AHEAD, in partnership with AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, and the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), are delighted to bring you GATHER, a free 3 day online assistive technology (AT) event.
If you are AT curious, an AT user or an AT advocate then ‘GATHER’ with us for this 3 day online Assistive Technology event by AHEAD. Join us as we all discover AT possibilities together - May 20th - 22nd 2024
Register to attend GATHER 2024 here
Download the programme PDF here
Day 1: May 20th
Day 1: May 20th
9:30am Welcome to GATHER 2024!
- Dara Ryder, CEO, AHEADAontas The Voice of Adult Learning, National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA),
Dara Ryder CEO, AHEAD
Dara Ryder is Chief Executive Officer of AHEAD, having previously managed AHEAD’s digital presence and developed a suite of online CPD programmes relating to inclusive practice in his role as Digital Media and eLearning Manager there.
After graduating from Queens University in 2005, Dara joined Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education as a lecturer, where he became interested in inclusive education when working first-hand with students with disabilities in his classroom. When the opportunity arose in 2008, he joined AHEAD where he has been working ever since on creating inclusive environments in education and employment for people with disabilities.
National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA)
9:40am - An Introduction into 3D Modelling within Blender using Assistive Technology
- Paul Carter, Gorey School of Art Caoimhe Boers, Student, Gorey School of Art
Caoimhe Boers Student, Gorey School of Art
I'm Caoimhe. Creativity has been a constant thread throughout my life. Growing up, I was captivated by animated movies and fairy tales. It wasn't until I discovered the Procreate app for iPad at 15 that I truly unearthed my passion for drawing. Now, I'm honing my skills as a student at Gorey School of Art.
10:00am - Never mind the AI, let’s get AT embedded first - Trevor Boland
- Trevor Boland, Dublin City University
Trevor Boland Dublin City University
Trevor Boland is an experienced Assistive Technology Officer working in Higher Education supporting Students with disabilities. He previously lectured in the Access programme for non-traditional students in TU Dublin.
Trevor was previously the Digital and eLearning Officer in AHEAD and has been involved in the National rollout of the UDL Badge with UCD and the Teaching and Learning Forum.
11:00am - Laying the Foundation: how accessibility supports AT use
- Danielle O'Rourke, AHEAD
Danielle O'Rourke AHEAD
Danielle has worked in technology and education for many years now, starting out as a mentor with UCD Access & Lifelong Learning Centre during her undergraduate degree. She is an experienced Instructional Designer and Learning Technologist, with a keen interest in accessibility and inclusion in technology. She currently works as the Digital Media and eLearning Officer with AHEAD.
11:40am - My experience using AT: a learner's journey
- Aontas The Voice of Adult Learning, Ailish Dunne, Mountmellick Further Education Centre
Ailish Dunne Mountmellick Further Education Centre
Ailish Dunne is an adult learner currently studying in Mountmellick Further Education Centre.
Day 2: May 21st
Day 2: May 21st
9:30am Welcome to Day 2!
9:40am - Digi Coaches bringing Accessible Technology into the Classroom
10:00am - AI for inclusive teaching, learning and assessment in FET: an LCETB case study
- Dr Brendan Ryan, LCETBMáire Lynch, LCETB
Dr Brendan Ryan LCETB
Dr Brendan Ryan has worked in Adult and Further Education for over thirty years and as a Learning Technologist for over twenty of those years. In his role with Limerick and Clare ETB Further Education and Training (FET) Division he leads up the Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Support Service. Brendan has extensive teaching and research experience and recently completed a PhD study focused on embedding criticality in Learning Technology Professional Development.
Máire Lynch LCETB
Máire Lynch is a QA Officer with Limerick and Clare ETB with responsibility for curriculum development and review, new programme development and quality assuring teaching, learning and assessment across the organisation. Máire previously worked in industry before taking up a teaching position with the former VECs and worked extensively in classroom and co-ordination roles before moving into the area of quality assurance. She was part of the national working group responsible for the development of the FET Referencing Handbook and Academic Writing Handbook for Learners. Areas of particular interest include incorporating UDL Principles into teaching, learning and assessment at all NFQ levels, use of Plain English tools and facilitating AI practices to enhance teaching, learning and assessment.
11:00am - Assistive Technology with Google for Education
- Andrew Caffrey, Google for Education
Andrew Caffrey Google for Education
Andrew Caffrey, an award-winning educator and CEO of Canopy, leads the Google for Education Certified Innovator Program. He's passionate about empowering educators with technology to create impactful learning experiences.
11:40am - AltitUDe Digital Learning Pillar
12:25pm - Summary of Day 2
Day 3: May 22nd
Day 3: May 22nd
9:30am Welcome to Day 3!
9:40am - Assistive Technology For Managing Dyslexia
- Donald Ewing, Dyslexia IrelandMichelle Kinsella, Dyslexia Ireland
Donald Ewing Dyslexia Ireland
Donald Ewing is the Head of Education and Policy at Dyslexia Ireland. He is an Educational Psychologist and previous to this role worked as a primary school teacher, currently Donald is collaborating with the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy (ALL) to support literacy work throughout the ETBs for Adult Learners. Donald has extensive experience in supporting learners through the use of technology.
