Widgit software have announced a new product update – InPrint3 which makes it easier to create printed symbol materials. For a peak at one of its many features click on the yotube video below. They are offering discounts so please go to http://www.widgit.com/InPrint3/index.htm?_route_=inprint3  for 15% pre-order discount

Before the SEN & Inclusion Networking day in Nottingham with NAACE . If you are planning to go see you there! Otherwise consider booking yourself in – especially if you are involved in producing or working with Assistive Technologies. Go to NAACE’s site and follow the booking details:-

https://www.naace.co.uk/events/naace-networking-event-17062016/

Heart warming story of how a volunteer has been helping people for 20 years. Do you think you have the desire to be a volunteer? Do you have the knowledge to help someone gain a skill? Then do read on this link:-
https://www.abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/volunteersweek-one-volunteer-tells-20-years-service-itcanhelp-supporting-older-and

Anyone fancy a change of job? Then if you are a  SENCO or someone looking for a change from their current role in special educational needs this full-time role may be for you. Take a look at:-

Learning Support Manager, Defence College of Technical Training

Recent developments in assistive technology for deaf people A Sky News article has reported on the latest development in assistive technology for deaf people: high-tech gloves that can turn sign language into speech, making it quicker and easier for deaf people to communicate. So how do they work? The wearable device records sign language and transmits these movements via Bluetooth to a computer. Then, algorithms analyse the movements to understand what is being signed before reading these words aloud. No doubt, such technology is a long way off from commercial sale, and indeed, a long way off from being affordable, but it could be that assistive technology is the answer to bridging the attainment gap between deaf and able-hearing students. The high-tech gloves were invented and developed by two university of Washington students, one of whom commented: “Many of the sign language translation devices already out there are not practical for everyday use. Some use video input, while others have sensors that cover the user’s entire arm or body. “Our gloves are lightweight, compact and worn on the hands, but ergonomic enough to use as an everyday accessory, similar to hearing aids or contact lenses.” Link to full article: http://news.sky.com/story/1684783/high-tech-gloves-turn-sign-language-into-speech

On the 17th June Myles Pilling is taking part in the SEN & Inclusion event which is a joint intitative between NAACE, MirandaNet and Suppliers. Myles will be focusing on the recent project findings on apps for dyselxia and its implications for suppliers.  For more details of the event and booking information please go to:-

https://www.naace.co.uk/events/naace-networking-event-17062016/

The event will take place at :-

The Sir Colin Campbell Building, Triumph Rd
Nottingham, NG7 2TU United Kingdom

A new group I was unaware of ( being new to the world of AT in the workplace) was the Business Disability Forum. They have a wealth of information for supporting companies in becoming more accessible and by providing training events for those interested in subjects such as transforming the workplace into an inclusive building premise to inclusive service design. Take a look at some forthcoming events at:-

http://www.businessdisabilityforum.org.uk/training-and-events/events/ 

Working with DSA (Disability Student Allowance) many suppliers provide useful resources and ways to meet your AT (Assistive Technology)needs. Text help provideras of ReadWrite have a DSA student pack which gives access  to ReadWrite for Windows, Mac , iPad and Android devices and Google Chrome which is great for colleges and educational settings using one serial code to access any or all of these tools across your network. Simples!

Global Autocorrect from Lex Able Assistive Software Development is another DSA solution which tracks and instantly changes misspellings. You can try it for free at http://www.LexAble.com/Free-Trial.

MindMapping is an essential tool for Dyslexic users. Inspiration 9 and Mindview 6 are two examples that would help students to organise and plan their work in the simplest form.

On a different tack a company that is reaching out to change perceptions of Dyslexia in the general public is Novacroft. They want examples (videos) of inspiring stories of how dyslexics overcome their barriers. So if you have a video that shows this please contact them at http://www.novacroft.com 

SuperNova from Dolphin Systems provides a magnifcation and scanning tool in its toolbox which can be used to enable the visually impaired to access reading material. It’s crystal clear and sharp imaging makes this an essential tool for VI. There is a trial version available at https://yourdolphin.com/products/all?id=4&z=0.

Spellex Dictation Gold provides help to those working in the legal and medical professions by providing enhanced spelling dictionaries for Dragon(tm) and Microsoft(tm) products.

Having a tool that records a lecture, talk or lesson is useful for dyslexic users. Often teachers speak way to much information for those who have processing of information issues. Two products that do this well are notetalker and sonocent. Both have apps that can aid recording, both use a tagging method. Notetalker advocate the use of a specialist external mike to enable accurate recording  (see my previous blog).

Barclays Bank have made hug strides in making accessible features. They have a wrist band called bPay which enables the user to have contactless payment – useful for a wide range of disabilities not just visual impairment. It’s best feature is that you can use the band on any bank account and it works on a top-up system – there is an android and ios app to enable the system which gives useful information to the user.