Concept Northern – Making Employment Accessible

For over twenty years, Concept Northern have specialised in providing hardware, software and training to people with dyslexia and other learning challenges.

Using assistive technology can have a transformative effect on the lives of students, employees and private individuals, making literacy issues significantly more manageable.

But when Technical Director Andy Tasker searched for a widely-recognised qualification for learners to prove their literacy and business skills to employers, he found the marketplace wanting.

“People with dyslexia often find themselves excluded from the mainstream,” says Andy, “and it isn’t surprising that there was no national qualification available for them to show how they can achieve parity with their peers in the workplace. That’s why we designed, developed and produced our own award – Assistive Technology Associate.”

Comprising 120 learning hours, the award contains seven units. The first four concentrate on introducing the learner to three key assistive technology tools – Texthelp Read&Write, Matchware MindView and Sonocent Audio Notetaker – as well as the core Microsoft Office applications.

Equipped with the these essential software skills, learners are then guided through three business skill units, focusing on business reading and writing, time management and workplace communication.

“We looked at what dyslexic leaners need to be able to do to succeed in the workplace,” says Andy, “and then we designed the award around that. Employers value approved qualifications and, for the first time, our unique award helps learners prove that they’re ready to deliver results.”

Learning resources – including extensive video tutorials and interactive modules - are hosted on the company’s industry standard learning portal – www.conceptlearning.co.uk. Assessments include portfolio exercises, demonstrations and a final examination. Funding may be available for learners depending on individual circumstances.

Concept Northern are an approved SQA and ILA centre.

To register your interest or for more information, please contact Alan Taylor at: [email protected]

Tel - 01355 573 173

www.conceptnorthern.co.uk

www.conceptlearning.co.uk

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

We are also officially recommended by Disability Confident as a step on achieving Employer status, please click here for more information.