Assistive Technology (AT) - a rapid introduction - Rohan Slaughter, subject specialist for AT - Karten Network

22 Feb 2020   Assistive Technology (AT) – a rapid introduction
              Rohan Slaughter, subject specialist for AT

Who we are?
                     Jisc is the UK higher, further education
                   and skills sectors’ not-for-profit organisation
                         for digital services and solutions

Provide trusted advice and
                                                                Operate shared
  practical assistance for
                                         We…                 digital infrastructure
 universities, colleges and
                                                                  and services
    learning providers
                              Negotiate sector-wide deals
                                 with IT vendors and
                                commercial publishers

Our customers and users

Colleges   Universities   Skills providers            Users

Background

A brief background …
» Employed by Jisc as a subject specialist from September 2015
 › Now providing support on assistive technology to all Jisc members
» Worked at Beaumont College for more than 15 years
 ›   Developed an integrated Technology service at Beaumont, inclusive of:
 ›   Mainstream technology (IT)
 ›   Assistive Technology (AT)
 ›   E-learning / Technology Enhanced Learning
 ›   MIS (Management Information Systems)

                                                                             4

Implementing Assistive Technology

What will be covered:
» 1. Implementing Assistive Technology
 › Defining AT
 › Benefits to students
» 2. AT hardware
» 3. AT software
» 4. ‘Baked in’ accessibility
» 5. What support / training / resources are out there?

                                                                      5

1. Implementing Assistive Technology

1. Implementing Assistive Technology

                                                     6

What does a good AT service look like?

» Why AT?
» Assistive technology provision allows students to:
 › Access the curriculum at all (e.g. a communication aid user)
 › Access the curriculum at a higher level (e.g. those needing literacy support
     software)
» Allows students improved:
 ›   Independence
 ›   Access to communication
 ›   Access to the environment
 ›   Access to leisure opportunities, enjoyment and fun!
                                                                                  7

Why Assistive Technology

» What is Assistive Technology?
    › “Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used
      to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. (ATIA definition)
» In College contexts we can include:
» Computer access devices
    › Alternative pointing devices, keyboards, other input devices like eye-gaze or switches
    › Low or no vision / hearing support e.g. screen readers, amplifiers etc.
»   Communication aids
    › Also known as AAC – Alternative Augmentative Communication, VOCA – Voice Output Communication Aid
»   Literacy and numeracy support tools (Read and Write, Dragon, mind mapping tools etc.)
»   ‘Baked into the operating system’ accessibility options (e.g. Windows, MacOS, iOS iPhone, iPads
    etc.)
»   Environmental Control Systems (ECS)
    › Home automation (e.g. media control, lights, heat, windows, doors, blinds etc.)

2. AT Hardware

2. AT Hardware

Mainstream Hardware

» Accessibility is not always ‘baked in’
  › Cost effective
  › Some adaptations needed

Widely available equipment
» Touchscreens
  › Motivational
  › Simple
  › Tablets / phones widely available
» AV equipment
  › Cameras
  › Digital Voice Recorders
  › CD Players

Alternative Keyboards

» Are many and varied, here are some examples:

Alternate keyboards

» Where to buy: Inclusive Technology
» Or try mainstream suppliers like: CPC for example order code CS20650 @ £25.79+VAT:

Alternative Mice

» Also many and varied

Alternate pointing devices

» Again, Inclusive Technology has a
  great range:
» Again try mainstream suppliers, inc
  Currys / PC world:

Switches

» Lots of options
» Quite expensive
» Specialist suppliers only
  (almost) e.g. Inclusive
  Technology
» Require a switch interface box
  for use with a computer
  › I like the JoyCable

Logitech adaptive gaming kit
» Logitech adaptive gaming kit at £89.99 is a cost effective way to buy some switches, that
  may be useful for your ‘assessment kit’.

Head mouse
» Head mouse uses a reflective dot, light emitter and a camera:

Eye-gaze
» Eye-Gaze has been very expensive, but the price has
  been dropping
» Market leader is Tobii
» PC Eye Mini now (only!) £999.00 (+vat)

Head mouse / eye-gaze
» Eye-gaze has enormous potential for many users
» Cost is coming down
  › Now in consumer laptops and other devices (inc. new iPad Pro)
  › It has appeared in cars to ensure you keep your eyes on the road
» Head mouse type are cheaper than eye-gaze (£250 / £300)
» If you want to know more see:
  › Inclusive learning curve on the tobii-dynavox website
  › The Tobii Eye Gaze Learning Curve (as presented by Hector Minto)

AAC devices: low tech

» Low tech:
 ›   Stored message devices
 ›   Some have layers
 ›   Overlays with symbols
 ›   Cheap(er)

AAC devices: high tech
»High tech:
 › Often computer based
 › Sophisticated
 › Multiple page sets available
 › Incredibly expensive
 › Require specialist
 training to implement
 › On-going support is
 very important

