You Need
"What's the best thing you've seen today – the one thing you really want to have?"
"That new screen on the Inclusive Technology stand..."
The Inclusive Interactive Plasma Screen took the Fringe by storm, getting rave reviews throughout the show.
This new, height adjustable screen is the ideal for inclusive classrooms. It offers all the benefits of an interactive whiteboard, but without the drawbacks – there is no shadow cast by the user to block the screen and no bright projector light to stare into. The stand is quickly and easily height adjustable with no re-calibration required, and is designed to enable access for wheelchairs. This board really is an inclusive option – and looks great too, in its silver effect frame.
The Fringe took place at the Olympia Hilton next door to the gigantic BETT show, giving teachers ample opportunity to visit both events. Other highlights included the newly launched Choose and Tell: Fairy Tales and ChooseIt! Maker 2. Both programs are ideal for encouraging switch makers to begin to make choices.
ReadOn is a new program designed to provide extra support for those with reading difficulties. Designed in Australia, it is now being well-received in both the UK and USA. Features include visual tracking exercises, comprehension support, auditory feedback and more, along with settings that can be personalised to suit the individual learner. For more information, visit www.readonsoftware.com
Another product for supporting learners with dyslexia was on show in the form of Lexion. Developed in Sweden, this program is ideal for assessing, training and motivating people with dyslexia, aphasia or other language related learning disorders.
New from American company AMDi was the Tech/Talk 128. Apart from being a communication aid with a large number of buttons for lots of communication opportunities, this product can be used with VSDs or Visual Scene Displays. This simply means placing a photographic overlay on the product which can then be touched to activate the message areas beneath, providing maximum contextual support for communication and using images that really mean something to the learner.
New to the Fringe was FLIC, with resources designed to help children who experience difficulties in developing communication skills. They provide a full set of resources at three levels of communication development, covering the most popular topics used in schools. The materials are constructed to form a fully structured programme so that teachers can focus their precious time on individual and group objectives, application, and evaluation.
The lively seminar programme taking place alongside the event was a definite hit this year, with keynotes including an update from the CAP project as well as classroom insights from five Becta ICT in Practice Award winners. Another well-received event was the launch of the Inclusive website and microsites, at a special champagne reception.
See our events section for more information about the Special Needs Fringe.