DART2 – Disseminating Assistive Roles and Technology - a JISC ADVANCE FE & Skills Project

Developing an Assistive Technology focused role and its integration into the College structure

DART2 Project Workshop Day 2

Welcome to Day2: Developing an Assistive Technology focused role and its integration into the College structure :

College Development Network, Argyll Court, Stirling30th April 2013

DART Project Workshop Day 2

Running Order09:30 Arrival / refreshments10:00 Introduction & program of events (Rohan Slaughter / Sandy MacLean)10:05 Definition of the Assistive Technologist (Rohan Slaughter / Trevor Mobbs)10:30 Examples of the JD/PS for this role & integration into a College - Example one University of Strathclyde: Carol Howieson / Margaret McKay11:00 Break11:15 Examples of the JD/PS for this role & integration into a College - Example two (GFE): Runshaw College (Richard Maclachlan)12:00 Examples of the JD/PS for this role & integration into a College - Example three (ISC): National Star College (Andrew Sparkes)12:30 Lunch

Running Order13:30 Funding the Assistive Technologist (RS)

14:00 College Structure and relationships between teams (Rohan Slaughter / Trevor Mobbs)

14:30 Training for the Assistive Technologist Role (inc. CPD journey of TM/AS/RS/RM and Signposting to other organisations

15:00 BRITE - Training opportunities and equipment loan bank (Fil McIntyre)

15:30 Workshop: review of the day / things to take back to colleges (Rohan Slaughter)

15:45 Depart

Very brief backstory 2010/12 DART1, an LSIS funded project

Beaumont College and National Star College worked with 8 colleges, in a ‘deep support’ capacity

Beaumont and Star are ISC’s : Independent Specialist Colleges

One of those DART1 colleges was Henshaws

Now we are running DART2, a JISC Advance funded project: Beaumont College, National Star College, Henshaws College,

Colleges Scotland, NATSPEC, JISC all working together 10 deep support colleges, 2 in Scotland 3 workshops, delivered twice, once in Birmingham, once in

Stirling This is the second workshop session

Questions to think about

Developing an Assistive Technology focused role and its integration into the College structureDART Project Workshop Day 2

Definition of the Assistive TechnologistDART Project Workshop Day 2

Definition of the Assistive Technologist The title ‘assistive technologist’ (AT) has a number of

different interpretations: One is Clinical, and refers to ‘clinical rehab engineers’ This is common in the NHS, and in one College (Treloar)

The DART project uses a somewhat different definition: Have a look at the sample job description, person spec and role

profile (from Beaumont). This job is more education focussed, and as such the post

holders: Ideally should have a teaching qualification, minimum

7307/7407/PTTLS or equivalent, and preferably a PGCE/cert ed Be educated to degree level in an IT related subject or have equivalent

skills and knowledge gained from a suitable setting We want ‘people’ people who are technically literate

Definition of the Assistive Technologist LSIS Technologist Case Study Video

https://vimeo.com/63899009

Definition of the Assistive Technologist• The Assistive Technologist

– This role was developed during the Wheeltop Project at Beaumont College

– Funded by BT from 2007-2010

– Integrate off the shelf Tablet PC technology in place of dedicated communication aids

– Reduced the cost of the hardware and increased flexibility of solutions

– The technologist role was the most important development from the Wheeltop Project

Definition of the Assistive Technologist The Assistive Technologist

Sits at the interface of people and technology Works as part of a trans-disciplinary team, which includes OT,

SLT, teachers, social care staff A new ‘hybrid’ role that does not replace any existing role The technologist becomes the ‘chief integrator’ of the assistive

technology solution provided to the student

A Day In The Life Sector scanning – what’s new today? Carry out IT Access Assessment Attend AAC COP meeting. Demo new software package. Student Eye Gaze Appointment (with SLT) Troubleshoot communication aid Support Interactive Art session Meet with OT to discuss switch siting options for student on

caseload Create Grid 2 resource for use in Citizenship session Attend JISC Webinar on Tablets & Inclusive Learning Speak to Network Administrators to address Kindle issue Record work in AT journal

Case Study 1: University of Strathclyde: Carol Howieson / Margaret McKayDART Project Workshop Day 2

Case Study 2: Richard Maclachlan, Runshaw College, General Further Education College DART Project Workshop Day 2

The AT role at Runshaw College http://prezi.com/2ihee6upf79c/dart-2-day/

Case Study 3: Andrew Sparkes, National Star College, Independent Specialist CollegeDART Project Workshop Day 2

The AT role at National Star College

The National Star College is a provider of specialist further education, training and personal development for young people aged 16 to 25 with complex physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries and associated sensory, learning, medical, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The AT role at National Star CollegeJob Description:Organisation responsibilities:

Reports to – Studies Manager Liaises with – IT Access Advanced Practitioner Supervises – Education facilitators & Volunteers

What is the main purpose of the IT Access Developers role: To research and develop IT Access technologies To provide IT Access solutions to meet the requirements of

learners within the college, using both hardware and software adaptations and technologies.

