CENMAC’s Thursday Thirty
Online training & information sessions
Our Thursday Thirty free live online training & information sessions run throughout the school term.
Join us at 15.30 to 16.00 (GMT) on Thursday afternoons to find out how a wide range of assistive technologies are used to support learning and communication in mainstream and special educational settings.
We will be adding new Thursday Thirty sessions for Back to School in September 2025. Please keep an eye on this page to see what’s coming.
Who should attend? Our training sessions are suitable for teachers, SENCOs, school SEND teams, TAs, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, parents and carers supporting children and young people using assistive technology to access the curriculum and/or to communicate.
Training joining details
We will email you the Microsoft Teams joining details a couple of days before the training session so keep an eye out in your email inbox. Please check your spam or junk mail folder and contact Annabel at newsandevents@cenmac.com if you do not have the joining details one day before the event.
Presenter: Reeza Awoodun, CEO, TechEdology
Inspiration: Harnessing the creativity of nonlinear thinkers to produce better writing outcomes
Date: Thursday 4th September 2025
Time: 15.30 to 16.00 (BST)
About this online session: The expected note taking and writing process can feel restrictive. We are taught to plan and compose our writing linearly – introduction, body, and conclusion. For individuals with neuro differences and cognitive challenges, this sequence may be limiting, as their ideas don’t always flow in straight lines. They describe themselves as nonlinear, creative thinkers.
In this presentation, Reeza Awoodun, CEO, TechEdology will show how Inspiration is a natural solution for these individuals to harness their creativity, whilst helping them to organize their thinking, retain information and produce better writing outcomes. Plus, for those who prefer or require speech technology, we will show Inspiration 11 being used with Windows Dictate and Dragon Professional.
Training joining details
We will email you the Microsoft Teams joining details a couple of days before the training session so keep an eye out in your email inbox. Please check your spam or junk mail folder and contact Annabel at newsandevents@cenmac.com if you do not have the joining details one day before the event.
Switch Access with Pretorian Technologies
Date: Thursday 11th September 2025
Time: 15.30 to 16.00 (BST)
About this online session: Join Bob from Pretorian as he gives a overview to Switch Access, including Switch Interfaces for Toys, Appliance Control and Computer Access, on PC, Laptops and iOS/Android devices. Bob will also provide a glimpse of some cool switch access activities.
Training joining details
We will email you the Microsoft Teams joining details a couple of days before the training session so keep an eye out in your email inbox. Please check your spam or junk mail folder and contact Annabel at newsandevents@cenmac.com if you do not have the joining details one day before the event.
Presenter: Ian Loughlin, Information Manager at Inclusive Technology
An Overview of HelpKidzLearn
Date: Thursday 18th September 2025
Time: 15.30 to 16.00 (BST)
About this online session: In this session we’ll be taking a brief look at the 6 services now available on the HelpKidzLearn website; Games & Activities, ChooseIt Maker, ChooseIt Readymades, Insight, Inclusive Stories and the latest service, Sensory Space, and understanding the educational and developmental benefits to SEN and early years learners.
Join Ian Loughlin, Information Manager at Inclusive Technology for this informative session.
Training joining details
We will email you the Microsoft Teams joining details a couple of days before the training session so keep an eye out in your email inbox. Please check your spam or junk mail folder and contact Annabel at newsandevents@cenmac.com if you do not have the joining details one day before the event.
Thinking Ahead Around Exam Access
Date: Thursday 25th September 2025
Time: 15.30 to 16.00 (BST)
About this online session: In this session CENMAC Advisory Teacher Maureen De Longhi provides useful information about organising access arrangements for the 2026 SATs, Key Stage 2 tests and the GCSE exams.
During exams, organising access arrangements can be difficult. Throw Assistive Technology into the mix and there is the potential for some students to miss out on arrangements that may better support their needs, because their teachers are either unaware of what assistive technologies are available or unsure of whether they would contravene the rules.
Schools may wish to consider the use of technology to a much greater extent than they do currently. Assistive Technology not only allows candidates to work more independently and is a far better preparation for further and higher education and the world of employment but is also a far more cost-effective way of supporting their SEND students through the exam period.
Aims of this session:
Outline the role of AT to improve the ability of students to communicate, learn and achieve as a usual way of working and explore some of the technology available
Look at JCQ guidance to schools and colleges with regard to the use of assistive technology for access arrangements and identify the key points
Consider how to make the necessary applications to enable students to use AT in exams.
Training joining details
We will email you the Microsoft Teams joining details a couple of days before the training session so keep an eye out in your email inbox. Please check your spam or junk mail folder and contact Annabel at newsandevents@cenmac.com if you do not have the joining details one day before the event.
Introducing the C-Pen Reader 3: Making Reading Accessible for All Students
Date: Thursday 2nd October 2025
Time: 15.30 to 16.00 (BST)
About this online session: We dive into the new features of latest C-Pen and breakdown how it can support students with their learning journey.
Presented by Neil Ryland, Business Development Executive, Scanning Pens
Training joining details
We will email you the Microsoft Teams joining details a couple of days before the training session so keep an eye out in your email inbox. Please check your spam or junk mail folder and contact Annabel at newsandevents@cenmac.com if you do not have the joining details one day before the event.
Empowering SEND learners with AYOA – how to kickstart the writing process with Mind Mapping
Date: Thursday 9th October 2025
Time: 15.30 to 16.00 (BST)
About this online session: Discover how Ayoa’s intuitive mind mapping tools can help SEND learners overcome barriers to writing. This practical session will explore strategies for using visual organisation to support idea generation, planning, and confidence in writing. Ideal for teachers, SENCos, and support staff looking to kickstart the writing process in an inclusive, accessible way.
Join James Wright, Product Specialist at AYOA for this interesting session.
Training joining details
We will email you the Microsoft Teams joining details a couple of days before the training session so keep an eye out in your email inbox. Please check your spam or junk mail folder and contact Annabel at newsandevents@cenmac.com if you do not have the joining details one day before the event.
If you have any changes in school and need training to implement the students’ assistive technology please do get in contact with your advisory teacher or mail@cenmac.com.
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