AAC devices: mainstream tablets
» High tech (mainstream devices):
» Enter the iPad (now ten years old!)
 ›   But not the first, nor the most accessible tablet
 ›   Literally hundreds of apps
 ›   See: List from Spectronics (Australia)
 ›   And: List from Call Scotland
 ›   It is also possible to use Windows 10 tablets and Android tablets for
     AAC

3. AT Software

3. AT Software

JISC Access Apps / Edu Apps / My Study Bar

»Still available via: http://eduapps.org/
 › Curated by Craig Mill, Call Scotland
 › My Study Bar – reading and writing
 › My Vis Bar – addresses visual difficulties
 › Access Apps – 60 open source / freeware Windows
  Apps

The Grid 3

»The Grid 3
 › Highly flexible
 › Communication aid
 › Operating system…
 › Supports all methods of access
 › Excellent customer support

Websites

»‘Mobile’ sites (e.g. m.facebook.com)
»Bespoke sites (e.g. http://accessyoutube.org.uk )
»Mouseless Browsing (Firefox add-on)
»Chrome extensions e.g. Chrome Speak

Clicker

» Clicker, a literacy support tool
» Some free resources are available
 on the Learning Grids website

Read & Write
» Read and Write          » Writing and Self-Editing
» Toolbar:                  › Spell Checker
                            › Word Prediction
» Reading                   › Word Wizard
  › Text-to-Speech          › Sounds Like and Confusable Words
  › Screenshot Reader       › Verb Checker
  › DAISY Reader            › Speech Input
  › Screen Masking          › Speak While Typing
  › PDF Aloud
                          » Study Skills and Research
» Reading Support           › Calculator
  › Dictionary
                            › Fact Finder
  › Picture Dictionary
  › Speech Maker            › Fact Folder
  › Pronunciation Tutor     › Fact Mapper
  › Translator              › Study Skills Highlighters
                            › Vocabulary List Builder

4. ‘Baked in’ accessibility

4. ‘Baked in’ accessibility

Built into the Operating System

» Baked in’ accessibility, most operating systems now have built in or ‘baked in’
  accessibility options.
» E.g. Windows 10, Mac OS X, iOS and Android have built in accessibility options:
  ›   Windows Ease of access centre
  ›   Mac – Accessibility options
  ›   iOS Accessibility options
  ›   Android and ChromeOS (link to Google Accessibility home)
» Useful to:
  › Change things visually
  › Change access (mouse and keyboard settings)
  › Audio output – e.g. narrator text to speech
» A great place to start is the TechAbility resources webpage
  › Note that in order for networked Windows machines to retain such changes to user
      settings roaming profiles or User Experience Virtualisation (UE-V) are required.

iOS
» Guided Access:
 › Guided Access is not an app, but a feature from iOS 6
   onwards which enables the device to be locked in to one
   app by disabling the home button. Useful guide from SEN
   Classroom on how to use it.
» Assistive Touch:
 › Assistive Touch lets you enter Multi-Touch gestures using
   one finger or a stylus
» Switch Access:
 › Use Switch Control to navigate your iPhone, iPad, or iPod
   touch

AT developments

» ‘The last few years has given us:
  › New access technologies e.g. Gesture control and Eye-Gaze
  › Baked in accessibility options, e.g. Windows accessibility options
   and Apple iOS accessibility
 › A wide range of accessible software such as Clicker, the Grid 3,
   Tobii Communicator

                                                                         33

New and emergent AT developments

» The next few years are likely to include:
» AI used more widely for accessibility:
  › Seeing AI
  › Soundscape
» Further commoditisation of recent developments:
  › e.g. Eye-gaze integrated into consumer devices
  › More devices such as the accessible Xbox adaptive controller

                                                                          34

The future of AT

5. What support is there?

5. What support is there?

                                          36

Rapid overview of support

» Academic study
 › Shorter courses
 › MSc courses
» Third sector support
 › AbilityNet
 › ACE Centre
 › CALL
» Education sector support, inc.
 › Natspec TechAbility
 › Jisc
» Vendor training and support
                                                           37

Useful mail lists

»Digital accessibility regulations:
 › DIGITALACCESSIBILITYREGULATIONS@JISCMAIL.AC.UK
»Assistive Technology Network:
 › ASSISTIVE-TECHNOLOGY@JISCMAIL.AC.UK

                                                         38

Academic study: short courses

»Shorter courses
 › Inclusive digital technology course - offered in partnership
   between the university of Edinburgh and Call Centre.
 › AAC modules, delivered in partnership between AAC Scotland
   and Call Centre.
 › Evidence-Based Assessment in Complex Communication
   Needs – MMU, Manchester Metropolitan University.

