Leading edge developers tasked with improving access for all learners
Leading developers from across the UK have been awarded funding to explore technologies to make learning more productive for students, including those with visual, auditory and other impairments.
The first competition is focusing on enhancing communication which is often a challenge for people with sensory impairment. The three successful bids will create software to help translate sign language into text, and sensors which will make it easier for learners to communicate using gestures.
The second competition will develop technology to help learners produce and navigate digital information independently, anytime, anywhere and in a user-friendly way. The projects will design solutions to make it easier for learners to access specially designed textbooks from any device, transfer documents in an accessible format and pull out the key facts from a document.
View Where are the new SBRI technology projects to support assistive learning? in a larger map
The funding has come from two competitions sponsored by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and managed by Jisc TechDis, a leading UK advisory service on technology and inclusion. Both competitions represent phase one of a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) programme, which encourages technology solutions for specific public sector needs.
Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said: “It is fantastic to see funding given to innovative small businesses that can now develop life-changing technologies. These organisations are absolutely vital to driving growth in our economy, and I warmly congratulate all the successful bids.”
The competition attracted the attention of European and international organisations and a rigorous assessment process took place, involving a panel of over 45 experts who work in the field of assistive technology.
David Whyley, Head teacher Consultant – Learning Technologies and one of the competition judges said: “The standard of the entries showed an amazing depth of appreciation of the importance that accessing new technologies can play in the lives everyone. The applicants really impressed me with their wide range of innovative, high quality solutions. The response to this competition has shown that there is a tremendous number of talented people out there who desire to have an impact on the living, learning and work of the targeted groups.”
Both competitions represent phase one of a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) programme, which encourages technology solutions to help with specific public sector needs.
The companies involved range from small private sector start-ups, to more established technology developers through to much larger consortia, as well as a university.
Sal Cooke, Jisc Techdis Director said: “We are delighted that we have been able to attract interest from such a broad range of organisations, with substantial expertise, who are clearly committed to providing innovative assistive technology solutions. The potential impact is huge, as all the proposals have one thing in common; they are designed to be of benefit to the end user by improving communication and access to information. All the projects will be working with end users to ensure the results of phase one clearly identify and address their needs.”
A total of £250,000 for each competition was made available and successful companies will be expected to complete their contracts by the end of October 2011. A decision will then be made with regard to a second phase of the project. This will clearly depend on the availability of funds and the successful outcomes from the phase one projects.
Mark Glover, Head of SBRI at the Technology Strategy Board, said: “SBRI has enabled organisations that would not normally engage with the public sector to propose exciting new ideas and get the support necessary to move them towards commercial reality. These two competitions have created an excellent opportunity for businesses and academia, to develop technology which promises to make a significant difference to the learning, working and social environment for people with disabilities.”