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Assistive Technology

We passionately believe in the potential of technology to increase the independence of the people we care for. As a result we have a growing team dedicated to the identification, development and implementation of novel assistive technologies. Working closely with our school's ICT Co-ordinator, Ailsa Moore, our efforts were recognised in November 2006 when we were awarded first place in the national ICT Excellence Awards in the category of 'Inclusion (Secondary)'.

The Assistive Technology team work closely with staff within our school and residential services, looking for positive ways in which we can work alongside individuals and groups to provide customised resources (both curriculum-led and on the basis of individual need) such as interactive computer-based presentations that encourage switch use.

In addition, sessions are organised on a one-to-one basis with children in our school and adults in our community houses. Staff meet regularly to assess individual progress.

Technology tends to be less of the focus, but is nonetheless an important part, within group sessions. Recent group sessions have included computer-based quizzes in which teams used switches to identify images projected onto the screen in our lounge.

We are also pioneering the use of several specialised technologies such as CameraMouse™ and EagleEyes (computer-based technologies which facilitate communication via eye movement or small but consistent movement of the head or limbs) as well as the SMART wheelchair in collaboration with our Physiotherapy Department.