Assistive Technology (AT)

For young people and adults in Wiltshire needing additional support in school or college there is a lot we expect to be available to all learners. Information on this can be found by visiting Wiltshire Ordinarily Available Provision for All Learners (OPAL).

Within educational settings, assistive technology encompasses a wide range of tools and resources which can reduce barriers to learning and promote inclusion. Some tools can also be used at home too. For example, to support completion of homework. Children and young people with complex needs may use assistive technology that has been recommended for them by professionals based on their individual needs. However, for the majority of children and young people in educational settings, assistive technology will form part of the ordinarily available provision. Class teachers or the setting's Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO) will be well placed to identify how assistive technology may provide impactful support. Assistive Technology can be used to assist those with disabilities or learning differences who may need help with listening, reading, writing, maths and organisation. Examples of assistive technology commonly used in schools include:

• Laptops and tablets - most commonly used for typing but also offering a wealth of options from accessibility tools to downloadable apps.
• Text-to-speech - the device reads the text aloud
• Speech-to-text - the user dictates what they want to write and the device records it as typed text
• Recording devices - supports recall by relieving the burden on the user's memory
• Screen sharing - the user can see what is displayed on the whiteboard more easily

Effective integration of assistive technology within the classroom can lead to greater participation, independence, achievement as well as impact positively on self-esteem.

To find out more information about using assistive technology to support learning, please visit:

• NASEN (National Association of Special Educational Needs): Assistive Technology With funding from the Department for Education, Nasen, has developed a resource bank to help practitioners use technology to reduce or remove barriers to learning.
• CALL Scotland: Posters and Leaflets This page contains a regularly updated range of easy-to-read infographics about using various forms of assistive technologies in a school environment.
• British Assistive Technology Association (BATA) BATA has created 3 videos about the power of assistive technology to raise awareness among educators. This includes filming within one of our Wiltshire primary schools.

For information about support accessing digital devices like phones or laptops and getting online visit: Getting online safely

There is sometimes a misconception that use of assistive technology, for example in formal examinations, may provide people with an unfair advantage. However, it addresses specific barriers that might hinder an individual's ability to demonstrate their knowledge and skills under standard testing conditions. Assistive technology does not provide the individual with additional information or answers. It simply helps them to access and process the information in the exam in a way that is accessible to them. Therefore, it creates a fair and equitable assessment environment in which all have opportunity to showcase their knowledge and abilities regardless of their individual challenges.

The Equality Act 2010 requires an awarding body to make reasonable adjustments for anyone with a disability who would be substantially disadvantaged when undertaking an assessment. Some uses of assistive technology such as a reader pen in GCSE examinations or a laptop with spelling and grammar check turned off simply need to be established as the individual's normal way of working. Others such as use of speech-to-text software require prior approval of the awarding body. Regulations controlling the use of a wide range of access arrangements for examinations are usually updated annually. For further information visit:

• Regulations and Guidance - JCQ Joint Council for Qualifications
• Key stage 2 tests: access arrangements - GOV.UK

If you have additional needs that need to be supported by technology to ensure safety at home or to help you access the community. Talk to your doctor or our social care teams for an assessment.

Other services that may be helpful in supporting you are:

• Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities (opens new window)
• Wiltshire Centre For Independent Living (opens new window)
• Wiltshire Health and Care: (NHS): Speech and language therapy (opens new window)
• Independent Living Centre (ILC) (opens new window)

For information about support accessing digital devices like phones or laptops and getting online visit: Getting online safely

AAC is one, very important, type of AT.  AAC is there to help people with communication challenges. It is all about providing strategies and communication aids that support or replace someone's speech when they can't rely upon it to communicate.  Communication aids that 'talk' are sometimes called Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs) or Speech Output Devices.

Who can help

For communication needs assessments for you can contact the Wiltshire Health and Care: (NHS): Speech and language therapy (opens new window) (SALT) or for assistance under the age of 18 services are provided by Wiltshire Children's Services: Speech and Language Therapy (HCRG Care Group) (opens new window).

You may also want to consider some of the national support available like the charity Ace Centre (opens new window) who specialise in AAC and assistive communication technology.

You may also want to visit the co-produced resource on Communication and Interaction.

As more and more services and information are accessed digitally this can be disabling to those with various needs or training unless the right support is available. Many devices and programmes come with in-built support.

These tools may vary depending on the operating system being used or whether the user is accessing a programme via the web or using a desktop installed version. In general, using a web-hosted programme will offer the user access to the most recent version of in-built accessibility tools.

Accessibility tools by operating system:

Chromebooks:

• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/chromebook-accessibility-and-learning-tools/
• https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/chromebook-apps-and-extensions-for-learners-with-dyslexia/

Windows/Microsoft 365:

• Tools to support Neurodiversity : Accessibility tools for neurodiversity - Microsoft Support
• General advice: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/
• Immersive Reader (reads aloud text): https://www.callscotland.org.uk/information/text-to-speech/immersive-reader/
• Dictate (speech-to-text software): Learn more about Microsoft Dictate
• Supporting visual difficulties: Using Windows 10 'Accessibility' tools to support learners with visual difficulties
• Tools for Microsoft TEAMs: Accessibility tools for Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Support
• To learn about what digital accessibility looks like in practice watch YouTube: British Dyslexia Association - Free Webinar: Empowering Potential(opens new window).

Apple OS:

• General advice: https://www.apple.com/uk/accessibility/
• Dyslexia and literacy difficulties: https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-the-ipad-to-support-dyslexia/
• Physical Difficulties: https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-the-ipad-to-support-learners-with-physical-difficulties/
• Visual Difficulties: https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-the-ipad-to-support-learners-with-visual-difficulties/

To learn more about accessing the digital world and relevant safety information visit our page: 

Accessing the internet and getting online

A lot of the Wiltshire Council facilities do employ Assistive Technologies to aid those who need them gain access. For example you can check what Leisure Centres and Libraries have to aid access by visiting their facilities pages which is linked from our leisure and libraries page, this page also includes information on accessible changing places around the county. You can also find access information for visiting the Council Offices by visiting Public council offices.

Telecare can be things such as alarms and sensors, to help you live independently at home for longer. You can set up telecare to remind you of things you need to do, such as take your medication. If you need help, for example if you have fallen over at home, a telecare system can automatically alert staff at a response centre who can direct assistance to you.

For more information about what is available, and how to access it, visit our adult services page on Your care, your support: Telecare and assistive technology (opens new window).

The switch to digital landlines may affect telecare devices and personal alarms. This process will be gradual and won't be complete until the end of 2025. Your telephone service provider should contact you before the switch takes place. But you may wish to contact the supplier of any telecare devices you use to check if the device will work with the new system or whether any equipment may need to be upgraded.