To liaise with inter-disciplinary teams e.g. Speech & Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy.

The AT role at National Star College Primary tasks:

To work with the IT Access Advanced Practitioner to develop standardised assessments procedures for all students requiring support to access a computer

To research and develop “in house” solutions and adaptations to meet the specific requirements of learners. To develop multi--disciplinary solutions, that meet requirements of learners with profound and multiple disabilities.

To keep up-to-date with the latest technologies – hardware and software e.g. computer access equipment devices, voice activated software, web access technologies and software to support literacy and communication e.g. symbol software.

To conduct external research and development to support the college to maintain excellence in the field of IT Access

The AT role at National Star College Primary tasks continued:

When appropriate to promote accessing IT through the use of Alternative Augmented Communication (AAC).

To work with students one to one and via Workshops sessions to support students in developing their independent access.

To establish and maintain a stimulating learning environment. To maintain professional records, to meet college and course

requirements To produce suitable reports on student progress in accordance

with the college and requirements. To implement and deliver staff training in the area of IT Access

technologies. To contribute effectively to appropriate course teams and to

communicate and disseminate professional information. Etc….

The AT role at National Star CollegePerson Specification:Experience (Essential)

Working with people with disabilities/learning difficulties Proven knowledge and experience working with IT Access

Hardware equipment/devices and Software technologies Promotion of Inclusive Learning Research and presentation skills to represent college at external

regional and national eventsExperience (Desirable)

Experience of specialist teaching environment for young adults with complex disabilities and/or difficulties

Qualifications (Essential) Relevant IT Qualifications

Qualifications (Desirable) Level 1 Teaching Certificate

The AT role at National Star College Skills

Understand the concept of inclusive learning and be able to apply its principles

Communicate effectively (written, oral and interpersonal) Use information technology confidently and competently

Personal attributes Have respect and understanding of the needs of learners,

families and other stakeholders and work effectively with them Be proactive and able to work to meet deadlines Sense of humour and diplomacy skills Good time management skills

Lunch!DART Project Workshop Day 2

Funding the Assistive TechnologistDART Project Workshop Day 2

Funding the Assistive Technologist This has not been an easy process, ‘top slicing’ student fee income

may be possible, but BC has ‘made our own opportunities’. Sources of funding we have used:

LSIS DART1 (Flexibility and Innovation Fund) Regional Collaboration funds (x2) Design and Delivery of ISC focussed e-leadership courses

TechDIS InBook and other smaller projects

JISC DART2 (FE and Skills Program) JISC Infonet pilot work

Commercial partners BT (The Wheeltop Project and Connect to Control)

Funding the Assistive Technologist This has not been an easy process Sources of funding we have used:

Paid Consultancy Large GFE Universities

Trusts Sir John Fisher Foundation (small grants) The Karten Trust

Other: Technology Strategy Board (TSB) – small projects NIACE – Molenet Becta – Technology Exemplar Network (both rounds)

Over 5 years, this adds up to just under £1,000,000 This year 60% of the cost of running the BC tech team was

directly offset by income other than the student fee

College structure and relationships between teamsDART Project Workshop Day 2

College structure and relationships between teams The AT role stands or falls based on:

Relationships between teams The College Structure Relationship of the IT team with

Teachers Therapists (where present) Supporting staff People in the AT role

Extracts from the NATSPEC report This report will be released shortly by JISC / NATSPEC It will be hosted by JISC Linked to by DART site and others Emails with the link will also be sent out by

JISC, JISC RSC’s, NATSPEC, JISC TechDIS etc.

