What is an AT Scholar?

Low incidence disabilities are just that. Every assistive technology breakthrough must quickly find a World market if it is to become viable or affordable anywhere. Conversely teachers, therapists and assistive technology professionals now need global knowledge of the new technology available to meet individual needs.

Assistive Technology is a fast-moving field. Governments and legislators must also keep up with what is available for their citizens and of the necessary and changing resource implications.

The British Assistive Technology Scholarship funds the travel, accommodation, and conference fees of top British AT professionals to experience the world’s top assistive technology event. This is currently the annual Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference in the United States. Pretty well all global advances in assistive technology are showcased and first evaluated there.

In 2023, for the first time, we are sending TWO British Assistive Technology Scholars across the Atlantic to experience and report back on the conference.

In 2021, because of Covid-19, the Conference went virtual and instead of funding trans-Atlantic flights, and hotel rooms the Scholarship bought virtual registrations for twenty-five leading British figures in assistive technology.

In 2022 our transatlantic mission had to be deferred - Covid again. Finally we can send two Scholars to the 2023 ATIA Conference in Orlando to address delegates there, and bring back the best Assistive Technology from around the World.

The Scholars can share their reports with our partners: the All Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology (APPGAT), the British Assistive Technology Association (BATA) and Communication Matters. Each organisation will have the option of asking Scholars to present their findings in person - now such events are again possible.

Our two 2023 Scholars offer very different perspectives. Robert McLaren and his team manage the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology. They are very effective in bringing the needs of assistive technology users to the attention of Government departments – with some exciting initiatives as a result.

Our second Scholar, Jennette Greenwood, works directly with severely disabled youngsters in Pendle View Primary School in Lancashire. Pendle View has been a leading and innovative user of assistive technology and has helped develop, test, and improve new AT resources with leading companies including Inclusive Technology.

I’m grateful to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology, the British Assistive Technology Association and Communication Matters who helped me set this Scholarship up.

And to two of last year’s virtual scholars: Fran Clayton, visionary head of Pendle View School for her support. Also Mick Archer, journalist and past editor of Special Children magazine for writing the profiles of this year’s Scholars.

Martin Littler January 2022