SMART Programme

SMART Programme

Pace is committed to leveraging the power of that technology, not only for our own children but also for the many thousands of children with neurodisabilities across the UK.

The Power of SMART

Assistive technology is ever more critical to enabling children and young people with complex physical disabilities to reach their full potential and to participate fully in the world.

Pace is committed to leveraging the power of that technology, not only for our own children but also for the many thousands of children with neurodisabilities across the UK.

Pace is becoming a SMART organisation, through which the power of technology will be fully harnessed to further enhance the outcomes that we can achieve for our children, young people and families. Our SMART Programme will further enhance our outstanding practice, making the most of what technology can deliver for our children and young people, and will incorporate:

Our SMART Programme incorporates:

SMART Curriculum

That is even more accessible and stimulating than our existing curriculum and which allows our children and young people to record their learning more easily and efficiently.

SMART Classrooms

Providing an AT-rich environment in which our students can advance their independence and learn new skills by using AT to leverage their learning at every opportunity, from entering the classroom to leaving school at the end of the day.

SMART Collaborations

Allowing us to prototype the technologies and combinations of technologies that will work best and providing a research base for us to work with technology companies, other specialist clinicians, educators and researchers.

Mobile AT Lab

To enable our AT specialists to take their knowledge and expertise out into the community to help children, young people and their families to make the most of assistive technology in their own homes.

SMART Infrastructure

Including superfast broadband access, enhanced teaching, assessment and communication equipment and an environment which every student can control (according to their individual ability).

SMART Ways of Working

Leading to a streamlining of processes, procedures and systems, as well as the hardware and software we use, creating a more efficient and cost-effective way of working. This will include a greater use of online assessment tools and a ‘paper-lite’ environment.

Speech and language therapy using an EyeGaze computer AAC at Pace

Progress to Date

Prototype SMART Classroom

We have developed our prototype SMART classroom, incorporating cutting-edge and AI-driven classroom accessibility, hi-lo cupboards and surfaces, hardware and software.

Mobile AT Lab

We have developed our Mobile AT Lab and started to deliver AT assessments in the community.

Power Wheelchair Simulator

We have completed the prototype of our power wheelchair simulator, developed with a local engineering charity. A patent is pending.

AAC Library and Resources

We have secured a two-year grant to develop a specialist library of Augmentative & Alternative Communication devices and online training on their use for children and young people with neurodisabilities.

SMART Curriculum

We have articulated the first two years of our rolling three-year integrated curriculum, which incorporates our use of digital AT within all elements of our teaching and learning.

SMART Collaborations

Established collaborations with IBM Research to develop universal switch technology and Imperial College London’s bioengineering department, to further develop our power wheelchair simulator and to work on augmentative reality learning and AI sign language.

2022 SMART Programme Priorities

In 2022, we will:

  • Continue to fund, and deliver, our SMART classroom development, based on further outcomes and feedback from our pilot programme.
  • Complete the third and final year of our SMART curriculum.
  • Extend our collaborations with technology companies and university departments, particularly the commercialisation of our power wheelchair simulator and switch technology developments.
  • Continue to disseminate our learning to other schools and charities, through social media, conferences and specialist media.
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