The team at Dolphin have had the pleasure of working with students through Blind in Business. We held a week of work experience, so the group of ten young people with vision impairments were able to experience working in the in the Support, Marketing and Testing departments of a busy software development company. They completed a range of tasks that gave them an idea of what working for a busy software development company is like.
One of these tasks was to write a blog. They could choose from a list of suggested titles, or write their own. All were encouraged to draw from their own experiences, and share their own thoughts and opinions. The standard of writing was fantastic and we have selected Arsh's blog as it really highlights some of the concerns students have using assistive technology in class, which providers might not have considered.
Education has been a tool for empowerment throughout history, but for individuals with limited access, it can sometimes feel out of reach. Fortunately, with advancements in assistive technology, accessibility issues in our generation are increasingly being addressed - opening doors to a more inclusive educational environment.
The mainstream implementation and use of screen readers and magnification software has transformed accessibility for visually impaired students, allowing more scholars to engage with their studies effectively. However, it's essential that these tools continue to evolve and remain accessible to everyone.
Reflecting on my own experience, I faced significant disadvantages during my initial years in secondary school. I was provided with mini binoculars and a collection of magnifying glasses to access learning resources in the classroom. While well-intentioned, these devices often felt inconvenient and made me stand out in a way that many children would find uncomfortable.
As I progressed through my education, I was fortunate enough to upgrade to new tech at each stage, from a school laptop, to a specialist tablet - though this was still equipped with a large camera attachment. The progression has led me to sixth form, where I am finally allowed to use my own laptop or tablet. With these familiar tools always at the ready in my backpack, I found that accessibility became much less of a concern during my A-Level studies, which allows me to focus on my learning.
This journey highlights the importance of providing adaptive and suitable technologies to all students who may need them. While accessibility is a primary concern, we must also consider the social dynamics of school life. Clunky or unusual gadgets often drew unwanted attention and provoke feelings of anxiety, discouraging the use of these devices, which is definitely not empowering. It is crucial that we leverage developing technology to create minimalistic and effective solutions that help create an inclusive classroom environment.
By embracing these innovations, we can make the school experience about enjoying the journey - well, except for the homework, of course!
In conclusion, as we continue to advocate for inclusive education, let’s champion the use of assistive technologies that enhance learning for all students, creating a future where education truly empowers everyone.
Arsh's personal experiences of assistive technology provision in school is something we've heard many times from young people with vision impairments in mainstream school. While many items and technology provided as reasonable adjustments may help with the physical act of reading, students can feel these make them stand out from the crowd, or attract unwanted attention. This is also at a time in their lives when 'fitting in' is so often perceived as important.
As a result, Dolphin has developed the Connect & Learn Kit. This puts together SuperNova software together with a range of useful computer hardware and accessories, to ensure the needs of students with low vision are met, without singling them out in class.
For schools and colleges, the Connect & Learn kit combines the benefits of five expensive pieces of equipment in one handy kit - so you save money on your school budget. Dolphin also offers free CPD accredited staff training in the SuperNova for Educators course.