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The vibrant potential of assistive and accessible technology (ATech) to transform the lives of SEND learners took centre stage at the All-Party Parliamentary Group reception this Spring.

This crucial forum for shaping national policy was organised by Robert McLaren, Director of ATech at Policy Connect. Rix Inclusive Research (represented by Ajay and Craig) joined forces with campaigners, parliamentarians and ATech experts at Portcullis House on 8 May 2025.

The event highlighted the life-changing potential of technology to improve outcomes for SEND learners, and particularly those with complex communication needs. It is the first meeting hosted by the new Chair of this Parliamentary Group, Josh Fenton-Glynn MP.

Lived experience

The true power of ATech was brought to life by speakers Beth Moulam and Laura Brown. They provided rich insight into their own lives and those of their families. Stories from their lived experience brought to life the immeasurable power of ATech to enhance independence and communication and underscored the urgency of wider ATech adoption.

Training and supporting people to use ATech

Building on these compelling personal stories, Professor Annalu Waler OBE gave an insightful and engaging call to action, with a focus on ATech training and development opportunities.

Her work is contributing to the strategy and direction of the Government’s ATech agenda by describing three levels of training opportunities.

• Entry level training opportunities – for all teaching staff to familiarise themselves with ATech and its benefits
• Advanced level courses providing more advanced knowledge of specific types of technology and how these are best used. Primarily aimed at SENDCOs and teachers
• Specialist ATech courses for SENDCOs with considerable experience in inclusive technologies who are looking to take their knowledge and skills to an expert level

This structured approach to training provides opportunities for people at all stages of their careers to develop their understanding and knowledge of ATech.

How can Rix Inclusive Research respond?

As a key partner of this all-party parliamentary group, through Policy Connect, we share their passion and commitment to increasing people’s use and knowledge of ATech. Our broad definition of ATech means that person centred software, such as our RIX Wiki, plays a critical role in helping people to express themselves confidently through multimedia.

To ensure our team remains at the forefront of ATech innovation, we actively engage with international universities and are committed to continuing professional development and networking through our involvement with BATA (British Assistive Technology Association).

Looking ahead, we are committed to shaping a future where everyone who can benefit from ATech has access to it. ATech really is a powerful ally in increasing participation, inclusion and reducing inequality.

The Wiki Master writes with his eyes!

The Wiki Master (Ajay Choksi is a technical assistant and researcher at RIX) shares his experience of writing with his eyes, using technology showcased at the ATech event.

I enjoyed using eye tracking technology. I went to see a demo of the eye tracking technology. I met a lady at the event who gave me a go at the eye tracking. I looked at the monitor screen. I used my eyes to follow a pointer on the screen. There were four small squares I had to look at. When I had finished the system was set up to track my eyes. Then I used a keyboard on the screen. I choose letters from the alphabet using my eyes. I wrote the words ‘Wiki Master’ with my eyes – it is very useful and good.

In the future I thought it would be good if I could go to content on my Rix Wiki by looking at the Wiki section that I wanted to go to and not needing to touch the screen. This would really help people who cannot use their hands to operate a mouse or a keyboard.

People with disabilities can use accessible technology if it is well designed for simplicity and ease of use.  

On Friday 28 March I attended the Duchenne UK New Horizons National Conference at the Holiday Inn in Bloomsbury, London.

This conference brought together hundreds of people connected with the muscle wasting condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), including people like me who have DMD, lots of parents and carers, doctors and health professionals, and representatives from pharmaceutical companies.

I was part of a presentation about Psycho-social Needs and Education along with another adult with DMD, Benjamin. Presenting with us were Janet Hoskin, an associate professor at the University of East London and member of the RIX team, and Rory Conn who is a psychiatrist. Rory spoke about the need for psycho-social support for people with DMD, and Janet shared how her research shows that schools often ignore the non-physical aspects of DMD such as neuro-divergence and anxiety even though these are established risks.

Benjamin and I spoke about our time in school, college and university. Benjamin did A levels and went to Nottingham University where he was awarded a first class honours degree in Neuroscience, which is amazing. He also talked about the support for reading that he received in school when he was little and how this ensured he didn’t get left behind. Like other people with DMD, I also have dyslexia, ADHD and borderline Autism Spectrum Condition. In school this meant it was often difficult for me to learn and make new friends. When I was younger, school gave me extra reading support with a teaching assistant, and extra Maths support.

I managed to pass all my GCSEs and then did a BTEC in IT and Software Development at college. I studied Games Design and Development at University because I enjoy making video games and playing them. University was fun and I made lots of friends and learned lots about game development. Overall the best thing about University was making friends and drinking shots before lessons!

Saul Catlin, DMD Advocate and RIX co-researcher