Enable Ireland Launch Free Assistive Technology Course for Primary Schools

Enable Ireland has launched the first module in their free, self-directed Assistive Technology (AT) in Primary Education course. The course is aimed at primary school teachers, Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) and parents who are supporting students with disabilities.

AT can be a powerful tool in enabling students to access the primary school curriculum. From having text read aloud for students with dyslexia or other reading challenges, to magnifying text and pictures for students with vision impairment and voice output devices for students who are non-speaking, the range of technologies available is enormous.

The course aims to educate on the many free, built-in features on standard Windows, Apple and Google operating systems and online services which can make a student’s life so much easier and can really increase their chance to succeed.

Speaking about the new training module, Siobhan Long, Manager of Enable Ireland’s National AT Services said, “Assistive Technology levels the playing field for students, and is often of value to the entire class, not just the student with a disability. Listening to a story being read aloud, or dictating an essay instead of writing or typing it, can make the difference between a thriving student and one who is struggling to keep up.”

Jennifer Doyle, Acting Principal in Enable Ireland Sandymount School has completed the training module and would recommend it to other teachers, SNAs and parents. “I found this course very useful and informative. It gives you a greater understanding of the specialised equipment and strategies available to allow pupils to successfully access the curriculum.  I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the use of assistive technology.”

This free, self-directed online course takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete and gives a broad overview of the areas where technology can enhance a student’s learning and performance. It will also provide a foundation for the more in-depth modules which Enable Ireland plans to release in September.

Enable Ireland will issue successful participants with an AT in Primary Education badge which demonstrates their continuous professional development and will mark their progress along their AT in Primary Education learning path. Enable Ireland has partnered with Microsoft in the development of this e-Learning course.

To enrol in the free AT in Primary Education Course you will need to create an account on Enable Ireland’s eLearning platform at https://enableirelandat.ie.