Assistive Technology Conference

ATEC announces conference on ‘future of assistive technology’ in November

Following the resounding success of ATEC (Assistive Technology Exhibition & Conference) 2016 in Oxford, the organisers are pleased to announce the next ATEC conference will take place in Sheffield in November.

Hosted at the Mercure Sheffield St Paul's Hotel and Spa on Thursday, November 24, the latest conference will have a greater focus on the business and corporate sectors following the educational emphasis of the last conference.

Aimed at disability professionals involved in the workplace and post-16 education, ATEC in Sheffield is a one-day event that allows delegates to listen to and meet with experts, solution providers and other like-minded people.

Assistive technology is becoming more important in society and employers are increasingly recognising how it can promote wellbeing and inclusion in the workplace.

It can enable disabled employees to work effectively and increase productivity, as well as helping to reduce stress by empowering disabled people and removing barriers to work.

Over 200 people are expected to attend, with the conference theme being ‘Future gazing on how assistive technology will transform living, learning and work space environments’.

The programme will see a packed day of keynote speakers, seminars, exhibition and networking, with delegates from business, government, education, not for profit organisations and the workplace.

Leading the keynotes will be Gareth Ford Williams, Head of Accessibility at the BBC. As well as the main conference keynotes, there are 16 seminars to choose from with a CPD emphasis and a dedicated exhibition showcase that gives delegates the opportunity to meet with over 20 assistive technology providers.

BATA, Student Finance England and Business Disability Forum are some of the organisations that will be running seminars, amongst others.

A new addition to the ATEC programme is a plenary ‘Q&A’ session, which will give the audience the chance to delve deeper into the themes of the day and explore topical issues with a panel of experts from across the sector.

Anthony Ruck, ATEC conference director, said: “The first ATEC in Oxford was a big success and we are now particularly keen to help roll out the benefits it brought attendees, into the business and corporate sectors.

“ATEC in Sheffield is an opportunity for disability and inclusion professionals involved in the workplace and post-16 education to keep up-to-date with emerging assistive technology products and innovations.”

He continued: “It will help them to get to know new products first hand. They can ask questions to the product developers about how their new products operate in the workplace and how to get the best out of them.

“ATEC in Sheffield will also offer delegates a great opportunity to network with their fellow professionals and we look forward to meeting as many delegates as possible throughout the day.”

Visit www.ateconference.com for further information and to book tickets.

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