Many moons ago I worked for an organsiation (MEP) that was involved with putting computers in schools. This was the early to mid 1980s. Part of my 'specialism' was working with children with communication or learning difficulties and trying to help them.

Years pass, I sell my soul to the corporate IT world and now I'm interested to see what the current state of affairs in assistive technology is. Does anyone have any contacts 'at the sharp end' that would be willing to talk to me about what technology is used, needed, whether it's any use, etc.?

The reason for my interest is that I'd like to one day return to teh field, and I'm just beginning to get my research done early!

Thanks in advance,

Joe

I worked for a company which had a contract with RRM which had a contract that was installing computers for teachers.. not exactly what you need but they may be able to give you some info.. can't tell you much about RRM though... :(

RRM - is that Research Machines?

I cut my teeth on something called an RML380Z - a real programmer's machine!

All help is appreciated!

Hi Joe

The Disability Rights Commission has produced a code of practice ) which is a useful interpretation and guidance for practitioners and is available from: http://www.drc-gb.org/whatwedo/publications.asp?section=6.


http://www.abilitynet.org.uk is also very good

TecDis have produced a comprehensive database of accessibility equipment which is available on the following website:

http://www.niad.sussex.ac.uk/browse_by_products.cfm


The webaim site is very good too. It has some demonstrations for web developers to let them see interfaces through the eyes of disabled users

- low vision simulation
http://www.webaim.org/simulations/lowvision
- screen reader simulation
http://www.webaim.org/simulations/screenreader
- cognitive disabilities - distractibility simulation http://www.webaim.org/simulations/cognitive
- inaccessible website demonstration
http://www.drc.org.uk/newsroom/interactive.asp

I'm currently mentoring some tutors exploring assistive technologies and would be happy to share my course materials with you if you want to pm me.

S

it was research machines, they might be able to help..

This link will take you to a company called Tunstall's website. I am doing some work with them on a housing scheme for people with learning disabilities. PM me if you want to know more.

http://www.tunstall.co.uk/home.asp

I've been interested in this for a while but I'm afraid I haven't had a chance to stay on top of any of it myself..

If you do develop some good resources or links, I'd appreciate being copied in if at all possible as I have a contract with a good school that wants to improve it's ICT offerings for the large number of special needs it encompasses.

Cheers
:)

Thanks folks - keep 'em coming!

I'm building a list of links and resources up at the moment, Martin, so I'll keep you posted!

And many, many thanks!

Joe