Area 8: Mainstream technology/Technology for Life

• RNIB: Making the most of iPads: Part 1(External). Article on getting the most from iPad's accessibility features. Why choose an iPad, which iPad to get, using iPad accessibility, VoiceOver screen reader, Zoom magnifier.
• RNIB: Making the most of iPads: Part Two (External). Article which provides an overview of how to engage learners with vision impairments using iPads.
• Education Gateshead: iPad accessibility scheme of work for pupils with vision impairment (External). This scheme of work, arising from the collaboration of QTVIs from Gateshead, Manchester, Portsmouth and Barnet and accessed via TPT - who were also involved in the scheme - has materials broken down into sections which look at the learners’ knowledge and ability to perform set iPad tasks, explore the use the equipment and their outcomes. QTVIs, other professionals.
• Perkins School for the Blind: Shared Notes on the iPad (External). On the Perkins eLearning website a practical tip for sharing notes with your student via the iPad. The article gives clear instructions, including diagrams of the step by step process to enabling this.
• Wayfinder Family Services USA: Infant and Early Childhood Programme iPad Curriculum (External). A useful list of apps for the iPad on the Wayfinder Family Services (USA) website. Each app is supported by a video of a child using it.
• Teaching students with visual impairments: identification Apps for students with vision impairment (External). US website including a round up of specialist apps for students with vision impairment - content from Teaching Students with Visual Impairment website with links to apps to assist with object, colour recognition, light identification. QTVIs, other professionals, parents and CYPVI
• AbilityNet: My Computer, My Way (External). Guides offering step by step instructions on how to adapt phones, computers or tablets to meet individual needs. You can search for a specific need (e.g. making text larger) or filter the guides based on symptoms (e.g. hand tremor) or condition (e.g. vision impairment).
• AbilityNet: Vision impairment and computing factsheet (External) Factsheet from AbilityNet covering accessibility features in mainstream technology in addition to and assistive technology. QTVIs, other professionals and parents.
• Communication, Access, Literacy and Learning (CALL) Scotland: Technology (External). Comprehensive website covering solutions built-in to the operating systems of computers including SmartPhones, specialist devices and/or software, technology for life, access to educational technology and touch typing. QTVIs, other professionals.

Downloadable Resources 

See Area 8: Technology homepage to discover downloadable resources shared by the sector