Introduction

All pupils with severe and complex educational needs will have a Statement or Record of Needs, informing the curriculum appropriate to the pupil.

In practice, they should all have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or individualized curriculum, within which there should be detailed learning objectives, targets, and outcomes. They should all have differentiated or alternative resources and ‘special tools’ with which to access the curriculum (national or otherwise). The central question is, therefore:

How is ICT relevant to individually focused special needs?

Throughout this Unit the term ICT (Information Communication Technology) is used to mean specialist computer hardware and software which is relevant to pupils with severe and complex needs. It is also used to include electronic communication aids – devices that are often described as AAC – Augmentative and Alternative Communication aids (see Unit 3 – Language and communication). For pupils with severe and complex needs ICT primarily embraces:

• alternative input devices in the form of switches, keyboards, and alternative pointer controls e.g. joysticks and rollerballs
• differentiated or adaptive software
• augmentative and alternative communication aids

Expected outcomes

By the end of this Unit, teachers will:

• have an understanding of what ICT means in the context of pupils with severe and complex needs
• have an understanding of the key issues involved in making appropriate ICT choices for pupils with severe and complex needs
• recognize the important role of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in framing the use of ICT with pupils with severe and complex needs
• have the confidence to include ICT within the learning objectives of an individual pupil
• realize that co-ordinated teamwork lies at the heart of identifying individual needs and securing successful ICT outcomes
• know where to go for help and know what specialist services are available

Key skills covered in this Unit

By the end of this Unit, teachers will…

• be able to participate in discussions regarding the physical, sensory and cognitive abilities of your pupils, which need to be addressed for successful use of ICT – the importance of Teamwork, Planning, and Time are stressed
• be able to suggest a variety of equipment to help a pupil with severe and complex needs to access ICT
• be able to contribute to the planning, writing or updating of your school’s ICT Development Plan
• be able to contribute to the sections referring to ICT in Statements or Record of Needs, Annual Reviews or Case Reviews and Individual Education Plans or Individual Curriculum

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