---------- 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