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100 delegates from around the country descended upon Grimsby on Tuesday 12^th April with the shared purpose of gaining a deeper understanding of assistive technology and its role in the future of supporting people with learning disabilities.

The conference was organised and run by the Kingsholm Group, a collaborative benchmarking club, comprising six independent not-for-profit providers of services for people with learning disabilities.

Expert speakers covered all aspects of assistive technology, from research through to implementation. Discussion groups involved delegates in exploring the ethics and practical implications of using assistive technology. The conference was supported by relevant exhibitors who gave delegates the opportunity to try out the technologies, including the HFT virtual Smart House, Tunstall Telecom and Dobsons Choice.

Richard Pick, Chief Executive of the Wilf Ward Family Trust, commented:

"From start to finish the day had a great buzz about it. The aim of the conference was to widen the awareness of assistive technology and provoke thought around the subject area. New technology can be a daunting subject area but the conference sought to break down those barriers and give delegates the confidence to embrace the changes that will undoubtedly affect the working lives of those who work with people who have learning disabilities".

In extremely positive feedback, 98% of delegates rated the Kingsholm Group conference as very good or excellent. One delegate said:

"Speakers were consistently good and engaging - most conferences have one or two not quite up to the mark - not so here";

and another said: "Fabulous food and facilities overall"

Keynote speaker Kevin Doughty, Deputy Director of the Centre for Useable Technology at the University of York (seen left), launched the conference by looking at Current and Future Technologies to support the CAN DO agenda.

See the full conference programme.