Aimed at disability professionals involved in the workplace and post-16 education, ATEC in Sheffield is a one-day event that allows delegates to listen to and meet with experts, solution providers and other like-minded people.

The conference theme is ‘future gazing on how assistive technology will transform living, learning and work space environments’.

The programme will see a packed day of keynote speakers, seminars, exhibition and networking, with delegates from business, government, education, not for profit and the workplace.

Gareth Ford Williams, Head of Accessibility at the BBC, is one of the keynote speakers.

He will talk about how new technology such as 3D radio, 360 video and VR+Binaural is now becoming mainstream, and the challenges they pose for accessibility.

The 200 plus delegates expected to attend can choose from a range of 16 seminars on a broad range of topics about, and related to, assistive technology.

The seminar from BATA (British Assistive Technology Association) on The challenges facing Assistive Technology explores the key issues facing those using and working with assistive technology, including awareness, cost, the rapid pace of innovation, and ethical concerns.

The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) will be giving a seminar on An exploration of the factors which influence the successful use of Assistive Technology, by dyslexic students receiving DSA.

The Codpast will be giving a seminar on Getting the most out of your assistive technology, which explores some of the hidden features of assistive technology.

There will be a seminar by Remploy on Mental Health in the Workplace: Challenges and Solutions, which will explore some of the key facts impacting on employers surrounding mental health, absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace. It will also offer a suggested free solution: Work Place Mental Health Support Service, with a video case study.

There is a variety of other seminars for delegates to choose from including a number by assistive technology solutions suppliers.

The following organisations are exhibiting at ATEC: AbilityNet, Barclays (Accessible Banking and Digital Wings), BAUM UK, Claro Software, Dolphin Computer Access, iansyst, Inspiration Software, Inc., Learning Labs, Lexable, Matchware, Microlink, MTS Sulby, Notetalker, Olympus, ORAC Software Solutions for Support Services, Recite Me, Scanning Pens Ltd, Sonocent Ltd, Spellex Corporation, Texthelp, The Codpast, and The Learning Support Centre.

A new addition to the ATEC programme is a plenary ‘Q&A’ session, which will give the audience the chance to delve deeper into the themes of the day and explore topical issues with a panel of experts from across the sector.

Antony Ruck, ATEC conference director, said: “We are very pleased to confirm the agenda and list of exhibitors for ATEC in Sheffield.

“It’s a great opportunity for disability and inclusion professionals involved in the workplace and post-16 education to learn about some of the most up-to-date assistive technology products and innovations.

“They can get to know new products first hand and ask questions to the product developers about how their new products operate in the workplace and how to get the best out of them.”

He added: “ATEC in Sheffield will also see a range of seminars on key issues and latest product developments, and it will offer delegates a great opportunity to network with their fellow professionals.”

Paul Smyth, Barclays Head of  IT accessibility, said: “At Barclays we recognise the importance of educating our colleagues, customers and the wider community about how accessibility and assistive technologies can benefit everyone."

He continued: “As part of this, and in partnership with AbilityNet, Barclays has launched a new education module within the Barclays Digital Wings platform that demonstrates how everyday technology can be adapted to make it more accessible.

“The Barclays IT Accessibility team will be at ATEC to demonstrate the module, talk about our ambition and discuss accessible banking.”

For the full conference agenda plus details of all seminars and exhibitors please visitwww.ateconference.com, where you also find further information and book tickets.

Notes to editors

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For more information on ATEC please contact Catherine Grinyer email: catherine@bigvoicecommunications.co.uk mobile: 07713 248387

About ATEC

ATEC will take place on 24th November at the Mercure Sheffield St Paul's Hotel and Spa, 119 Norfolk St, Sheffield S1 2JE.

To request a free media pass please contact: catherine@bigvoicecommunications.co.uk

Visit www.ateconference.com for further information and to book tickets.

ATEC is a series of national and regional events designed to support practitioners involved in service delivery, research or policy development in assistive technology.

The conference allows delegates to listen to and meet with experts, develop their CPD, learn from new initiatives, debate on the current big issues and network with like-minded people.

ATEC is a collaborative partnership between TechEd Marketing and Archent Consultancy.