Assistive technology - non sensory

SEND Support Services work with schools and settings to ensure that children and young people (CYP) can fully access education utilising assistive technology (AT) where needed.

Further information

The Team can provide support in the following areas:

Please note this team only works with education settings if your request is for an adult, please contact Adult Social Care - Independent Living.

Assessment of CYP

A referral for an assessment of a CYP’s access to learning due to their SEND or physical disability in a school or setting can be made by the school or relevant health care professional.

If this request is for a CYP with a hearing or vision impairment, please contact the Sensory team for advice and support to advise on their Sensory Impairment.

For a CYP to qualify for an assessment, there must be a proposal for equipment/software which does not fall under Best Endeavours and Reasonable Adjustments (BERA) Framework.  Equipment that falls under BERA, such as laptops and iPads, must be trialled by the school before an assessment can take place.

To request an assessment please complete the AT referral form below.

If a child or young person qualifies for an assessment and the proposed equipment/software is approved, the equipment will be on loan to the school for as long as the CYP is on roll at the school/setting and/or remains in education.

Support and training for schools/settings using assistive technology

The technology already in Schools/Settings have many accessibility features which can provide access to learning as part of school’s Universal Offer. Free training is available for Schools/Settings, please sign up to our monthly twilight sessions via Booking Live or for support in School, please contact SEND-AssistiveTech@leicester.gov.uk.

Lending library

The DFE have launched the Assistive Technology Lending Library.

To sign up for your school, please visit Assistive Technology Lending Library to see the range pf equipment available to trial.

AAC devices

To request an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device via the Local Offer requires the input of a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT).

In the first instance, a SALT assessment must be completed. This assessment is required to ensure that the child or young person (CYP) does not meet the threshold for a referral to the Lincolnshire EATS (Electronic Assistive Technology Service).

As part of the assessment, SALT will need to:

• Identify the most appropriate AAC device for the CYP
• Provide clinical reasoning as to why ‘low-tech’ solutions are insufficient to meet the CYP’s communication needs

Once the assessment has been completed, the SALT can proceed with the referral. This is done by completing the referral form.

Please return the completed form to: SEND-AssistiveTech@leicester.gov.uk.