As we approach the end of 2019, and a remarkable decade for technological advancements, it’s important to look ahead, and think about what is to come in 2020 – and beyond!

Head of Education, Julia Clouter shares her five predictions for the wonderful world of assistive technology in 2020, and how new tools will be integrated into the classroom.

“2020 is going to be an amazing year for assistive technology in schools, colleges and higher education around the world.” - Julia Clouter

1. Advancements for students with visual impairments

Learners with visual impairments will be using a mix of audio messages and GPS to support greater independence. Students with VI will use these tools to manage their learning in new or unfamiliar places independently. Studying away at university will look like a real option.

2. Teacher training programs in the digital universe

Online learning courses for teachers are going to change the landscape of professional development. Teachers will be able to explore new assistive technology products and gain accreditation on how to use assistive and adaptive technology in the classroom. They will have the opportunity to explore disability issues through VR learning environments and better understand the needs of SEN learners.

3. Assistive technology meets the mental health demand

Assessment tools that screen whole classes of learners and can identify developmental learning difficulties from retina movement scanning will be widely adopted. Other diagnostic tools that will become important for health services and schools will include screeners for emotional health and wellbeing. These tools will provide advice on how to best support mental health issues.

4. The VR generation

Virtual Reality is going to become a mega tool for education in 2020. VR Learning is already used to give specialist learning and experience of situations that would be dangerous in real life. In schools’ students will be going on virtual field trips, experiencing historical locations and watching really explosive science experiments up-close.

5. Independence focus

Assistive Technology is going to make individuals more independent. Hand-held tools and apps that support reading, translation, time management, medical care and wellbeing will be accepted in schools and recognised as the reasonable adjustment needed for learners to fully participate.

2020: the year of assistive technology?

2020 is the year of the assistive technology revolution. As our attitudes towards it change, everyone will see that the future of the education sector is assistive technology – it is just a question of getting those invaluable tools into learners’ hands.

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