Hackney's Assistive Technology Support Offer (Education and Health)

Service details

Who are we? 

We are highly qualified and experienced professionals based in different teams in specialist health and education services. We work together to support children and young people who have extra needs or disabilities and who need extra help to:

  • access learning
  • complete daily tasks

We can assess children and young people and make recommendations about what assitive technology may help and how it can be used to help.


Who can we support to access assitive technology?

Some students and pupils in Hackney may benefit from using Assistive Technology to help with learning and or everyday tasks.

Who might benefit from assistive technology and or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

Young people in schools and settings who have needs such as:

  • Autism
  • Dyslexia
  • Developmental Coordination Disorder
  • Sensory Impairments
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Downs Syndrome
  • Communication difficulties
  • Learning Difficulties including specific learning difficulties
  • Physical needs

What do we mean by assistive technology?

“Assistive Technology is any product or service that maintains or improves the ability of individuals with disabilities or impairments to communicate learn and live independent fulfilling lives.”

Source: British Assistive Technology Association


Education and Assistive Technology

Some children need assistive technology to access the curriculum and record information.

Most of this equipment (laptops, tablets and software) should be provided by the school or educational setting. Providing equipment is part of a school's accessibility duty.

Highly specialist technology or equipment for individual students may be funded by Hackney Education.

Hackney Education's - Specialist Equipment Policy (Pdf)


Specialist Teacher for Assistive Technology and Inclusion

The Specialist Teacher assesses individual students. Assessments consider the young person's context and environment. They are person centered and appropriate for different levels of resources. They can give advice and support about technology to; help access the curriculum, promote independence at school. 

Support may include:

  • Assessment of current level of skills
  • Advising on curriculum software to increase access and inclusion
  • Explore alternatives to handwriting
  • Selecting appropriate equipment e.g. tablets, laptops, specialist keyboards or switches.
  • Suggesting apps to support with access to the curriculum
  • Advice on programmes to enhance the effectiveness of assistive technology e.g. touch typing.
  • Supporting school with target setting
  • Suggesting training for staff.

Learning how to use Assistive Technology

Support to learn to use Assistive Technology and software should be timetabled and supported in school by school staff. This is to ensure that the impact of the intervention is as successful as possible.

Independent use where possible is what is being aimed for. This may need to be achieved through initial intensive support and an ongoing supportive approach.

Saving work and creating folders so it can be found and referenced is a specific skill that may need to be taught and practiced.

 


Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

What do we mean by AAC?

“Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is the term that describes various methods of communication to get around problems with ordinary speech. AAC includes simple systems such as pictures, gestures and pointing that “add on” to speech. More complex help involves the use of sophisticated computer technology.”

Source: Communication Matters 

AAC support may range from simple or low tech solutions such as:

  • Makaton Signs
  • PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
  • Core Boards
  • AAC can also be electronic or high tech specialist devices.

Speech and Language Therapists (SaLTs) and AAC

SaLTs asses children whose understanding of language is greater than their ability to express themselves. Meaning they can understand more than then can say. This might be due to unclear speech or disability.

Joint assessments with OT and the Specialist Teacher can be arranged if appropriate. Specialist communication equipment or software may be used to support with decision making.

In some cases, highly specialist technology or equipment for individuals may be funded by Hackney Education or the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). In a very few cases equipment can be funded by the specialist AAC hub (NHS England).


Occupational Therapy and Assitive Technology

OTs can assess children and young people who have physical difficulties e.g. Cerebral Palsy or postural needs that mean specialist seating equipment or specialist advice on positioning are needed. Reviews of complex postural management equipment are regular because of the changes that come with growth.

OTs assess and make recommendations about types of equipment children may need. This is then acquired through a contract with Hackney Council which covers delivery, set-up, parts and repair.

Some children may be found to not need ongoing OT interventions. OTs may refer on to the Assistive Technology Teacher to help promote independence at school. These may be children with needs related to:

  • autism
  • developmental coordination delay
  • hypermobility
  • pain

SEND Local Offer

Local Offer Age Bands
Early Years and Pregnancy 0-4
Primary 4 -10
Secondary 11-14
Preparing for Adulthood 14-18
Young Adults 18 - 25
SEN Provision Type
  • Targeted

Time / Date Details

Time of day
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
Session Information
By appointment

Other details

Referral required?

Yes

Referral Details

Referral details are based on the support option being applied for. 

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