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Local CAPacity - What is your local authority doing now the Communication Aids Project has come to an end ?
03/05/2006
The Communication Aids Project …
The Communication Aids Project ran for 4 years from 2002 and provided an assessment framework and equipment to enhance the communication and curriculum access of over 4500 pupils in England.
In addition to working with children directly, the project has provided an opportunity to support the development of multi agency teams who can provide local specialist advice and support on communication aids and assistive technology for children with disabilities within schools.
… developing strong local teams …
The CAP Centres have been supporting these teams at all levels, from helping in their formation, through to initial training and then to on-going professional development for existing teams and individuals. We have also been able to support teams through sign posting to resources, sharing models of good practice, running networking events to bring teams together and simply being available for any number of questions by e-mail or telephone.
It is clear that the teams and individuals working with pupils at a local level have found this support invaluable. The impact on the expertise and confidence of many of these professionals has been profound and the availability of local support across the country has increased dramatically.
… ended in March 2006
Unfortunately, the Communication Aids Project came to a close in March 2006 and with it went all of the funded support which local authorities have been able to tap into free of charge.
It is a serious concern of ours that much of the good work of CAP will be undone very quickly unless authorities prioritise the maintenance and development of this local expertise. Many of the newer teams are likely to flounder without external support and training, and it is clear that the more established teams will miss the access to advice, networking and continuing development opportunities they have had access to during the last 4 years. In the vast and rapidly changing field of AAC and assistive technology the work of keeping up to date can be all consuming when working in isolation.
We are here to help
In recognition of what has been achieved under CAP and also what could be lost now the project has finished, AbilityNet and the two ACE centres are working together to offer a range of services to local authorities to ensure that they can still be supported in developing local provision or delivering communication aid / assistive technology services. We believe such support is going to be essential, particularly with the move towards Children’s Trusts.
A range of services:
The needs of each authority will differ considerably. It may be that you have an existing strong team where all you need is occasional advice and professional development, or you may be at the early stages of forming and developing your team and will need a much greater level of input. We will be able to offer a tailored package which matches your authority’s specific requirements.
Services you may wish to subscribe to include:
- An extensive loan bank of equipment to support assessment or learning
- Support visits and joint assessment opportunities to support development
- Remote assessment and support
- Access to e-mail and telephone support from specialists in the education sector
- Access to training courses, networking events and other professional development opportunities
- Regular technology update events
- Access to resources such as factsheets, skillsheets and web based materials
Alternatively, you might look to us to provide assessment and training services for children within your authority.
If you are interested in finding out more of how you can work with us please get in touch:
John Liddle / Adam Waits
AbilityNet Education Team
Upper Pendrill Court
Papworth Everard
Cambs CB23 3UY.
Tel: 01480 839091
Fax: 01480 831599
education@abilitynet.org.uk.