Assistive and information technology

This section contains the assistive technology referral form.

Further information

In Leicester the quality inclusion team works with settings and schools to ensure that children and young people can fully access school life utilising assistive technology where needed.

• A referral to assess a child or young person’s non sensory needs in a school or setting can be made by the school or relevant health care professional by completing the Assistive Technology referral form and returning it to SEND-AssistiveTech@leicester.gov.uk.
• This form is for non sensory assistive technology only and therefore does not cover technology for vision support or hearing impairment. 
• For a child or young person's to qualify for an assessment, there must be a proposal for equipment/software which does not fall under Best Endeavours and Reasonable Adjustments Best Endeavours and Reasonable Adjustments (BERA) Framework.  Equipment that falls under BERA, such as laptops and iPads, must be purchased by the school.
• If a child or young person qualifies for an assessment and the proposed equipment/software is approved, the school will be advised to invoice the finance team with the costs. 

Useful websites and resources

• Nasen
  nasen is the National Association for Special Educational Needs - a charitable membership organisation that exists to support and champion those working with, and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences.
  
  
• CALL Scotland
  helping children and young people to overcome disability and barriers to learning, and to fulfil their potential. 
  
  
• Education Endowment Foundation - guidance report - using digital technology to improve learning
  This EEF guidance report is designed to support senior leaders and teachers to make better informed decisions based on the best available evidence we currently have. It includes a number of practical examples of technology being used in ways which support improved teaching (e.g., by increasing the accuracy of teacher assessment) or improve pupil learning (e.g., by increasing the quality and quantity of pupil practice).
  
  
• Common Sense Media
  Common Sense is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive.