Work begins on new report on training and upskilling professionals in using assistive tech

Policy Connect, a cross-party thinktank that specialises in the development of new policy ideas through evidence and collaboration, has announced it is working on a new report about assistive technology training for frontline professionals.

Titled ‘Assistive and Accessible Technology Awareness and Training for Front Line Professionals’, the research will be delivered by the ATech Policy Lab, which is based at Policy Connect.

Launched in early 2022, the ATech Policy Lab is a partnership between Policy Connect, Bournemouth University, and the Ace Centre. It was created to design public policy to ensure that technology works for everyone.

The lab brings together disabled people, sector leaders, and researchers to get into the detail of policy design, incubate new ideas, stress test the best proposals, and generate the evidence and insight that moves policymakers to action.

The thinktank says that many frontline professionals, including teachers and care staff, lack the confidence to support their clients and learners to use assistive and accessible technology. To address this, organisations across the UK are taking action to upskill professionals, increase assistive technology access and support for disabled people, and make frontline services more inclusive.

Now, Policy Connect’s new report will explore the current assistive technology training landscape and make recommendations to the UK Government on how to scale support for professionals across the UK to better take advantage of these powerful tools.

It will further consider assistive technology training in the education, employment support, and social care sectors.

The research is being led by Policy Connect Research Fellow Geena Vabulas.

“I know first-hand the challenges of frontline staff staying up-to-date on Assistive and Accessible Technology (ATech), having worked in disability education and care settings for many years,” commented Geena. “There are so many people missing out on the benefits of ATech due to low awareness and confidence amongst professionals, and I am delighted to be tackling this issue in this collaborative research project.”

To get involved with the assistive technology report, contact Geena at geena.vabulas@policyconnect.org.uk.

Ian Karten Charitable Trust is sponsoring Policy Connect’s latest project.