Getting AT Ready 2016
Welcome and Introduction
Speaker: Glenn Tookey, CEO, Sight and Sound Technology
Glenn Tookey is the Chief Executive Officer of Sight and Sound Technology (SAST), the UK’s leading provider of technology, support and training for people with sight loss and learning difficulties and a preferred DSA supplier to institutions across Scotland and the rest of the UK. Glenn purchased the business in 2008, expanding to include The Force Ten Company in 2012. Constantly looking to develop SAST’s portfolio in innovative ways, Glenn has tapped into his previous experience at BT and Telewest to put together a portfolio of products that has made SAST a market leader. The WhatAT (product and disability information) and respexi (telecare) apps are just two examples of how Glenn has driven the business forward with emerging technologies. Glenn lives in North London and is an avid collector of classic motorcycles and cars – marshalling at the Isle of Man TT was his dream come true!
‘Insiders’ view on Assistive Technology
Speaker: Claire Guthrie, City of Glasgow College
Claire Guthrie leads the Assistive Technology Forum for practitioners in FE and HE with JISC/CDN. In recent years she has developed and implemented an assistive technology strategy for City of Glasgow College with others, and has guided other Colleges in developing their AT provision. Claire is currently a Senior Lecturer in Learning Support at City of Glasgow College supporting learners with additional support needs in a variety of contexts. Claire is also a member of the Scottish Government Disabled Student Advisory Group Validation Panel for DSA. In the ever-changing context in which we are working (the Access and Inclusion agenda, changes to DSA in England) Assistive Technology is becoming a ‘hot’ topic as institutions strive to deliver more effective and more streamlined services. How might we work together to create communities of practice and a shared vision on assistive technology to meet the needs of our learners? Implementing an assistive technology strategy across a large institution is not without its challenges. What bases do you need to cover when planning an AT Strategy?
Event Workshops
Workshop 1 – Institutional Collaborative Working – It’s good to talk!
User testing – bridging the gap with those that matter.- Why everybody should be producing accessible texts and websites and how to make that happen.
- “We need to talk about site licenses…” Approaches to assistive software provision that involve everyone.
Speaker: Carol Howieson, Strathclyde University
Carol is the Technology and Systems Manager at the University of Strathclyde. Carol works with colleagues across the University to support an inclusive ‘useful place of learning’. Such collaborative working includes the University Digitisation Service, the Web Transformation Project and on-campus AT provision.
Workshop 2 – The Big Accessibility Secret – It Can Be Free!
• i
Pads and how they can be used to support learners with a range of additional learning needs. Explore the various settings within the iPad’s operating system such as Accessibility and Siri with no apps required!
• Free resources developed by CALL Scotland including Books for All, Digital Exams, the Scottish Voices and Wordtalk.
Speaker: Craig Mill, CALL Scotland
Craig is the Assistive Technology Adviser at CALL Scotland and is probably better known for developing the popular MyStudyBar; a free software tool to support learners with literacy difficulties. He is also the co-author of iPads for Communication, Access, Literacy and Learning and has created and contributed to a range of inclusive technology resources.
Workshop 3 – Alternative Solutions for your Alternative Formatting
Examinations – Allowing students to demonstrate their potential and gain independence:- Examinations papers & alternative formats/ The benefits of Assistive Technology Support.
- Personal Exam support cost savings for FE/HE sector.
- Lecture capture or capturing the lecture with recording devices:
- Collaborative approach, student, lecturer, AT trainer, DSA assessment
- Assistive technology – Pro and Cons of devices, methods and learning experiences
Speaker: Andy McMahon, Dundee University
Andy has over ten years’ experience in assistive technology, working for the University of Dundee as an IT Disability Support Specialist and as the University’s Alternative Formats Manager. Andy has presented extensively on providing accessible teaching material, sharing his vast experience in combining technology with efficient production processes to deliver a cost effective service. He was Chair of ATANET (the professional body for assistive technologists in Scottish HE) from 2010-2014.