We are thrilled so many of you made it along to Communication Works 2022 - #Get Seen! It was great to meet in person again and see all the fantastic developments in Assistive Technology over the last couple of years, while many have been working behind screens at home.
The day started with a brilliant opening speech from Toby Hewson and a valuable update from The Policy Lab from Robert McLaren. A big congratulations to all the students who took part and presented with many of the companies, sharing how they use assistive technologies. Khamani (CENMAC student ambassador) did an excellent job of keeping everyone on track throughout the day by his announcements, read more about his experience on our blog The day I had been waiting for! - CENMAC A huge thank you to all those who took part and to the staff for their efforts in making this an event to remember in raising the awareness of just how powerful these assistive technologies are for enabling participation and inclusion.
Take a look at some of the photos from the day #CW2022 Photographs - CENMAC and the brilliant graphic capturing the event from Pen Mendonca.
It was not only the South event which enjoyed such a vibrant day but also the North at New Bridge school. We felt privileged to attend and be part of their first Communication Works Event. Take a look at the ACE centre blog to read about the fantastic day they also had.
This year, Learning Disability Week aims to show how people with a learning disability are reconnecting with friends and their communities post-COVID restrictions. MENCAP are asking people to share their stories so that more people understand what it is like to live with a learning disability.
Transition Time
The CENMAC team are very busy supporting schools, families, and students with transitions to new settings. We are putting together a schedule for collecting any equipment which is coming back to us over the summer for checking/updating and sending on to pastures new. If you haven’t been in contact with your CENMAC link yet about a student who is changing settings in September, now is the time! We can also support with visits to new schools or colleges, and any changes to equipment that might be needed.
Deafblindness Awareness Week
Deafblindness Awareness Week runs in the UK from 27th June to 3rd July. Did you know there are more than 400,000 people with dual sight and hearing impairment in the UK? This number is expected to rise to 600,000 plus by 2030 because of the aging population. Get involved in the activities going on this week to get ‘in the know’ about deafblindness.
CENMAC Heroes of the Month
TA of the Month
Student of the Month
Brenda Swann at Lambeth College
Brenda has been outstanding in her support working with students. It makes all the difference to the CENMAC team to have enthusiastic Teaching Assistants who are keen to support with all the technology.
“I obtain great satisfaction in my job because I can assist learners in achieving their full potential. For me, it is not only a job, but an opportunity to enable the learners to have a good learning experience. I encourage and motivate them to achieve and attain skills and qualifications to give them access to a good quality of life.”
Audrey, a Year 10 student in Lambeth
Advisory Teacher Wayne has nominated our Student of the Month for June... "This month’s nomination goes to Audrey, a Year 10 student in Lambeth. Audrey is currently studying for her GCSEs and finds having access to her laptop with specialist software vital to support her learning and recording her work. Audrey feels she can complete more of her work within lessons when she uses her laptop compared to when she handwrites her work. She has found the prediction tool in Docs Plus really helpful to support the spelling of difficult words, Well done, Audrey. Keep up the good work."
Triple Tap Tech and the Craig MacDonald Memorial Prize
@TripleTapTech can be found on Twitter and at their website, providing great insights and support regarding technology for those with vision impairments. This charity has made it to the finals of the Digital Leaders Awards for the Craig MacDonald Memorial Prize, which you can vote for here:
