Forwarded from senit email list - apologies for cross-posting if you have already received this. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Ann <[log in to unmask]> Date: 26 February 2010 17:54 Subject: [senit] Notices and announcements To: [log in to unmask] Hello everyone, There is just one announcement for you this week, from Terry Waller [[log in to unmask] ] about the Home Access Project. You might like to take a look at the new postings at the SENIT Community site http://collaboration.becta.org.uk/community/inclusion/senit Use the tabs for Blogs, Discussions etc. to look at the postings. You do not need to log in to read the postings but you will need to register separately onto the new system in order to add to a discussion or post a document etc. Have a good weekend. I hope that even those of you in Scotland will soon begin to see an end to the winter. Ann McDevitt, Co-Moderator SENIT Independent IT and SEN Consultant [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------- Terry writes: Free Assistive Technology where it's needed most! By now you will have heard all about the Home Access programme but were you aware that this offering includes a whole range of Assistive Technology solutions? Home Access packages are designed to be inclusive and are built with every child's needs in mind, including those who may need Assistive Technology support. Offering a range of solutions for children with physical, sensory and profound needs, Assistive Technology packages consist of: - a suite of Assistive Technology software which comes pre-loaded on every device and consists of Texthelp's Read&Write, Matchware's Mindview and iZoom programs - Assistive Technology package 1, which provides vital hardware such as adapted mice, adapted keyboards and keyboard stickers - Assistive Technology package 2, which is tailor-made to each child's needs and is for those children with the more physical, sensory or profound special educational needs. The Assistive Technology software and Assistive Technology package 1 solutions are available and already providing benefit to many children. ***** Families who meet the eligibility criteria are strongly encouraged to apply immediately for Assistive Technology package 2 to ensure that their needs are met and adequate funding is allocated. Initial evaluations are taking place now for delivery of Assistive Technology solutions in summer 2010 so please encourage applicants to send in their forms as soon as possible. ***** Home Access is the government programme that will help to ensure that more children in state-maintained education in England have access to technology at home to support learning, by providing them with grant funding to buy a computer and/or internet package. The Home Access programme began its phased rollout across England in January 2010. Initially the programme will target children in years 3 to 9 inclusive and will benefit more than 270,000 households that currently lack access by March 2011. To find out more about Home Access Assistive Technology packages please check online at: Home Access - http://www.homeaccess.org.uk/ Becta Home Access site - http://schools.becta.org.uk/index.php?section=oe&catcode=ss_es_hom_02&rid=17 557 Home Access Collaboration site - http://collaboration.becta.org.uk/community/homeaccess -- I raise money for Communication Matters with Everyclick.com Find out how you can help here: http://www.everyclick.com/lizpanton