MY BETT The future of SEN
We now move to SEN and Lorraine Petersen, CEO of special needs association nasen, focuses on what BETT has to offer for specialists in this crucial area of education
with SEN, BETT presents an opportunity to see, test and compare the latest resources and attend CPD-accredited seminars.
W Certified CPD
The SEN Seminar Theatre at BETT offers a programme that enables educationalists to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in SEN. Subject experts offer professional sessions outlining effective practices, enabling visitors to gain a valuable overview of successful systems and techniques. Highlights of the BETT 2011 seminar
programme include a session from Carol Allen, an advisory teacher for ICT and SEN in North Tyneside (10:45am on January 14). Carol delivers a seminar on using technology to work inclusively with parents which looks creatively at ways of using technology to support parental engagement; from low-tech talking picture messages to high-tech digital video and podcasting. For another good opportunity for peer-to-
peer development, Christine Terrey, headteacher at Grays Infant and Nursery School in Newhaven, examines ways schools can meet the needs of SEN pupils and support inclusive practices when both time and resources are short (3:45pm on January 12). Meanwhile, leading individual SEN
organisations offer a detailed perspective on teaching methods for a range of different needs, including how to implement successful strategies that can help pupils at all levels of ability. Kate Saunders, the British Dyslexia
Association’s chief education officer, outlines SecEd • 5to7 Educator
ith new research and studies regularly changing the way we approach the teaching of students
why “Dyslexia Friendly” education is good for dyslexic individuals, but also brings about good practice for all pupils. Dyslexia affects around 10 per cent of the population and inclusion has its own set of challenges and rewards for teachers of pupils with the condition (3:45pm on January 13 in the SEN Theatre). And for those wishing to keep abreast of
the implications of the coalition government’s SEN Green Paper, I will be delivering a session outlining the findings from the paper, this year’s Ofsted review, and the latest SEN research (1:15pm on January 12). I will discuss how technology can be harnessed to meet the needs of the most vulnerable young people in the country.
Exhibitors at BETT
Accessible and enjoyable education can help SEN pupils reach their full potential; when imaginations are fired, children are engaged and the effects of this can be far-reaching. Technology can and does play an important role in making education exciting and accessible and BETT offers the opportunity to see the latest targeted resources available to the education community. From highly specialist products and services designed specifically to address the needs of those with severe disorders or disabilities, to inclusive products and solutions for all learners, the show helps practitioners to make informed and cost-effective choices.
Q4 Technologies (stand Y15) Q4 launches the Go-Robo Programmer at BETT 2011. The original concept behind the Go-Robo was to develop a computer software programming function for students with physical disabilities, such as cerebral
palsy. The combination of the Go-Robo software and the Robosapien robot provides the ideal outlet – a simple, indestructible robot with a computer programming interface that gives the user the power to sequence and control the robot’s actions.
Jabbla (stand SN56) For pupils with reading, writing, spelling and learning disabilities, Jabbla showcases Sprint software. Using speech and language technology, the software enables users to listen to any available text on their computer, even reading aloud while text is being entered.
iansyst Ltd (stand F119) Assistive technology is also the mainstay for iansyst, whose range of products has been developed for children with dyslexia, dyscalculia, physical and motor-skills difficulties, sight and hearing impairment and dyspraxia.
Busy Things (stand B39) Accessibility is key for Busy Things, an award-winning online subscription service from Q & D Multimedia. Alive with sounds, colours and animation and full of quirky characters, there are over 100 activities to play that are designed to address many areas of education, including literacy, numeracy, musical ability and teamwork.
Further information
For details of all the companies and seminars at BETT 2011, visit
www.bettshow.com. Early booking is recommended for the seminars. This costs £15 plus VAT but will guarantee you entry.
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