10:00am - A chat with the specialists
- Patrick Fitzgerald, TUSCarol Neenan, Active Inclusion Officer, Cork Education and Training Board (CETB)
Patrick Fitzgerald TUS
Patrick Fitzgerald has championed the use of AT and digital inclusion since 2015. He is a strong self-advocate for adults with intellectual disabilities and would like more opportunities in the digital workforce. Patrick recently represented SJOG in the UN, Vienna accepting the Zero Project Award 2023 for Co-Designing Accessible Apps.
Sylvia Nutley, National University of Ireland, GalwayCarol Neenan Active Inclusion Officer, Cork Education and Training Board (CETB)
Carol has been the Active Inclusion Officer with Cork ETB since December 2019, seconded to that post from a very long-standing career teaching PLC learners; working as Champion of Disability in her college and having a particular interest in supporting vulnerable learners with in-house educational testing. She became a member of the original Cork Active Inclusion Network created in conjunction with AHEAD 2017; UDL facilitator 2020; ‘Ahead Start’ (AHEAD) graduate; Teacher trainer in educational assessments (Education Elephant); and combines her Active Inclusion role with working as an Educational Psychologist: BA.(Hons) App. Psy., M.Ed -Lifelong Learning, MSc. Psy., ADOS & ADI-R trained, RQTU, APC PATOSS, MBPS, MPSI.
Tom Kenny, University College Cork William Nolan, University LimerickSylvia Nutley National University of Ireland, Galway
Sylvia Nutley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies with a specialisation in IT and an MSc in Information and Library Studies. As the Assistive Technology Officer at University of Galways, she is responsible for assessing the specific needs of students with disabilities and ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to succeed academically. Her role involves not only the implementation of assistive technologies but also the training and support required to empower students to use these tools effectively. She loves exploring new and emerging technologies in her tailored approach to supporting students.
William Nolan University Limerick
William is a Learning Technologist at the University of Limerick specialising in Assistive Technology. As part of the Educational Assistive Technology Centre, William works to support students with disabilities by providing technology advice and training. He also works on projects to increase inclusivity across the wider UL campus.
Born with a visual impairment, William has been a daily AT user for his entire life. As such, he is keenly aware of the power AT has to transform the lives of people with disabilities.
11:00am - Short Demos: dBud Earplugs, Scanmarker, and ReadSpeaker
- James Wright, AventidoRyan Peacock, Aventido
James Wright Aventido
James is a Product Specialist for Aventido working with LIGHTKEY. Being Neurodivergent himself James prides himself on educating others on his dyslexia and how Technology helps him. Working primarily within the Disabled Students Allowance and Access to Work in the United Kingdom, James helps students access education at all stages
Mary Wilcox, AventidoRyan Peacock Aventido
Ryan is a Product Specialist at Aventido working with wide range of assistive technology such as MindMeister. With over 10 years’ experience working with neurodiverse students within the DSA sector, Ryan has a breadth of knowledge and understanding how assistive technology can help support students who have learning challenges.
Mary Wilcox Aventido
Mary has worked in the assistive technology sector for eight years with experience in demonstrating a range of software at both virtual and physical events. At Aventido, Mary helps people use assistive technology; providing webinars, presentations and training. She is the product specialist for ReadSpeaker TextAid as well as showing the benefits of all the many solutions available at Aventido.
Prior to working in assistive technology, Mary was a primary school teacher for 18 years and uses her knowledge of teaching, learning styles and specific learning difficulties to educate people about assistive technology in a relaxed and easy-to-understand manner.Mary is also deputy chair of the Educator's Special Interest Group at BATA (British Assistive Technology Association).
11:40am - NTUTORR GenAI Champions: Tools & Tricks for Learners by Learners
- Ãine Cleary,Max Jones,
Hi there, I’m Áine! I’m studying business at DKIT, and I’m really interested in human resources, thanks to my own journey with ADHD, ASD, and dyspraxia. Outside of class, I’m all about catching up on my reading list, getting ahead on assignments, and trying out new foods. I love exploring new places, whether it’s a quick trip somewhere in Ireland or a bigger adventure abroad. Back home, nothing beats hanging out with my friends and my dog—it’s my perfect way to unwind. I'm passionate about making the world a more inclusive place, and I’m always ready to pitch in and help make things better for everyone.
Sophie Walsh, Matthew Maloney, Hannah McCabe,First year Tv and Media Student with dyspraxia in SETU Carlow
12:25pm - Summary of Day 3 & Event Wrap-up
gather - in partnership with aontas and nala
AHEAD, in partnership with AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, and the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), are delighted to bring you GATHER, a free 3 day online assistive technology (AT) event.
SUPPorted BY SOLAS
The core funding received by AHEAD for its further education activities on fostering inclusion is provided by SOLAS.
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