BETT 2018

So it’s the beginning of the year it must be BETT! The largest education show in the UK and Europe. Recent trends as the large amounts of foreign visitors to the show. It is an international show.

In the pre-show publicity there is the usual expression of high impact tools, adminstration and hardware companies. There will be the usual round of seminars from Microsoft and Google. The reason I go is to seek out new and exciting new companies in the future zone.

I am also there for networking opportunities. To meet up with friends and  companies such as Crick Software. I will report back here what I saw that was interesting from an SEN point of view.

Screen curtain on iPads & iPhones

Here is a thing I didn’t know about until today . In using voice over in the accessibility settings there is a feature which isn’t well known and can cause a significant problem for the user. Its called “Screen curtain” and it blanks the screen to black. Which means you cannot access the device other than via your voice. Designed for blind users and to conserve battery life this feature can be switched off but I have to say it didn’t work first time for me. To toggle the feature off you press the home button quickly three times!

If you can’t get this to work you may have to connect to itunes with a capable and do a reset using a backup of the device. This is what i did and it was difficult to achieve without updating the device as you have to switch off ” Find my device” which because your screen is blank you can’t see!! Aarrgh!

Apple , please can you make this feature more difficult to access accidentally as my client did by hitting the home button three times to switch the feature on whilst using voice over!

New Inclusive Technology Catalogue 2018

Inclusive Technology are the “one-stop shop” for all special needs hardware and software . Click on the link below to get your copy of their 2018 catalogue:-

 

Inclusive Technology 2018 Catalogue

A day that was all about heroes http://www.ateconference.com/a-day-that-was-all-about-heroes-by-sal-mckeown/#more-1764.

18 Android apps for teachers

This article organized 18 Useful Android Apps for teachers to use:-

18 Android Apps for Teachers

HEADsUP Conference 18th January, Sheffield

ATEC HEADsUp in Sheffield 18 Jan, is a conference for and practitioners. They  will be joined by – a One stop shop Supplier of all Computer equipment and software, and Ergonomic working solutions .One of the many suppliers attending

Book now

Independent SEN Consultants

Those of you who are working in the independently might be interested in this group on LinkedIn. Take a look at :-

Independent SEN Consultant

 

Be an Amazon Echo Pioneer!

These  twebinars look really interesting. Unfortunately I can’t make the 14th December but maybe some of you can! Programming for this device is a lot different than programming for other devices. Learn the nuances and be an Alexa Pioneer

Be anAmazon Alexa Pioneer

Assistive Technologist Job at Natspec

Calling all skilled and experienced Assistive Technologists

Are you looking for a new challenge in 2018?  Why not work with Natspec and the Karten Network?  A super vacancy exists with interesting and varied work.  Contact me privately should you wish to discuss this fabulous opportunity further.

https://natspec.org.uk/apply-now-assistive-technologist/

New look aas123.org.uk

I have a sister site – well really it was meant to be more of one site that catches all in concept rather than this blogsite. In truth I run two sites! aas123.org.uk is where one day I am to develop a small online shop of resources. At the moment I prefer to give freely and promote the cause of Assistive Technology in the UK.  Do take a look at aas123.org.uk . And tell me what you think?