Hi, I’m Katy Leckenby. I’ve spent most of my 17-year teaching career in special education settings. In recent years I have worked at Ace Centre which is a national charity, where I support schools and services to develop inclusive practice—particularly for learners with complex physical and / or communication needs. My focus is on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT). At Ace Centre I deliver consultancy and training to help educators feel confident using AAC and AT to support learner's access, engagement, and communication in the classroom. I’m also the author of “AAC and Aided Language in the Classroom: Breaking Down Barriers for Learners with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs”, which is part of the Nasen Spotlight Series. The book is designed to be practical and accessible, offering ideas and reflections for anyone working with children and young people who use AAC. I’m passionate about making sure every learner has a voice and a way to participate meaningfully in their education. If you're working in SEND and looking to build your confidence around AAC or AT, I’d love to connect.

www.lewis-support.co.uk  louise@lewis-support.co.uk I've been working in education for over 20 years, and now specialise in supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly those with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebral palsy (CP). I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Language, Literacies and Dyslexia, Approved Teacher Status (ATS) from the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), and a PGCE from Exeter University. Over the years, I've taught everything from Pre-Key Stage right through to A-level, working with learners across a wide range of abilities. I genuinely love teaching and supporting young people, and I'm committed to making sure that all students, regardless of their abilities, can access meaningful learning opportunities. I'm particularly interested in complex communication needs/MSI and have experience working with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users. I'm currently learning British Sign Language, working towards my BSL Level 1. For me, it's all about ensuring every young person gets the support they need to reach their potential.

I was a special schools teacher for 28 years then an ICT SEN Advisor for a local education authority before setting up my own Assistive Technology company doing consultancy, assessment and training in the area of Assistive Technology. I am a council member for the British Assistive Technology Association and the producer of "The Power of Assistive Technology film series.  I am a freelancre trainer with Neurobox as well as an international speaker  at events here in the UK at The Dyslexia Show,  BETT Show & BDA groups around the country