Recently, I've had several conversations with parents trying to secure the right support for their children's education through Assistive Technology (AT). If you're a parent or teacher wondering how to obtain an EHCP-funded AT assessment, this guide is for you. I'll break down the steps, share some insights, and hopefully make the journey less daunting.
Unlike access to communication support, there is no national provision for access to education through assistive technology. Local Authorities and schools are each expected to provide pupils with AT support themselves. However, they often lack the resources and skills to undertake specialist AT assessments and interventions.
That's where we come in.
As the UK’s leading provider of Assistive Technology assessments, interventions, and training in medico-legal cases, we are pleased to extend the same specialist support to all disabled children through their Education, Health, and Care Plans.
Understanding the EHCP and Assistive Technology
First things first, let's clarify what we're talking about.
What is an EHCP?
An Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP or EHC Plan) is a legal document in England designed for children and young people up to 25 years old who need additional support due to special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). Think of it as a personalised roadmap outlining all the support your child is entitled to across education, health, and social care.
Why is Assistive Technology Important?
Assistive Technology includes tools and devices that help children with SEND access the curriculum more effectively. This could be anything from specialised software that assists with reading and writing to communication devices for non-verbal students.
In short: The right AT can be transformative, unlocking your child's potential and making learning accessible and enjoyable.
My Journey with EHCP and AT Assessments
Over the past few years, I've worked with numerous families navigating the EHCP process to secure AT support. I've seen the highs and the lows, the confusion and the relief when things finally click into place.
One thing is clear: the process can be complex, but with the right information and persistence, it's absolutely achievable.
Let's break it down step-by-step.
Step 1: Ensuring Your Child Has an Up-to-Date EHCP
This might sound obvious, but it's the essential foundation.
Checking Your EHCP Status
- Do you have an EHCP? If not, you can start the process by requesting an assessment from your local authority. This can be initiated by you, your child's school, or a healthcare professional.
- Is your EHCP current? EHCPs should be reviewed annually to ensure they still meet your child's needs. If it's been a while, contact your school or local authority to schedule a review.
Step 2: Identifying the Need for an AT Assessment
Now, let's get specific about Assistive Technology.
Does Your EHCP Mention AT?
- Yes? Fantastic! You’re already on the right path.
- No? Don’t worry—this is common, and it's something you can address.
Adding AT to Your EHCP
During your next EHCP review (or sooner if needed), you can request the inclusion of an AT assessment. Here's how:
Prepare Your Case
- Document challenges: Note specific instances where your child struggles, such as difficulty writing, reading, or communicating.
- Gather professional opinions: Teachers can provide valuable insights and will likely support your request with written statements.
Example Wording for EHCP Inclusion
Feel free to adapt this to your situation:
Section B (Special Educational Needs):
"[Child's Name] experiences significant difficulties with written communication due to [specific condition, e.g., dyslexia]. This impacts their ability to participate fully in classroom activities and complete assignments effectively."
Section F (Special Educational Provision):
"An Assistive Technology assessment is required to identify appropriate tools and strategies to support [Child's Name]'s learning and promote independence in the classroom."
We've put together a PDF of comprehensive examples of contribution statements that you can download here.
Personal anecdote: I recall working with a family whose child struggled immensely with handwriting due to limited hand function. Including a detailed description of these challenges in their EHCP was pivotal in securing an AT assessment that led to the provision of a laptop with a specialised joystick and software. The difference in the child's engagement and confidence in school was remarkable!
Step 3: Requesting and Conducting the AT Assessment
Once AT is recognised in the EHCP, the next steps unfold.
How to Request the Assessment
- Formal request: Submit a written request to your local authority, referencing the EHCP and the identified need for AT.
- AT Assessment: The LA can then contact us for a quote to provide an initial AT assessment and report of recommendations. Once this is agreed, we will arrange the assessment.
- Collaboration with the school: Ensure your child's school is on board—they can often expedite the process and provide additional support.
- Follow-up: Stay proactive. Don't hesitate to follow up if you don't hear back from the LA within a reasonable timeframe.
What to Expect During the Assessment
An AT assessment typically involves:
- Observation: One of our AT Consultants will observe your child in their learning environment to understand their needs fully.
- AT Solutions: Your child may get to try different technologies to see what works best or show us what has worked well for them before.
- Consultation: There will be discussions with you, your child, and educators to gather comprehensive insights.
After the Assessment
You'll receive a detailed report outlining:
- Findings: Specific challenges and needs identified.
- Recommendations: Suggested technologies, along with training and support requirements.
- Implementation plan: Steps to integrate the recommended AT into your child's education.
The report will also importantly contain specific contributions for your child's next EHCP review:
- Your Child’s Needs (Section B) - A clear look at where your child might need extra support
- Setting Goals (Section E) - We’ll identify realistic, achievable goals that can help them progress in their education and development.
- Assistive Technology Provision (Section F) - This is where we identify the tools, devices, or software that could make a real difference in helping your child achieve their goals.
Step 4: Implementing the Recommended Assistive Technology
Now comes the exciting part—bringing the recommendations to life!
Securing Funding and Resources
- Local Authority Responsibility: Remember, the LA is legally obliged to provide the support detailed in the EHCP, including AT.
- If the initial EHCP requesting an AT assessment also states the necessity of accessing the subsequent provision, we can usually proceed with the equipment, intervention, and training under 'Reasonable Adjustments'.
- EHCP Reviews: However, you may have to wait until the EHCP is annually reviewed before the LA agrees to fund the AT provision. If this timeframe seems too long and you feel it may hinder your child's ability to access their education, an Interim or Emergency EHCP Review can be requested on an accelerated timeline.
Step 5: Review and updates
- Regular check-ins: Our recommendations will include the requirement for regular reviews of your child and the school's use of provided AT solutions.
- Annual EHCP Reviews: We will continue to provide further recommendations for AT equipment and training as technologies - and, more importantly, your child's needs and aspirations - continually change.
- Be patient and adaptable: It may take time for your child to fully adapt to new technology, and some trial and error is perfectly normal.
Sharing success: I’ve seen SO many students go from struggling to keep up in class to actively participating and excelling when the right AT was put in place.
Overcoming Potential Challenges
It's not always smooth sailing, but forewarned is forearmed.
Common Hurdles
- Delays in assessment or provision: Bureaucracy can be slow. Stay persistent and maintain regular contact with relevant parties.
- Resistance or lack of understanding: Some educators may be unfamiliar with certain technologies. We will offer resources and suggest training to build understanding.
- Technical issues: Like all tech, AT can have glitches. Part of our provision is ensuring there's always a support system in place for troubleshooting.
Your Rights and Support Systems
- Legal entitlements: Remember, support detailed in the EHCP is a legal requirement. If a needed provision is not included or support obligations are not being met, you can seek advice from SEND advocacy groups or consider legal action through a SEND tribunal.
Encouraging note: Persistence pays off. Advocating for your child can be challenging, but your efforts will lead to a profound and lasting positive impact on their education and overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
Securing an EHCP-funded Assistive Technology assessment might seem a little like navigating a maze, but with the right information and support, it's entirely achievable. The transformative effect the right technology can have on a child's education journey is truly life-changing.
We are always on hand to answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Please feel free to contact us for more information.
