South Yorkshire campaigner attends parliamentary debate on assistive tech for SEND pupils
Rob Gregory from Sheffield went to parliament for the debate on Thursday
A South Yorkshire campaigner tells us 'every child' with special educational needs 'deserves' access to communication technology.
Rob Gregory - from Sheffield - was in Parliament yesterday as part of a debate around how it could make a difference in schools.
He says the tech can also improve the home environment for families living with non-verbal children:
"You understand your child more, but as a carer, you're also freed to do other things.
"So, we see more educational and work opportunities for parents because their child is able to communicate more and therefore becomes more independent.
"Research shows that 67% of parents with autistic children who use dedicated communication aids said this allowed them to get to know their child on a deeper level.
"Getting these devices in the hands of MP's allowed them to see what it's like to use technology to communicate.
"It showed MP's just how effective and fast it can be as a method of communication."
The Education Secretary recently called for all new teachers to have mandatory training around assistive technology.