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CENMAC Communication Works 2024
Communication Works allows visitors to see a range of assistive and accessible technology, communication tools, and digital strategies while being inspired by those who use these technologies.
Communication Works is the annual conference hosted by CENMAC, a unique service based in London that supports children and young people in accessing the curriculum and/or communicating with a wide range of assistive technologies.
Communication Works allows visitors to see a range of assistive and accessible technology, communication tools, and digital strategies while being inspired by those who use these technologies.
Communication Works 2024 was a splendid event with inspiring keynote speakers and seminar sessions so that delegates could explore many aspects of assisted technology support and EdTech opportunities to enable removing barriers to learning and impacting effective teaching, education, and support tools.
The fantastic host of the day was CENMAC student ambassador Khamani Edwards, who did a brilliant job of not only hosting the day but also managing the prize raffle and telling us about his exciting craft box business.
This year's keynote speaker was Ellise Hayward. Ellise is an inspirational speaker, an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Inclusion Ambassador, and a Disabilities Correspondent at The Jill Dando News Centre and The Good News Post. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, Ellise was unable to attend in person but was able to join us virtually.
MC Khamani Edwards
Quote from MC Khamani Edwards
'CENMAC has worked for me since I attended primary school and I've had first hand experience of the impact assisted technology can have. Going from using big key keyboards and joystick to a surface laptop with some software. I'm now currently studying film and tv at college.'
CENMAC student ambassador Khamani was the MC for Communication Works 2024. Last year Khamani successfully completed his GCSEs and he is now studying Film and TV at college. Khamani aspires to be a TV presenter when he completes his education. During the COVID lockdown, Khamani came up with the idea to start a small business called KJ’s Craft Time and in 2023, he won the TruLittle Entrepreneur Hero (U18) Award! Khamani has an incredibly positive approach to everything he undertakes.
Quote from Ellise Hayward
'I will get more independent. Nothing will stop me, ever. I am me. I am loved very much. I'm just a young lady who may need a little help. Nothing will stop me either. I'm me. I'm just a young lady who may need a little help.'
Ellise Hayward
Ellise delivers her speeches via a high-tech communication aid called an eye gaze. Ever since completing her GCSEs in 2018, Ellise has built a significant following on social media where she spreads awareness by talking about her experiences with cerebral palsy and her communication journey through mainstream education. Ellise has been building her following by giving inspirational talks about her life at schools, NHS events, and conferences such as EDI in Plymouth. Ellise believes that “Everyone deserves a voice,” and you must stay positive even when facing challenges.
Ellise has been spreading cerebral palsy awareness by talking about her communication journey through mainstream school. Ellise has been to schools and NHS departments across England and recently spoke at the Houses of Parliament.
Ellise Haywad was part of a Channel 4 production called 'How to Be My Ally', a three-part series that gives us all the tools and insights to be better allies to people living with disabilities. The series includes discussions on Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Cerebral Palsy, and Learning Difficulties.
In this episode, Joe, Abbie and Ellise talk about their experience of living with different types of Cerebral Palsy.
LGfL presentation on Universal Design for Learning presented by Daniel Davies from Woodlands Academy Trust
'What are we doing for students that they could be doing for themselves?'
Daniel Davies discusses the Universal Design for Learning approach that they take at the Woodlands Academy Trust to remove the barriers to learning for all and get the best from their learners.
The Woodlands Trust is one of the lead schools in the LGfL Edtech hubs program.
Schools involved in the Edtech hub program work in partnership with each other and EdTech UK to develop communities of practice that provide peer-to-peer support for the effective use of technology to enhance teaching and learning in schools and colleges.
For further information about this program, how to get involved, examples of impact, and upcoming events, please visit our dedicated EdTech Hubs portal here.
Jess Fisher
Jess Fisher is a musician who uses the Digi controller to make music. At the conference, she shared a brand-new composition with us. Jess performed her latest piece, which was only recorded a few weeks ago, and we were the lucky audience to be the first to hear it live. Jess was the first musician to use Control One an innovative MIDI controller based on the joystick of an electric wheelchair and allows physically disabled people to create music without learning an entirely new physical skill. It was developed through the 'Able Orchestra project' activity by lead artist Si Tew of Digit Music in response to the need for more flexible and sophisticated digital instruments for disabled musicians. It won the Accessibility Award in the 2019 Tech4Good Awards.
Find out more about Jess here: https://attitudeiseverything.org.uk/professional-voices-jess-fisher/
