News & Updates

Assistive Technology training: why we stand out

Here at Remtek we pride ourselves on our professional assistive technology training and the training we offer our own staff to ensure we can deliver the best possible experience for each student.

Ahead of the new academic year we interviewed our Lead Trainer, Thomas Jackson to understand our CPD training and how we’re upskilling to better serve students.

Thomas can you explain the managing trainer training process at Remtek and what the training means for student outcomes?

“I have recently been promoted to lead trainer at Remtek Systems Ltd to help cohesion between our trainers whether working from home or in the workplace. Being a Lead trainer gives the Assistive Technology trainers a person to go to with their queries or issues, but I am also there to help look after the trainers and make sure that all training runs smoothly. I also help with onboarding new AT trainers to help the training side of the business grow. For this, I have recently created a training curriculum to be followed by new employees to assist them in becoming a Remtek AT trainer and ensuring they have a full working knowledge of the software.

At Remtek Systems Ltd we pride ourselves in how our bespoke training has enabled students to get the most out of their software and we want every student that we train to feel supported and looked after. To help with this I have created a training form for each of our trainers to use with their students so that we can highlight key areas where the software will assist the student. I ensure that this is used by all trainers and make sure that every student gets the same level of care and training.

As the training team leader, I make sure that there is a good level of communication between the trainers and the other areas of the company so that everyone understands our goals and objectives. This helps for team building within the company across all departments and ensures we are all working towards the same goal when looking after students.”

Why are CPD’S important and why do AT trainer’s need them?

“Making sure that our trainers are consistently adapting with software updates and having a full working knowledge of all current and new software is one of our top priorities. We aim to ensure that our trainers will be able to provide the top level of training to all clients on all software across any operating system or device. With September fast approaching, there are always updates to current software and/or new AT software being produced. We want to help all of our clients from any background and with any disability to be able to achieve their best. CPD certificates aren’t just for software knowledge but also for our trainers to better understand a range of mental and physical disabilities and how to help wherever we can.

A new school year for existing students or starting your first year in a new environment is mentally and physically draining. With the added stress of wanting to fit it in, do your best academically and make new connections, this can be an overwhelming time for a lot of people. Our AT trainers help relieve worries over new software and give you the skills to make studies easier, which will in turn help to reduce your stress levels and make managing and completing your workload a far less daunting process.”

What events have you attended and how has it supported students?

“Recently I have been lucky enough to be invited to the hearing awareness skill session hosted by CareScribe. This event was amazing to attend and really helped me to understand the different levels of hearing issues and how these can be combated through training, software and hardware.

Events are few and far between but recently there has been the deaf awareness course and CPD revolution. Throughout the CPD revolution we attended 30-minute workshops on specific DSA software including software that we train on at Remtek Training. These were hosted by Present Pal, Glean, Mindview, Brain in hand and BOOOST. The event was very well-planned; giving us time to connect with old and new colleagues and software partners. It was great to discuss important industry news and update everyone on what we have been up to at Remtek Sytems.”

What are your top study tips for students this academic year?

Our top tips for anyone new to receiving software/ equipment or starting University for the first time are:

• After you have been assessed, send your DSA2 letter to your supplier company as soon as possible;
• Call your supplier 48 hours after you have sent the DSA2 letter to book the delivery of equipment if you have not already been contacted;
• Check your DSA2 letter to see who your AT training company is and contact them directly;
• Book in 2 or 3 training sessions at times you know you will be free;
• Seek out your disability advisor at the University and make yourself known to them;
• Ask them for any helpline numbers;
• Locate your local GP surgery and their contact details;
• Journal your thoughts over the first few weeks and write down areas you are struggling with. There is a high chance that our AT trainers can help to make any difficulties a lot less of a worry with the software you have been awarded;
• Don’t forget to ask questions – no question is silly and we are here to help;
• Enjoy yourself!

Getting started

Remtek Training is the students' champion. We have created a bespoke student website from student feedback gathered through our training sessions.

Our ultimate goal is to make the DSA process as enjoyable as possible for the student and give them the confidence to use their software effectively throughout their studies.

To find out more about Remtek Training download our brochure here!

We also offer reliable and professional ergonomic advice, DSE assessments and ergonomic products. Check out our full range of ergonomic products here.