Introducing the CENMAC Changemakers Collective
At CENMAC, we believe that young people should be not just be included in conversations around accessibility and education, they should help lead them.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce the CENMAC Changemakers Collective (CCC), a new group bringing together young people, supported by the CENMAC service, who use assistive technology and have lived experience of SEND.
Why was CENMAC Changemakers Collective Formed?
The CCC was created to provide young people with a platform to have a voice in shaping accessibility, inclusion and assistive technology in education.
Too often, decisions are made without fully asking and listening to the young people who are directly impacted. CCC aims to change that.
The group will create opportunities for young people to:
- Share their experiences openly
- Help influence change
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Collaborate with professionals and organisations
- Support other young people navigating education with SEND
As someone who has personally benefited from assistive technology throughout my own education journey, I know first-hand how important it is that young people are listened to and involved in creating solutions.
Why “CENMAC Changemakers Collective”?
We chose the name carefully because it reflects what the group stands for.
This amazing graphic by Dr Pen Mendonca illustrates our response to the SEND Reform White Paper and the ideas we discussed in our second meeting of the CCC.
Members of the CCC Khamani (centre) with students Lauris and Lauriel.
Changemakers
The young people involved are not just participants, they are individuals helping to drive meaningful change within education.
Collective
CCC is about collaboration, community, and shared experiences. Every member brings a unique perspective and together those voices become even more powerful.
What will CCC be Working on First?
One of our first focuses will be creating opportunities for young people to share their experiences and views around SEND and assistive technology.
We will also be:
- Contributing and submitting a response to the current consultation around the SEND Reform White Paper
- Supporting student voices initiatives
- Taking part in discussions around accessibility and inclusion
- Helping shape future projects and campaigns
- Creating opportunities for peer support and collaboration
Members of CCC will also be involved in delivering a seminar session at the upcoming Communications Works event at the Charlton Athletic Football Club on Wednesday 24th June 2026 where young people will present the work that they having been contributing towards in response to the consultation on the SEND Reform White Paper.
We’d love to see you there so please reserve your complimentary tickets.
Reserve your tickets https://mycenmac.com/CW2026
Why this Matters?
Assistive technology can have a life-changing impact on a young person education journey and independence, but too often their experiences are overlooked.
CCC exists to ensure that lived experience is not an afterthought, it is part of the conversation from the very beginning.
By giving young people, the platform to speak up, collaborate and lead discussions, we hope to create a future where accessibility and inclusions are built into education, by default, not as an afterthought.
Interested in joining CCC?
This is just the beginning, and we are excited about what we can build together.
If you are a CENMAC student using assistive technology, or have lived experience of SEND, CCC is a space where your voice matters.
For more information, contact CENMAC Student Voice Lead Khamani Edwards via email: kedwards@cenmac.com
First meeting of the CENMAC Changemakers Collective.
Second meeting of the CCC where members discussed the SEND Reforms White Paper.
Join Khamani at Communication Works South to find out more about CENMAC Changemakers Collective.
Members of the CENMAC Changemakers Collective.