Press release
New report to shape use of Assistive Technology for learners
University of Dundee academics have undertaken research for the UK Government that seeks to improve learning opportunities for people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Published on 13 May 2025
Dr Tom Griffiths, Professor Annalu Waller and Rohan Slaughter at the report launch at Westminster.
Computing experts from the University’s School of Science and Engineering were commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to produce a report identifying what staff working in specialist education need to know about Assistive Technology (AT) so these transformative tools can best be utilised in education settings.
AT plays a vital role in supporting learners with additional educational needs and disabilities to access the curriculum. To maximise its potential, the DfE commissioned the Dundee team to explore current AT training provision and to identify areas for improvement, ensuring staff training is both appropriate and effective.
The final document - Developing a competency framework for effective assistive technology training - was launched at the UK Parliament at an event organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology and the non-partisan think tank, Policy Connect.
“This work will have far-reaching impact for disabled people across the UK and beyond,” said Annalu Waller, Professor of Human Communication Technologies at Dundee.
“Children and young people with disabilities are currently unable to access the curriculum when those around them do not have the skills to harness the potential of digital assistive technology to support their learning. This report provides a competency framework which will inform the way teachers, learning support staff, therapists and IT professionals identify and address their AT training needs.”
ENDS