By Marius Frank, Co-Head of Education, Microlink PC UK Ltd

The following blog was produced by Marius Frank Co-Head of Education, Microlink PC UK Ltd and was repurposed for ASCL members from the original blog here. Marius was Headteacher of an inner-city school and has worked across sectors in professional development.

In recent years, the term inclusion in education has evolved, taking on various meanings. Unfortunately, as its scope broadened, its impact often diminished, making it less actionable. For educators dedicated to fostering success for all students, inclusion must remain a priority. However, to achieve this effectively, it’s time to shift the narrative—from inclusion to accessibility. By focusing on accessibility, we remove systemic barriers to learning and create a more equitable environment for every student, especially those with special educational needs (SEND).
 

What is accessibility in education?
Accessibility in education refers to removing barriers that prevent students from fully engaging in learning. These barriers might be physical, technological, or emotional, and they vary from student to student. Assistive technologies (AT) such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and predictive text tools have become increasingly advanced, enabling students with learning difficulties to participate independently in the curriculum.

More than just tools for students with SEND, assistive technologies are transforming how all students learn. By making assistive technology mainstream, we create classrooms where every child has access to the resources they need to succeed.

Why assistive technology matters now
The challenges facing the education sector have been growing. Rising rates of suspensions, exclusions, and absenteeism, particularly among vulnerable students, are putting immense pressure on schools. The long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has only heightened the need for solutions that support student mental health and neurodivergent students.

Statistics from the British Dyslexia Association reveal that 70% of children with dyslexia remain undiagnosed in schools and Public Health England reports that as many as 10% of children have long term speech, language and communication needs. These students often fly under the radar because they aren’t disruptive, but they may never reach their full potential without appropriate adjustments to their learning environment. Conversely, some neurodivergent students express their frustrations through disruptive behaviour, making it difficult for educators to address the underlying issues.

This is where assistive technologies in the classroom can make a significant difference. AT provides the tools that help students learn in ways that suit their individual needs, reducing the need for exclusionary measures and ensuring that all students feel included, valued, and empowered to succeed.
 

The role of assistive technology in creating inclusive classrooms
At Microlink, our DfE-funded pilot projects have demonstrated the potential of assistive technologies in schools. Working with over 200 primary and secondary schools, we’ve seen dramatic improvements in motivation and engagement, especially among students with complex needs. Teachers report that text-to-speech tools and other technologies allow students to access high-quality learning materials independently, empowering them to take control of their own learning.

Thanks to sponsorship from HSBC, nearly 300 more schools now have free access to assistive technology training, supported by expert coaches. These schools are embedding assistive technologies into their everyday practices, transforming their classrooms into inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. We are working with ASCL to make this content more widely available.

"Thanks to this course, the life of one of my pupils has been transformed." – Comment from a teacher who participated in the DfE-funded “Assistive Technologies in Mainstream Classrooms” project (2023).

Our goal is to make assistive technologies as common as a pencil or ruler. We envision a future where students, regardless of their learning needs, can reach for the right tool to support their learning at any time.

The future of learning is accessible
The educational landscape is rapidly evolving. We live in a world where information is readily available, and students must now develop critical thinking skills rather than simply memorising facts. This shift requires a fundamental rethink of how we teach and, more importantly, how students learn.

Assistive technologies are crucial to this transformation. These tools address many of the challenges schools face today, from rising exclusions to disengagement and underachievement among vulnerable students. But to unlock their full potential, educators must embrace new tools and strategies that place accessibility at the heart of the learning process.

Join us on the journey to accessibility
Are you ready to make your school more accessible? Join in November for ASCL and Microlink's upcoming event, "Leading On: How Assistive Technologies Can Empower Every Learner" on 11 November 2024. This event will offer practical insights on how to integrate assistive technologies into your school’s strategy. You’ll hear from experts and educators who are already making AT a central part of their classrooms.