14:00
Masterclass
Sandra Thistlethwaite - Inclusive Technology

BIGmack and Beyond!
Practitioners often struggle with knowing how to help children develop communication skills beyond simple devices like the BIGmack. What are the steps between cause and effect, communication and choice making? How do we provide opportunities for developing this important stage of language development in the classroom? This presentation, delivered by Specialist Speech and Language Therapist Sandra Thistlethwaite, aims to provide plenty of practical ideas for using simple communication devices together with computer software to engage, motivate and include early communicators in teaching activities.

11:00
Masterclass
Fil McIntyre - Inclusive Technology

Controlling Toys and Devices
Switches and communication aids give learners with profound needs the opportunity to control electrical devices such as lamps and fans. Toys and music can also be controlled so individuals are able to play, experiment and learn independently. This session is designed to show how this can be achieved, focusing on the types of devices which are suitable and what kit you need to get them working. The practicalities of switches, connections, wireless and infrared will also be covered.

14:00
Masterclass
Roger Bates - Inclusive Technology

Access for all - new software and hardware developments
For most pupils, computer access and the ability to make their own choices of activity independently present no problems. However, for many pupils with physical, sensory and cognitive difficulties the question of choice does not arise - they need help to access the computer and help with choosing activities. The idea of them being able to use their own learning platform is just an impossibility. This presentation will show new Inclusive Technology developments that will open up access and choice to many more learners.

11:00
Masterclass
Jamie Munro - Inclusive Technology

Technology to Support Struggling Readers and Writers
Jamie Munro of Inclusive will look at the latest technologies to support pupils who struggle with reading and writing because of specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. The session will cover a range of software, including the latest version of Don Johnston's SOLO suite of reading and writing tools, plus portable devices such as the new Intel Reader, a portable, handheld reading device with built-in camera and OCR. He'll also look at the latest developments in the provision of written materials in accessible formats, including a discussion on the DCSF Accessible Resources Pilot Project which Inclusive is a part of.

14:00
Masterclass
Ian Bean - Inclusive Technology

I can press it.now what?
Join BECTa ICT in Practice Award winner Ian Bean as we review and update our understanding of switch access and switch skills progression. From the first tentative switch press to make something happen to independent writing with Clicker 5, our switch users are on a journey of discovery. As educators our role is to guide them through the pitfalls that may stall their progress, to help them achieve their full potential. This seminar takes a sometimes light hearted look at switch access and switch skills progression. We will share examples for good (and bad) practice from schools around the world and present our switch skills progression 'route map' which you can use to help you plan learning journeys for your students.