We're constantly looking at ways to improve access to reading for our pupils, we have recently been working with pupils with visual impairments. We were asked to implement a way for the teacher to duplicate the display on the interactive whiteboard on to assistive equipment. In December a pupil with a visual impairment joined a Primary Academy. He is learning to use Braille to record his work and he struggles to read what is on the teacher's whiteboard. 

To ensure the pupil has full access to the information on the teacher's board, Dan Houghton from the IT Support Team provided an iPad and installed Splashtop. This software mirrors the information on the teacher's board onto the iPad. The pupil can then pinch an enlarge the information to an accessible size. The pupil has learnt to connect his iPad to the teacher's board independently and within a week was doing it without needing prompting. 

Alongside their vision support teams, we have setup iPads which mirror the Classroom interactive whiteboard so the pupils can read the board no matter where they are sat in class! Giving them better access to the resources they need for learning.

In addition, adapted, large print books can be emailed to the Ipad for the student to read. These are much more accessible for the pupil and far more environmentally friendly than printing books in font size 48.

"Getting the Ipad and BrailleNote Touch sorted out so quickly has really helped the pupil settle into his new school. Being able to see the teacher's board means he can fully participate in lessons. He also loves being able to read books on the Ipad. As his vision can fluctuate from day to day it is fantastic that he is in control of enlarging the print and pictures to the size he needs to enjoy the book." Vicky Wraith, Vision Support Teacher.