We’ve made it easier for you to choose a computer and internet package designed to support learning at home – and help to keep your family safer online.
Due to the success of the programme we are now only inviting applications for computers for children with severe disabilities or Special Educational Needs.
So what makes these computer packages different?
All Home Access computer and internet packages are pre-loaded with:
- guidance and tutorials to make it easier, and quicker, to get started
- a suite of Assistive Technology software designed to improve literacy and make it easier for learners to record and present ideas
- office productivity applications which allow learners to create and edit documents, spreadsheets and much more
- pre-set parental controls to help keep children safer online. This means unsuitable content is blocked from the first time you turn it on anti-virus software and firewall
To ensure that families are provided with the support they need, all Home Access packages come with:
- the right additional equipment and hardware, tailored to the child’s individual needs where extra support is required to access a computer and the internet
- one years technical support including a local rate phone number
- manufacturers warranty in the event of a fault
- re-instatement service so you’re covered if the device breaks or is stolen
Home Access packages with Assistive Technology
For children with severe disabilities and Special Educational Needs
Ensuring that all learners can access a computer and the internet is vitally important to their educational progress. All Home Access packages are designed and built with every child’s need in mind, including those with profound physical impairments and severe learning difficulties that may need additional hardware or software.
To see the benefits of Assistive Technology, a film about the Assistive Technology offering can be viewed here.
The Home Access programme offers computers, internet connectivity and specially adapted equipment, known as Assistive Technology, for children with profound disabilities or Special Educational Needs. If you satisfy the eligibility criteria and the child you are applying for would benefit from the technologies such as those listed below you could receive a personalised Assistive Technology package to help your child get online for learning at home:
- Alternative equipment, such as switches, touch screens, or an adapted mouse to access the computer/internet because of a physical or learning difficulty
- Symbols or pictures software to support writing, reading or curriculum access because of a severe learning or literacy difficulty
- ‘Cause and effect’ software and associated access devices because of a severe learning difficulty
- Specialist hardware or software (or both) to access screen content because of a visual impairment
- Sound amplification hardware on the computer because of a hearing impairment.
The application process
The application process is very simple and further details are included within the application form.
Once it is complete, the applicant must also send evidence of the learner’s needs; by either sending in their current Disability Living Allowance (DLA) letter or Statement of Special Educational Needs. For those without either of these, a signed declaration on the application from their Special Educational Needs Coordinator/senior teacher or an appropriate local authority representative can be used instead.
Home Access packages with Assistive Technology are tailored to the child’s individual requirements. A specialist evaluator will contact the parent, guardian or foster carer to discuss the most suitable Assistive Technology, and once agreed, the equipment will be delivered direct to the family’s door and installed.
Home Access for Special Educational Needs will be available from July 2010, but anyone interested in applying should do so immediately. The Home Access programme aims to level the playing field for every young internet user. With a combination of the right hardware, software and focused online resources, Assistive Technology can help to ensure that learners with profound disabilities and Special Educational Needs are brought not only online with other learners, but in line with them as well.
Please remember packages are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.