Helping young people get the technology and skills they need.
Ensuring that young people have the right technology to support their development at home and at school can be a real challenge. Parents can find it hard to know which devices, software or apps will be most effective in supporting their young person’s education, where to go for advice and support on new products, and what to do when things go wrong.
To help shine a light on all of this, and to equip you with a range of hints and tricks around technology, VICTA has teamed up with TAVIP (the Technology Association of Visually Impaired People) to run three webinars to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025 which is on Thursday, 15 May 2025.
We have brought together a range of experts from across the sector who are involved in supporting children and young people with technology. We will set out the context for technology, provide guidance on keeping your children and young people safe online, discuss some of the most common assistive technology devices, software and apps, and we’ll look at issues around transitions and equipping young people with the technology skills they will need in later life.
There are 3 webinars taking place to highlight Global Accessibility Awareness Day and VICTA Tech Week:
Tuesday 6 May, 7-8pm: Exploring the Latest Tech for Blind and Vision Impaired Children and Young People with Guide Dogs
Join us for a parent-focused webinar showcasing the latest accessible technology supporting children and young people with vision impairments. Delivered by Guide Dogs, the session will share the story of ‘George’, a young person using technology to navigate independence, education, mobility, and fun.
We’ll explore new innovations—from apps and smartphones to smart mobility devices—and update you on the current support available from Guide Dogs.
We’d love to hear from you! If there are specific apps, devices or challenges you’d like to hear more about during the session, let us know when you sign up.
Monday 12 May, 7-8:30pm: Online Safety for Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with SEND with South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL)
Join VICTA and the SWGfL for a 90 minute virtual session providing parents an insight into how young people are utilising popular technology; providing hints and strategies on how to understand and engage with your child or young person’s life online in a healthy and positive way.
The session will be delivered through SWGfL by Traci, an Online Safety Consultant with 14 years’ experience in the sector which includes working on projects surrounding vulnerable users and SEND children.
Thursday 15 May, 7-8pm: Exploring Tech through Transitioning to Higher Education with Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT)
Join us on Thursday 15 May for a session which is all about making the exciting (but maybe also daunting) step from further education into university as smooth and successful as possible for blind and partially sighted students. The session will walk you through some key things to know and give you a chance to ask any questions you might have. We will be joined by a student who has been through the transition to higher education and will share their tips and insights. Some of the topics we will cover include:
- What support is available – DSA, from the university and the TPT Education Information Advice and Guidance Service
- What to do when things are not going according to plan
- Top tips about getting the right tech to support higher education study and living independently away from home
Most importantly, we will be there to answer your questions and address any concerns you might have. We will be tailoring the session to meet your needs, so please feedback in the registration form any topics you would like us to cover or any questions you have.
Please apply below and tick which session(s) you would like to attend. After application, we will be in touch to confirm your space on the workshops.