                                                                     39

Academic study: MSc

» MSc courses
» Note that there are no longer any dedicated assistive technology MSc courses. This list includes
    courses that have a link to AT, rather than being centred on AT.
»   Disability, Design and Innovation MSc - University College London Department of Computer
    Science
»   MSc Augmentative & Alternative Communication - University of Dundee Science & Engineering
»   MSc by Research (Ambient Assisted Living) - Middlesex University School of Science and
    Technology
»   MSc Design for Healthcare & Assistive Technologies - University of Dundee Science &
    Engineering
»   MSc Digital Health - Bournemouth University Faculty of Science & Technology
»   MSc Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence - Bournemouth University Faculty of Science &
    Technology
»   Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technologies MSc- University College London Division
    of Surgery and Interventional Science
»   Special Needs and Inclusion – MA Canterbury Christ Church University, Faculty of Education
                                                                                                     40

Third-sector training and support 1

» AbilityNet
 › AbilityNet offer a range of training, primarily on digital accessibility in higher and
   further education
» Ace Centre
 › Ace Centre provide entry level training and academic qualifications that related to
   AAC (alternative augmentative communication) that a delivered in partnership with
   MMU (Manchester Metropolitan University).

                                                                                            41

Third-sector training and support 2

» Call Centre
  › The Call Centre at the University of Edinburgh provides a range of training courses that
    are delivered both online and in person.
  › Training courses
  › On-site training
  › Webinars
  › Inclusive digital technology
  › Seminars and events
  › Online workshops
» Natspec TechAbility
  › Direct support from TechAbility
  › Local support from TechAbility centres of excellence
                                                                                               42

Vendor training 1

» General AT training from commercial vendors
 ›   Barry Bennett
 ›   Cricksoft, makers of Clicker and DocsPlus
 ›   Diversity and Ability
 ›   Dolphin Computer Access
 ›   Iansyst
 ›   Learning Support Centre
 ›   Microlink
 ›   Sight and sound technology
 ›   Sonocent
 ›   TextHelp

                                                                 43

Vendor training 2

» AAC and high-tech AT
    › Abilia / Gewa / Toby Churchill
    › AssistiveWare
    › Inclusive Technology
    › Liberator
    › SmartBoxAT
    › Techcess
    › TherapyBox
    › Tobii-Dynavox
»   Environmental control systems
    › Abilia / Gewa
    › DH2 solutions
    › Possum
    › Steeper

                                                       44

Online Resources 1

» Open University
  › Assistive technologies and online learning – a very basic introduction to assistive technology, whilst quite
      dated note that the references section may be useful.
» AbilityNet
  ›   Free to access resources inclusive of
  ›   Factsheets
  ›   Webinars
  ›   My computer my way (help with making a device easier to use, describing the baked in accessibility options
      that may be found in a range of equipment).
  ›   Digital accessibility resources
  ›   Workplace adjustments
  ›   Other useful links – mainly to other third sector organisations.
» Call Scotland
  › Call Scotland information pages
  › Call Scotland downloadable resources

                                                                                                                   45

Online Resources 2

» Others
  › EduApps – the collective name for the AccessApps, LearnApps, TeachApps and MuStudyBar, as curated
      by Craig Mill of call Scotland.
» Communication Matters resources, AAC related resources that include:
  › Online resources, inclusive of eResources, a Glossary and the Communication Matters journal
  › Publications
  › Evidence, Communication Matters commissioned research to establish the evidence of need for AAC in
      the UK. We host the archive AACKnowledge website, designed to help researchers and others access
      robust evidence about AAC.
  ›   Policy and standards, Policy documents on the use of communication aids, including National
      Standards for AAC services for children and adults.
  › AAC e-learning resources
  › Information on AAC projects throughout the world

                                                                                                         46

Support from Jisc 1

Jisc members can access a range of support
Jisc member Colleges, inclusive of specialist colleges and mainstream general further
education colleges can access the subject specialist team for support in various areas:
» Support on accessibility and assistive technology: Rohan Slaughter and Kellie Mote
  ›   Accessibility landing page
  ›   Accessibility regulations - what you need to know
  ›   List of accessibility and assistive technology related guides
  ›   Accessibility drop-in clinic webinars
» Wider support with strategic use of technology, infrastructure and assistive
  technology: Rohan Slaughter, and the infrastructure team
» Integrated digital technology strategy: Mark Ayton and Allen Crawford-Thomas
» Support for teaching, learning, assessment and the ‘digital student experience’:
  Chris Thompson and the digital practice team
                                                                                        47

Support from Jisc 2

Jisc members can access a range of support
» Direct support and assistance
 › Consultancy services
»‘Diagnostic support’ is included in Jisc membership, e.g.
 › Infrastructure review
 › Digital strategy review
» General advice and guidance and critical friend support is always
 available to Jisc members on request, via your account manager

                                                                      48

Support from Natspec TechAbility

» Natspec Colleges and Karten Centres can access a range of
  support from TechAbility, others can access the service for a fee.
» TechAbility is an assistive technology and information technology
  (AT/IT) service to improve outcomes for SEND learners in
  mainstream and specialist further education.
» Now supported by Karten Trust
 › Neil Beck and Fil McIntyre appointed as Assistive Technologist for the
   project, support visits taking place now
» Services include training, direct support, inclusive of assistance
 with complex AT assessments
                                                                             49

Thank you – any questions?

Rohan Slaughter
Subject Specialist
Twitter @rohanslaughter
M 07468 727047
rohan.slaughter@jisc.ac.uk

jisc.ac.uk