This upcoming event set to take place during the week of the BETT Show and will discuss the critical intersection of assistive technologies, education, and the needs of differently abled individuals, with a particular emphasis on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) requirements in educational technology.
This comprehensive gathering will explore the concept of lifelong learning in our reskilling and upskilling culture, examining how assistive technologies can support continuous learning across all age groups and abilities. We'll present case studies of successful implementation, including a spotlight on Barton Peveril Sixth Form College and examples of AI integration in UK schools.
We will engage in thoughtful discussions about defining "relevant services" in the context of assistive technologies and their implications for educational institutions and learners alike and how this impacts the disclosure of assistive technology use in assessments, particularly considering the Post-16 Education Act. A key focus will be the "Curb Cut Effect," demonstrating how designing from the margins – with SEND requirements at the forefront – can lead to innovations that benefit all users, thereby improving the overall user experience in educational technology.
Through panel discussions and case study presentations, we'll bring together educators, technologists, policymakers, and SEND advocates to engage with cutting-edge assistive technologies and shape the future of EdTech innovation. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, we aim to ensure that the needs of differently abled individuals remain a key part of educational technology innovation, supporting a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for all.
“Nothing About Us Without Us”
(The motto relies on this principle of participation, and it has been used by Disabled Peoples Organizations throughout the years as part of the global movement to achieve the full participation and equalisation of opportunities for, by and with persons with disabilities.)
Agenda
17:00 – 17:05 – Housewarming and Welcome
17:05 – 17:10 – Context and Landscape Talk
17:10 – 17:50 – Panel 1: The Curb Cut Effect: Designing from the Margins In, on baking in SEND requirements
17:50 – 18:15 – Case study/Demo
18:15 – 18:55 – Panel 2: Post-16 Education Act and Disclosure of Use: Setting standards in a realm of uncertainty
18:55 – 19:00 – Thank you and conclusions
19:00 – onward – Networking drinks
