| | | | | | Hello, members and friends of BATA!
As exam and assessment season approaches, the focus across education naturally turns to outcomes and performance. But for many learners, this time of year can also bring into sharper focus the barriers that still exist within assessment methods. In this edition, we explore the supportive role of assistive technology in exams and assessments, both within education and at work, and share insights from across the sector.
With thanks to our BATA member organisations for their contributions.
A warm welcome to our newest members joining the British Assistive Technology Association. Your expertise and perspective further strengthen our growing community!
Jamworks The Dyslexia Shop | | | | BATA Recruitment We're delighted to open up some volunteer opportunities within BATA! This is your chance to help make real, lasting change as part of the wider BATA council and team, helping us extend our reach and impact within the AT sector. We're seeking ambassadors for within our Council, and Director positions on our board. If you're interested, or would like to know more, please fill in this form. We'll close applications on 14th of May. | | | | Spotlight The Role of Assistive Technology in Student Success New research by Brain in Hand | | | | A new report, from Brain in Hand, draws on data collected from Higher Education students between October 2025 and January 2026, with the majority of participants being autistic and/or having ADHD. The research focuses on academic success and student retention, and the message is clear: timely, personalised support that builds self-awareness is a significant driver of positive outcomes.
The findings show that for students who needed help from Brain in Hand with a specific area of university life, 83% of students reported feeling that they were succeeding in their studies, 83% felt more likely to complete their course, and 81% reported a better overall university experience - outcomes that matter both to students and to the institutions supporting them. Of those who needed help managing academic demands, 85% reported meaningful improvement, and 83% felt more able to handle stressful periods across the academic year. Critically, students who showed the greatest gains in self-awareness also reported the strongest outcomes across attendance, socialising and readiness for work or further study, with 78% of those who felt better prepared for post-university transitions also reporting improved self-awareness.
The research conducted by Brain in Hand across a sample of 163 students also found that of the students who needed support in reducing mental health crisis events, 75% reported a meaningful reduction, suggesting that the right assistive technology, combined with personalised coaching, can make a significant difference to students' ability to cope with the pressures of university life.
The full report covering academic retention, mental health, wellbeing and theory of change can be downloaded here. https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0t6d3s0 | | | | | | | | Product News
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TechEdology Inspiration 12 is here!
And a stand-out feature from this version is our upgraded Exam Mode for JCQ compliant exam use.
What is Exam Mode?
It is a dedicated toggle-on/off feature designed specifically for high-stakes assessments. When activated, it transforms Inspiration into a secure word processor by disabling non-permitted assistive features while retaining the powerful visual planning tools that neurodivergent students rely on.
For students who think visually, a blank white screen can be the biggest barrier to success in exams. Inspiration for Windows devices bridges the gap between creative thought and structured writing. Now, with our upgraded Exam Mode, Inspiration is positioned as a powerful, JCQ-compliant word processing adjustment for use during exams. It allows students to use their ‘normal way of working’ - visual mapping and outlining - to plan and execute their exam answers without compromising assessment integrity.
How does it work? Instantly disables spell-check, thesaurus and word guide functions. Option to disable text-to-speech functionality. Contains no built-in AI tools, ensuring all work is the student’s own. Inspiration for Windows works offline - meaning no risk of external data access. Uses a 4-digit invigilator PIN to ensure it can’t be deactivated by the student.
Find out more here - www.inspiration-at.com/exam-arrangements/ And to find out about all the new features and upgrades Inspiration 12 offers click here www.inspiration-at.com/inspiration-12-is-here/ | | | | | | | | iDiversity iDiversity is running a free event in Glasgow in June. The event will showcase the latest developments in assistive technology, alongside a mix of presentations, practical workshops and live demonstrations. There will be a strong hands-on focus throughout the day, giving delegates the opportunity to explore technology in practice, try out solutions, and see how different approaches can be applied in real-world settings. Sessions will cover specialist areas including hearing impairments and ergonomics, along with practical strategies that can be applied straight away. Find more information and sign up here on Eventbrite.
CENMAC Reserve your tickets for Communication Works South Date: Wednesday 24th June 2026 Venue: Charlton Athletic Football Club, North Stand, The Valley, Floyd Road, London SE7 8BL Time: 9.15am to 4pm
Communication Works (#CW2026 #GetSeen) is an opportunity for the SEND community to come together and see first-hand how our children and young people access the curriculum and/or communicate using assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It provides a platform for our CENMAC students to “get seen” and to celebrate their achievements.
See who's speaking and reserve your complimentary tickets: https://mycenmac.com/CW2026
Aventido We would like to invite you to the Immersive Assistive Technology Expo – a 100% virtual Assistive Technology Expo built to bring the energy, discovery, and practical problem-solving of a major AT exhibition to anyone, anywhere, without the barriers of travel, cost, or location.
For one day only, step into a digital expo hall designed to feel familiar and easy to navigate, whether you’re a professional searching for solutions, a family member supporting a loved one, an educator, a therapist, a care provider, or an AT user exploring what’s possible. Even better, delegate access is completely FREE.
We've opened up pre-registration for both exhibitors and delegates, and places are limited – so book your space now and don't miss out on this opportunity to join a brand-new community of like-minded folks.
Plus, BATA members will receive 10% off exhibition package costs.
Pre-Interest For Exhibitors: https://3mdhp.share.hsforms.com/2kEIOErxdSQiioBEDAFtdAw
Pre-Interest for delegates: https://3mdhp.share.hsforms.com/2-3MXgPIYSauiqnNkSISHZw | | | | Updates from the BATA team | | | | | | | | If you have any questions about our newsletters, or would like to contribute to next month's edition, please reach out to our Comms Coordinator: jade.hegarty@bataonline.org. | | | | | | | |
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