The Assistive Technology for Education Support Team (ATfEST)

Assistive Technology for Education Support Team

About us and what we do

The Assistive Technology for Education Support Team (ATfEST) is made up of assistive technology specialists, keyboard and assistive technology practitioners, resource production technicians and audiology technicians. All team members are employed by Leicestershire’s Children and Family Service.

ATfEST works together with all Specialist Teaching Service (STS) teams. Providing integrated and comprehensive support to children and young people in full-time education.

ATfEST can be contacted on the Specialist Teaching Service phone number 0116 3059400 or by emailing sts@leics.gov.uk

Assistive technology for education

Assistive technology for education supports educational settings and students who have physical, communication and/or sensory difficulties, enabling access to the curriculum using assistive technology.

Keyboard and assistive technology

Keyboard and assistive technology assesses and teaches keyboard and assistive technology skills to children and young people with special educational needs and disability (SEND). Such as keyboard skills and text to speech software where appropriate to aid access to the curriculum and promote inclusion.

Resource production

Resource production produces braille enlarged and/or modified resources and materials to support access to learning for SEND children and young people.

Audiology Technician provision

Audiology Technician provision provides technical support and advice, on a wide range of Personal Amplification Systems & Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) and makes recommendation for specific specialist technology available for the HST, school & parents/carers.

Provides a monitoring visit to ensure that he equipment provided by the Hearing Support Team continues to be suitable, used correctly and in full working order.

Useful links

CALLScotland - information on accessibility on Microsoft, android and iOS

Leicestershire libraries - free to borrow ebooks, accessible to large print users

Calibre Audio - free to download audio books

Audible - audio books with free 30 day trial period from Amazon

Dolphin Easy Reader app - accessible and free ebook reader for extra large print readers

RNIB bookshare - usually for school organisations but currently open to parents as well during Covid-19 epidemic. Works very well with Dolphin Easy Reader app.

Talking scientific calculator 

Doorway touchtyping tutor

Technology foundations

BBC Bitesize - Dance mat typing