techUK Ltd.
techUK Ltd.
11/19/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/19/2024 11:09
Embracing Assistive Technology: A Transformative Journey in Kirklees Children’s Services
19 Nov 2024
Embracing Assistive Technology: A Transformative Journey in Kirklees Children's Services
Kirklees Council is strongly committed to digital transformation and adoption. The approach focuses on several key areas: digital inclusion, digital infrastructure, collaboration and investment, skills development and efficient service delivery.
Since the appointment of the Commissioning Officer on a 2-year secondment in May 2022, Assistive Technology (AT) has emerged as a pivotal intervention to address unmet needs at home and in the community for children and families.
The council-wide definition of AT is:
"Assistive devices and technologies are those whose primary purpose is to maintain or improve an individual's functioning and independence to facilitate participation and to enhance overall well-being. They can also help prevent impairments and secondary health conditions."
AT, including epilepsy sensors, door sensors, GPS devices, and communication aids, has significantly impacted children's lives by increasing their independence, reducing the need for care, minimizing hospital admissions, enhancing communication, improving safety, and alleviating carer and family anxiety. Remarkably, these technologies have led to savings exceeding £300,000.
AT's potential is now being explored to support children and staff in schools, as well as council staff, broadening its scope and impact.
The service's innovative approach has garnered national recognition, being highly commended in the 'Innovation in Building Diversity and Inclusion' category at the MJ Awards. Active participation in key industry events, such as the National Commissioners Conference, and memberships in TSA and BATA, have elevated the service's profile. Consequently, other local authorities are now seeking to learn from Kirklees' development and best practices.
Kirklees Council's commitment to integrating AT in children's services underscores a dedication to leveraging technology to support the well-being and development of children with additional needs, ensuring they have the tools to thrive both at home and in educational settings.
If anyone would like to discuss further, please contact Suleman Aswat, Kirklees Council, Commissioning Officer. Tel No: 01484 221000. Email: [email protected]k
Case Study: Peace of Mind with Epilepsy Sensors
The Situation
H, a 15-year-old living with his parents, suffers from epilepsy, experiencing tonic/clonic seizures. Despite having a camera installed, his condition was worsening, causing significant concern for his parents, especially at night.
The Solution
After detailed discussions with a product provider and the family, an epilepsy sensor was identified as a suitable solution, costing £238.40.
The Outcome
The family reported that they wished they had the sensor years ago. It provided them with peace of mind, as previously, H's siblings had to wake up and alert the parents during seizures, disrupting their sleep and affecting their school performance and the parents' work. The sensor has greatly benefited the entire family by improving sleep quality, which positively impacted education, caregiving, and work.
Financial Benefits
The AT solution potentially prevented the need for a respite placement, which could cost over £5000 per week. The improved sleep quality for family members has had a significant positive impact on their daily lives.
Case Study: Enhancing Communication with Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC) Devices
The Situation
B, an autistic and non-speaking child, has been using an AAC device, specifically an iPad with the TD Snap program, at school since December 2021. While this device has been effective in school, B did not have access to it at home, relying instead on paper-based AAC, which limited her ability to communicate effectively outside of school.
The Solution
To address this, funding was provided for an iPad and the TD Snap software for home use, costing £434. TD Snap offers flexible AAC solutions to help individuals with communication disabilities.
The Outcome
B's father shared the positive impact of the device:
"Before, there was very little communication between myself and B. She got very frustrated and upset when trying to tell me something, leading to meltdowns. With TD Snap, there is much better communication between us, and fewer meltdowns because she can tell me what she wants. This device has had such a positive impact on our lives and can only improve in the future. She can even communicate with visitors, who are really impressed by the device. I would recommend anyone with a similar condition to try this device. Ps she can even answer me back when I tell her to do something."
This intervention has significantly improved B's ability to communicate at home, reducing frustration and enhancing her interactions with family and visitors.
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Meet the team
Alison Young
Associate Director Local Public Services, techUK
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Alison Young
Associate Director Local Public Services, techUK
Alison Young is the Associate Director Local Public Services.
Alison has background in International Trade & Investment, with experience in the public, private and third sector, advising on international trade, new markets, inward investment and working closely with UK cities and regions around investment into innovation and partnerships and technology. Prior to joining techUK, she has her own consulting business and was Head of Global Investment with the Connected Places Catapult. This role had a focus on FDI around the built environment and mobility, working across NetZero mobility projects in the UK and globally. She worked closely with the Innovation Districts Group, to foster and network of knowledge sharing and helped set up the Freeport Innovation Network, to foster innovation in the context of freeports with a focus on investment.
She spent six years living and working in the Middle East, with the Department for Business and Trade. Based first in Oman, leading on a number of sectors, from Education to Infrastructure, then based in the UAE, setting up the Technology and Smart Cities sector, with a core focus on AI and Fintech.
She is passionate about economic growth for the UK, to create jobs and opportunities; the green agenda and the decarbonisation of transport. She has a degree in Russian Studies MA, from the University of Edinburgh and is currently learning Arabic.
Email: [email protected]Phone: +44 (0) 20 7331 2029 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonayoung/Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
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Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Email: [email protected]Twitter: @IleanaLupsa Website: www.techUK.org LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ileana-lupsaTracy Modha
Team Assistant - Markets, techUK
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Tracy Modha
Team Assistant - Markets, techUK
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
Email: [email protected]Phone: 02073312000 Twitter: @TracyModha,@TracyModha Website: www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83,https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83Georgina Maratheftis
Associate Director, Local Public Services, techUK
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Georgina Maratheftis
Associate Director, Local Public Services, techUK
Georgina is techUK's Associate Director for Local Public Services
Georgina works with suppliers that are active or looking to break into the market as well as with local public services to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local public services and supplier community to horizon scan and explore how the technologies of today and tomorrow can help solve some of the most pressing problems our communities face and improve outcomes for our people and places.
Prior to techUK, Georgina worked for a public policy events company where she managed the policy briefing division and was responsible for generating new ideas for events that would add value to the public sector. Georgina worked across a number of portfolios from education, criminal justice, and health but had a particular interest in public sector transformation and technology. Georgina also led on developing relationships across central and local government.
If you'd like to learn more about techUK, or want to get involved, get in touch.
Email: [email protected]Phone: 020 7331 2029 Twitter: @GeorginaMarath Website: www.techuk.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgina-maratheftis-0a002a102/
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