Dolphin launch My Accessible School at BETT 2012
10th Jan, 2012
Olympia, London - Wednesday 11th January 2012; BETT 2012, the education technology show, today marked the launch of a new proven approach to raising student achievement. Focussing on learners with dyslexia, low literacy and English as an additional language, My Accessible School also supports any student that would benefit from extra support with their reading and writing.
Developed off the back of the Accessible Resources Pilot project, a Department for Education pilot lead by Dolphin Computer Access, My Accessible School draws on the project's exciting findings.
"The results of the pilot were way beyond our expectations. 71% of dyslexic pupils demonstrated an improvement in their writing and their reading skills." explains Noel Duffy, Project Lead for the Accessible Resources Pilot project & Dolphin's Managing Director.
"We now have concrete proof that accessible learning materials AND assistive technology have a huge positive impact on the education, inclusion and self-esteem of students with dyslexia."
Becoming an accessible school equips schools with best practices, staff training and guidance, as well as the tools schools need to enable all their students to reach their full potential. Uniquely for the My Accessible School framework, every student in the school is able to benefit, and its accessible approach to the curriculum is not restricted to students with statements or School Action Plus.
Providing access to both accessible learning materials and the latest innovative assistive technology for school and home, the My Accessible School is a flexible framework that is individually tailored to each school.
"My Accessible School is not a one-size fits all approach" explains Sarah Smye-Rumsby, Dolphin's Education Consultant and a former teacher.
"Every school in the UK and every one of their students have different requirements to access the curriculum. Working in partnership with the school's head, teaching and support staff, we start by carrying out a free onsite accessibility assessment. Together we look at everything from simple adjustments for students with Irlen Syndrome; through to the latest best practice on reading and writing technology for students with dyslexia. Schools find the school accessibility report and its recommendations, a practical framework around which a school can debate, agree and implement their chosen approach to accessibility."
My Accessible School also includes a menu of onsite training courses for SENCOs, teachers, teaching assistants and IT technicians; as well as providing unlimited access to interactive webinar training sessions. New innovative reading and writing software for every student in the school is also included, as well as '@ home' access to the same software for homework completion. Ongoing support, guidance and advice from the school Education Consultant is also provided.
Schools looking to book their free onsite accessibility assessment call Maggie McCarthy on 01905 754 577 or Sarah Smye-Rumsby on 07972 220727.
Alternatively Dolphin is offering a fortnightly email with tips, advice and latest best practice on school accessibility, dyslexia and technology. To sign up, visit the My Accessible School website. 
