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.

Hi, My name is Cheryl and I am an award winning trainer and consultant working across the UK as well as being an international speaker, supporting early years settings and schools to deliver quality neuroinclusive practice.  I have 30 years experience within the sector and am passionate about ensuring ALL of our children are supported to thrive through understnading and connection.  I am a parent to two amazing boys who are neurodivergent and ensure my lived experiences are shared to support others. 

In my role as CEO of BATA, I work with the board directors to develop and implement strategies and programs that further the aims and objectives of our organisation, to campaign for the rights and interests of those people who need or use AT, and to continue delivering value for BATA's members. I have 15 years experience in the political engagement and policy, international development and the assistive technology sector, and alongside being CEO at BATA, I'm a Consultant aiding NGOs, charities, businesses and international organisations to make progress for people with disabilities and underrepresented groups. Prior to consultancy, Katherine worked at GDI Hub where she managed half of AT2030, a £40 million match-funded programme designed to learn what works to get assistive technology to those that need it around the world. In 2021, Katherine became Lead for Advocacy and Strategic Communications. Before her time at GDI Hub, Katherine worked at European level as Google Fellow with the European Disability Forum, and later, the European Expert Group on Deinstitutionalisation. In the UK, Katherine set up and managed the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Assistive Technology, an organisation that BATA is involved with to this day. Katherine is based in Antwerp, Belgium.

Hello, I'm Lynn. I'm an educational consultant supporting all things SEND (but especially SENCos). I have 20 years of primary teaching and SLT experience. I have been an Assistant Head, Lead Mentor for ITT and SENCo. I love to write and also have my own SEMH and staff mental health blog: www.positiveyoungmind.com I hold an MA in Education, NASENCO and NPQH. My particular areas of interest are wellbeing (staff and pupil), SEND, SLCN, children’s mental health, leadership, mentoring and coaching. Recently I started an Educational Consultancy business for SEND (SEND support) and Teacher Wellbeing (The Wellbeing Lady). All my SENCO freebies can be found here: https://positiveyoungmind.com/senco-resources/  I have a teacher coaching group on Facebook; a group for those wishing to improve their work-life balance in school or who need support in moving out of teaching: https://www.facebook.com/groups/coachingforteacherwellbeing  Looking forward to connecting!

Hi everyone, I'm Torie - Head of Communities and Products (Digital Resources) at the Mark Allen Group, so your go-to person for all community-related queries. Whether you'd like to contribute content, have a technical question about using the community, or are interested in showcasing your organisation, please do get in touch here.  I hope that everyone finds the community space to be supportive and useful.