Keytools are specialists in ergonomic and assistive technology and have helped many thousands of computer users. Below are published articles that can help to guide you to making the right decisions for your users.

Keeping IT Legal

Higher Education establishments across the UK are increasingly under pressure to comply with the legislative requirements set out within Part IV of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.  Essentially, the DDA requires that ‘disabled people have equal opportunities to benefit from, and contribute to, the learning and services available in HE institutions’.  To help Universities, Institutes and Colleges comply with the DDA, the DFES recently allocated special needs capital through the HigherEducation and Funding Council for England to higher education establishments. 

However, effective special needs compliance with the DDA extends to more than the physical structure of the campus.  The recently published White Paper, “The Future for Higher Education”, signalled ICT in education to be of central importance and in particular, the widening of participation and access a pivotal role for ICT.  Finding the equipment is easy but what about the help to ensure best practice in the provision of ICT access?  Andy Pierce, IT Systems Manager at Braintree College, has found the perfect mix of equipment and advice to meet students’ needs by enlisting the help of computer access specialists, Keytools and in doing so, received more than just the equipment he ordered.  “The staff at Keytools Ltd have provided us with a service that goes way beyond just supplying the goods; they have been a real help in shaping our provision of adaptive technologies.”

With applications defining funding projects already submitted, bodies with allocated funding will be expected to provide a profile of expenditure between January and April 2004.  Making well-informed, cost effective decisions regarding the provision of ICT access will have significant impact on successful DDA compliance. 

Fortunately, any education establishment in need of professional, impartial advice on ICT provision can call on Keytools.  Providing best practice computer access for over 12 years, they have ample experience working with education establishments, public access centres, government authorities and just about anyone needing effective ICT access.  Keytools has helped many organisations and individuals find cost effective and efficient computer access solutions – no matter how specific the need!

To receive a free, no obligation, customised assessment or for more information, contact the Keytools Education Business Unit on 023 8029 4508.