Free AbilityNet support packages for AAC / AT services supporting children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs

In response to the Bercow report the DCSF / Becta have funded a range of projects to help children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs and the people who support them to develop their knowledge and use of a range of communication aid technologies.

AbilityNet are offering Local Authorities and PCT’s in England a number of free funded one year “Local Capacity” Service Level Agreements (SLA) to support their students and staff in their use of assistive technology to overcome communication difficulties.

AbilityNet, a national charity, has a track record in researching, publicising and using low cost technology solutions where appropriate. The need for affordable and suitable communication aids is paramount, as well as the need for training in using them as noted in the Bercow report:

“Children and young people who require alternative or augmentative communication aids (AAC) face a particular struggle to have their needs met under the current commissioning arrangements. In 2007, the average cost of a high tech communication aid was £5,800. This cost remains prohibitively expensive for many families with disabled children who are unable to obtain statutory funding for communication equipment.”*

What you get with your free one year Local Capacity SLA:

2 days of AbilityNet consultancy which could be used for:
- conducting student assessments
- provide training to staff or students
- running bespoke courses o providing other consultancy within your authority
Access to the AbilityNet networking days
Places on AbilityNet courses such as:
- Technology Update Course
- Using Switches with switch based software
- Using low cost communication aids
E-mail and telephone support from specialists in the education sector
Access to an extensive loan bank of assistive technology equipment - up to 5 calls on the loan bank per year for loans of up to 6 weeks. (Subject to availability of item)
Access to resources such as factsheets, skillsheets and web based materials
Quarterly newsletter with sector news and product updates etc.

We have a track record of delivering high quality ICT assessments in a range of settings including: interactive self assessment, remote assessment and face to assessment. These are supported by an extensive loan bank of equipment. We deliver training courses around the country to individuals and groups including teachers, specialist teams and other professionals.

Technology, when appropriately adapted, has a huge potential to improve the learning and life opportunities for students with disabilities especially when it can enable communication. Local professionals are fundamental to ensuring that the best ICT support is in place. However, keeping up to date with the huge range of assistive technology and AAC solutions can be very difficult – both in terms of having access to the equipment and knowing how to use it. With the growing spread of technology effective low cost communication devices are becoming more available and AbilityNet will be researching, demonstrating and publicising effective low cost solutions for SLA subscribers to try out.

With the inclusion agenda, devolved SEN budgets and DDA responsibilities, Local Authorities are increasingly required to make their own informed decisions about how to support their SEN students. With the high cost of some communication aids and assistive technology equipment having access to expertise and the equipment to trial with the student from the loan bank is invaluable. The right equipment, chosen and supported properly can give students a much greater degree of independence, achievement and real inclusion.

The needs of each Local Authority / PCT may differ considerably and the free SLA package on offer can be tailored or topped up with additional services if needed

To sign up or find out more about Local Capacity SLAs, contact the:

Education Team Tel: 0800 269545 Education@abilitynet.org.uk

* Bercow report, A Review of Services for Children and Young People (0–19) with Speech, Language and Communication Needs

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