Assistive technology network
Dedicated to sharing good practice about assistive technology.
Facilitated by Jisc and TechAbility
Open to FE and HE staff with an interest in assistive technology, at any level of experience - from beginner to expert
Regular meetings online
About the community
The assistive technology network is a community supported by Jisc and TechAbility for people working in further and higher education. It is a place to share experiences, ideas and resources.
The community aims to support personal and professional development in education. A steering group of members from across the UK meets regularly to decide priorities and plan activities.
The community hosts an annual free online event as part of the Digifest Community Fringe. Our 2024 event will be hosted in Zoom on Wednesday 20th March. The theme for the day is ‘imagining the future of education and research’, with an emphasis on the role of assistive and accessible technology. Registration will open closer to the time. If you would like to propose a topic for a presentation, workshop or facilitated discussion for this event, please send your suggestion to kellie.mote@jisc.ac.uk.
Who can join
This community is run by the sector, for the sector. It is for anyone working in further or higher education with an interest in assistive technology, at any level of experience, from beginner to expert.
People working in non-profit organisations that support further and higher education are also welcome to join.
While the network may invite commercial suppliers or developers to speak at events, membership is not open to those from the commercial sector.
How to get involved
Attend an online AT Ideas Room. These friendly, supportive meet-ups are inspired by the transformative 'thinking environment' work of Dr Lou Mycroft. The one-hour sessions provide dedicated time to consider your practice and topics of interests with practitioners from across the UK.
We are currently seeking steering group representatives from Wales and Northern Ireland. If you work in a further or higher education provider on one of these nations, please contact us.
Join the assistive technology JiscMail list.
On the list, you can ask questions and share ideas. Members are supportive and friendly, and keen to help. You will also receive notifications of free events for members, and opportunities for meet-ups.
The accessibility community Teams space also has a channel dedicated to assistive technology and other related topics.
For more information, contact Kellie Mote (kellie.mote@jisc.ac.uk) or Fil McIntyre (fil.mcintyre@natspec.org.uk).
Current members
Jisc assistive technology steering group membership
- Beth Winkler, access centre manager, Edinburgh College
- Fil McIntyre, manager and assistive technology lead, TechAbility
- Kellie Mote, subject specialist, Jisc
- Laura Hutton, subject specialist, Jisc
- Luiza Bell, assistive technologist, University of Bath
- Mike Walter, e-learning developer and AT trainer, Hartpury University and College
- Neil Harrod-Beck, assistive technology projects lead, TechAbility
- Pete Scorey, assistive technologist, University of Chester
- Piers Wilkinson, commissioner, Disabled Students Commission
- Rohan Slaughter, senior lecturer MSc educational assistive technology, University of Dundee
- Ros Walker, digital accessibility adviser, University of St Andrews