FreedomTech held a CHAT gathering on 20 October 2020 to discuss how Assistive and Accessible Technology has been supporting inclusive education during COVID 19. Sarah Gavra Boland hosted the gathering along with Siobhan Long and Joan O’Donnell. Opening Remarks: We kicked off with some words from Stuart Lawler, from Sight and Sound Technology, who outlined […]
CHAT #AT4Lockdown
FreedomTech hosted an online CHAT Gathering on April 7th 2020, titled Covid 19: Challenges and Opportunities The meeting was hosted by Sarah Gavra Boland and facilitated by Joan O’Donnell from FreedomTech We were joined by Professor Mac MacLachlan who outlined the importance of access to technology and assistive technology at this time and outlined some […]
Therapy and Assessment #AT4Lockdown
CHAT Gathering April 27th 2020 – Therapy and Assessment This is a summary of the discussions which took place at our second Covid 19 CHAT themed discussion on Therapy and Assessment. Many therapists are making a successful transition to working online. Assessments that have been supported via video conferencing include FEDS assessments for non-critical issues […]
Reaching those not on line #AT4Lockdown
Facilitator: Aisling Lennon, Smart Dublin Reaching people with disabilities, chronic conditions and older people who are not online is a priority as they may be at greatest risk at this time. The challenge posed has a number of different aspects: Access to Technology: People may lack access to technology including smart phones, tablets, smart speakers, […]
Ethics and Safeguarding in the use of technology #AT4Lockdown
Facilitator: Stuart Lawlor, Sight and Sound Technology, Ireland Ethics and safe guarding issues are of huge concern to us all as services and supports move online, and do so, at speed. This discussion covered some of the headline issues, whilst acknowledging that the situation is changing daily and that we must be able to address […]
Education #AT4Lockdown
Facilitator: Trevor Boland, AHEAD Note: Most of the discussion that took place in this break out room was related to Higher Education. We welcome input from those involved in primary, secondary and further education, as issues there may be different – or not! Issues Raised Importance of closed captions to be available on all online […]
Access to AT #AT4Lockdown
Facilitator: Catherine Lynch, Technological University Dublin All CHAT participants are keenly aware that the majority of those who need AT don’t have access to it, due to the lack of an AT Ecosystem in Ireland. Those who have access have limited supports in training, technical support and review. Those who don’t have any AT are […]
Day Service Provision #AT4Lockdown
Facilitator: Deirdre Madden, Disability Support Service, UCC There were a plethora of very practical initiatives outlined in this group, as service providers have been fast to respond to the need to support service users in their homes. Issues Raised Many staff and service users are unfamiliar with IT, so engaging with and understanding the potential […]
Digital skills #AT4Lockdown
Facilitator: Pierce Richardson, Disability Federation of Ireland This discussion centred around the accessibility of different platforms. There was a recognised need for more awareness and training needed around the various platforms available and the pros and cons of each one. Issues raised: Different platforms have different levels of accessibility for different access needs. For example […]
Independent Living #AT4Lockdown
CHAT Gathering April 28th 2020 – Independent Living This is a summary of the discussions which took place at our second Covid 19 CHAT themed discussion on Independent Living. This was a wide ranging discussion, with much focus on useful low tech solutions to support people to living independently. There was an acknowledgement that there […]