CPD opportunities for Assistive TechnologistsDART Project Workshop Day 2

CPD opportunities for Assistive Technologists Ace Centre training: http://acecentre.org.uk/training

Day courses Accredited courses:

http://acecentre.org.uk/assistive-technology-unit MMU courses: http://acecentre.org.uk/cpd-opportunities

CPD opportunities for Assistive Technologists The BRITE initiative (Scotland based, online offer to

anywhere): http://www.brite.ac.uk/about.html http://www.brite.ac.uk/courses http://brite.adobeconnect.com/p4d2l32ee53/

CPD opportunities for Assistive Technologists University Opportunities, start with FAST:

http://fastuk.org/services/trainingcourses.php Trevor Mobbs of BC is on this MSc course at Coventry: http://fastuk.org/services/courseview.php?id=125 http://wwwm.coventry.ac.uk/hdti/Pages/index.aspx New MSc in AAC at Dundee: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/psychology/study/masters/mscaac/

CPD opportunities for Assistive Technologists The technology companies:

AAC: Smartbox: http://www.smartboxat.com/support/training/ Dynavox: http://uk.dynavoxtech.com/training/ Liberator: http://www.liberator.co.uk/aac-training

Other AT: Inclusive Technology:

http://www.inclusive.co.uk/training-and-consultancy And specific software opportunities . . .

CPD opportunities for Assistive Technologists JISC

JISC TechDIS: Events: http://www.jisctechdis.ac.uk/techdis/events Resources: http://www.jisctechdis.ac.uk/techdis/resources http://www.jisctechdis.ac.uk/techdis/investinyourself http://www.jisctechdis.ac.uk/tbx

JISC RSC’s: http://www.jisc.ac.uk/rsc Find out who your accessibility and inclusion advisor is

Inclusivity CPD Jisc RSC Scotland:

Scoop.it!

http://www.scoop.it/t/inclusive-elearning http://www.scoop.it/t/inclusive-marketing

http://www.scoop.it/t/tablet-devices-living-learning-productivity

http://www.scoop.it/t/ebooks-and-accessibility

RSC Scotland Showcase

Case studies highlighting effective practice from FE/HE in Scotland

http://www.rsc-scotland.org/

Learning & Teaching

Access & Inclusion

Assessment

Learner & Support Services

Technology & Business Systems

Regional Collaboration

RSC Scotland Inclusion Blog

http://www.rsc-scotland.org/inclusion/

CPD opportunities for Assistive Technologists THE DART PROJECT WORKSHOPS – Day3: 6th June,

Beaumont College This will be a hands on session mainly designed for

practitioners such as teachers / tutors, learning support workers/assistants and people in an AT role.

The topics on offer include: The free ‘My Study Bar’ / ‘Edu Apps’ (AM) The Grid 2 for computer and curriculum access (AM) Clicker 6 (PM) The use of tablet PC’s (iPad, Android, Windows) by people

with disabilities (PM) NOTE: ENGLISH DATE FULL, SCOTTISH DATE (Argyll

Court, Stirling on 12th June 2013) HAS PLACES: http://events.scotlandscolleges.ac.uk/events/show/4591

CPD opportunities for Assistive Technologists Informal opportunities:

ALT mail list JISC mail lists (ask your JISC RSC advisors) Karten Network Google Group

CPD opportunities for Assistive Technologists Web sites for self directed CPD:

http://www.scope.org.uk/help-and-information/communication/aac http://www.callcentre.education.ed.ac.uk/Home/ http://acecentre.org.uk/information-sheets-publications http://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/page/resources/elibrary http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets http://speechbubble.org.uk/

Specific Software Tutorials eg: http://www.cricksoft.com/uk/products/tools/clicker/training.aspx http://www.youtube.com/user/SmartboxAT

CPD opportunities for Assistive Technologists – CPD Journey

Rohan Slaughter Trevor Mobbs Andrew Sparkes Richard Maclachlan

BRITE - Training opportunities and equipment loan bank (Fil McIntyre) DART Project Workshop Day 2

Workshop: review of the day / things to take back to colleges DART Project Workshop Day 2

Questions to finish

1. What was new to you from today? 2. Do you want to create an assistive technologist role

in your College? 3. How do you plan to do this? Who do you want to

talk to when you get back? And about what?

THANK YOU SAFE JOURNEY HOME

Email us: Rohan.slaughter@scope.org.uk Trevor.Mobbs@scope.org.uk Mike.Thrussell@henshaws.org.uk asparkes@natstar.ac.uk Margaret.McKay@glasgow.ac.uk kh@rsc-northwest.ac.uk Maclachlan.R@Runshaw.ac.uk

Follow us: @rohanslaughter @mikethrussell @axessibility (Andrew Sparkes) @Mobbst @FilMcIntyre (BRITE) @kevhickeyuk (JISC RSC NW) @Mags_McKay (JISC RSC Scotland) @Sporygog (Richard Maclachlan)