Children and Families Minister recognises benefits of assistive tech at National Star

Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford has seen first-hand how young people with complex disabilities are benefitting from assistive technology at National Star, helping to improve their communication, learning and overall independence. 

Minister Ford met with staff and students at National Star, a Department for Education Demonstrator college, during a virtual visit.

Minister Ford said: ‘I saw first-hand how technology can support those with even the most complex needs in the simplest of ways, including text-to-speech functions, how Google and Microsoft platforms can support an accessible curriculum and – crucially – how we can better support parents through the power of technology.

‘Throughout this meeting the dedication and passion from staff shone through – how well they understand the needs of their students and strive to support them to achieve their potential.’

Accessible technology means technology that allows full access to digital content, whatever the learner’s needs. An accessible classroom makes learning easier for everyone.

Neil Beck, Lead Assistive Technologist at National Star, said: ‘We were delighted to receive the Minister Vicky Ford and appreciated her enthusiasm for the work that National Star is delivering as part of the Ed Tech Demonstrator programme.

‘This acknowledgement and recognition highlights the further need to provide teachers with the skills and knowledge, though the Demonstrator programme, to be able to confidently use assistive technology to support an increasing learner diversity in education today.’

As part of the Ed Tech Demonstrator programme National Star delivers short webinars that are focused on the best ways to integrate accessible technology into the classroom, enabling educators to improve outcomes for all learners. Webinars are delivered online every Thursday. Click here to view the schedule and watch past webinars.