” can be changed, although this is currently limited to four options – “Alexa,” “Amazon,” “Echo,” and “Computer.”

On supported devices (e.g. Amazon echo show) you can interact with Alexa without speaking. This includes using a keyboard during video calls made using the supported device. The Real Time Text (RTT) feature adds a live, real-time chat feed during calls and “Drop Ins”. When RTT is enabled, a keyboard pops up on the screen (external Bluetooth keyboards are also supported), enabling you to type text which appears in real time on both parties’ screens.

Ongoing efforts promise to expand access to virtual assistants for people with disabilities. Google recently announced a partnership with Tobii Dynavox to integrate Google’s virtual assistant into Tobii Dynavox augmentative and alternative communication devices.

The Karten Network is excited to be a partner in the European Union funded Nuvoic Project, led by specialist app developer Voiceitt to further develop the Voiceitt app. The app is designed to translate impaired or unclear (‘dysarthric’) speech into intelligible speech as well as control other voice-driven technologies such as virtual assistants. (see the Nuvoic project article for more information).

While privacy and data protection concerns exists, intelligent virtual assistants are hear to stay and possess the potential to make all our lives, particularly those with disabilities a little easier.

As always, I am interested to hear about how you are using mobile and other smart technology. I am also available to support and help where I can.

Martin Pistorius
Karten Network Mobile Technology Advisor

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To update your centre page:

TechAbility support for Karten Centres

TechAbility conference

TechAbility webinars

Tuesday 17th November 2020 13.00

Assistive Technology Training: What is available?

Tuesday 8th December 2020 – 13.00

Captioning

Tuesday 19th January 2021 13.00

Digital Mental Health

Tuesday 23rd February 2021 13.00

Claro Writing Helper

Tuesday 16th March 2021 13.00

Accessing Technology and languages

Introduction

Text-to-Speech

Early Switch Skills

Dictation

Vision

Physical Equipment

More webinars to follow.

Video Calls. Thursday 8 Oct 2020 at 4.15pm

Remote Therapy. Thursday 15 Oct 2020 at 4.15pm

Blended / Flipped Learning. Thursday 22 Oct 2020 at 4.15pm

Visual Learning. Thursday 5 Nov 2020 at 4.15pm

Intelligent virtual assistant accessibility

Tuesday 17^th November 2020 13.00

Tuesday 8^th December 2020 – 13.00

Tuesday 19^th January 2021 13.00

Tuesday 23^rd February 2021 13.00

Tuesday 16^th March 2021 13.00