I.T.S. have been suppliers of training to the dyslexia and special needs sectors in the UK since 1997. We are proud to have helped thousands of students, teachers and professionals get the most out of their computers and assistive technology.

• Our aims
• How do we achieve this ?
• Why use iansyst’s trainers ?
• Some comments about our training
• Who do we provide training to ?
• Prices
• Contact us
• Meet the team
• Download our Training Guide

Our aims

• To provide the highest quality training
• To enable you to get the most out of your assistive technology so you can be independent in your learning

How do we achieve this?

We discuss your needs with you and tailor the training to suit you. The lessons are structured, but also flexible so we can adjust the training to your requirements.We give you as much hands-on practice as possible and try to integrate the software into the sort of tasks you would normally have to do. It is you, not us, who determines the pace of the training, and we make sure there are frequent breaks. We usually assess your progress through tasks and exercises. When the training is finished,we:

• provide handouts to summarise the key points.
• provide various points of contact for continued support.

Why use iansyst’s trainers?

• Each trainer has worked or is working towards a teaching qualification – either a C&G7302 Certificate in Delivery of Training or C&G 7407 Teacher Training Certificate.
• Each trainer has worked or is working towards becoming an Associate members of the Institute of IT Training (an accreditation body for training professionals).
• We have an ongoing program of Continuing Professional Development including:
  • Dyslexia awareness and disability awareness training;
  • Accredited training direct from manufacturers including Texthelp and Nuance;
  • Regular internal product training and workshops.
• All our trainers have had disclosure checks through the Criminal Records Bureau.
• We cover many types of assistive technology including:
  • text-to-speech
  • speech recognition
  • mind mapping and concept mapping
  • scanning software
  • reading and writing programs
  • spell checkers
  • typing tutors
  • digital recording devices
  • PDAs
  • and many more…
• We cover the whole UK.

Some comments about our training

“The tutor was extremely helpful, tailoring his approach and pace to my needs. I feel I learned a lot and can contact him as necessary.” Margaret,Heriot-Watt University

“The trainer gave me time to respond to his method of training. The training was well structured and the return visit was very helpful. I would like to thank the trainer and your company for your help and support with my slow learning ability.” Andrew, Student

“The trainer was very helpful. He explained the programmes to me and checked I understood. He was very well prepared for our session and only moved on whenI felt ready.” Sarah, Student

“Approachable effective trainer – software looks as if it will help me focus by listening carefully to text that is read back to me. The coaching was invaluable for confirming issues or making me aware of them. Very confidence building.” Scottish Museums Council

“I can now fully enjoy all the products you have supplied. We have been able to identify my weak areas and [ I.T.S.] are keeping me informed on the availability of equipment.” David, student

“I‘ve gone from total ignorance and scared to touch anything to being quite confident with the new software as well as general use. The tutor was at all times patient, polite and professional thank you.” John, OU Student

“The structure was clear and in a form appropriate to someone who thinks in whole pictures, not just bits. It was helpful to have a second day to develop my understanding.” Estelle, public sector professional

“Training was very useful and augmented my understanding of Dragon brilliantly.”Gail,student

“Without the technology I would never have done my own quotes or invoices for my business… It’s a great feeling. If you don’t get training on how to use the equipment, money will be wasted. It is one of the most important things going; it’s transformed my life.” John, self-employed businessman

Who do we provide training to?

We run one-to one training, in particular to:

• HE/FE Students
• ATW employees
• Individual computer users, both children and adults

We also provide group sessions (or one-to-one training if required)for:

• Schools
• Disability Officers
• Assessors
• LEA awards officers
• IT and SEN Advisors
• SENCOs and IT staff
• IT Trainers
• Personnel Officers

Our trainers are versatile with wide-ranging experience, so if there is some specific training you or your organisation requires, please contact us and we will do our best to provide it.

Prices *

Our prices include travel, but please note that where training is required at short notice, we may need to charge extra to cover travel (e.g. flights) and accommodation as the cost of these services tends to be greater for late bookings.

• DSA customers: £189 + Vat per half day (up to 3 hours); when training is supplied with our computers.
• Please contact us for prices and further information on training in the workplace, including Access to Work product training.
• We also offer assistive technology training for teachers (e.g. INSET days).

Please contact us for prices and further information on sessions for Teachers (group training and INSET days) and corporate training.

* All prices are exclusive of VAT.

We can normally supply training VAT-free to people with dyslexia or other disabilities when it is ordered in connection with a computer system or computer software that is also zero-rated.

Contact us

Head Office:

• telephone 01223 420 101
• email trainingadmin@iansyst.co.uk

ScottishOffice:

• telephone 0141 249 6514
• email scotland@iansyst.co.uk

Training Manager

• Martin Kirkup
• email martink@iansyst.co.uk

Meet the team

• Martin Kirkup
• Michael Pitcher
• Lee Evans
• Christopher Wilson
• Tony Vella
• Anne-Marie Boyle
• Siobhain Wood
• Gillian Hudson
• Angela Rew
• Samantha Carey
• Alan Duncan
• Jackie Harber
• Rob Cundy
• Clive Newton
• Mark Woodward
• Aaron Tyler
• Adele Baker
• Lorna Gallacher

Martin Kirkup

Training Manager

“I am in a rewarding position where I get to see the students’ knowledge,understanding and confidence develop over time whilst also seeing first hand their satisfaction at being able to use the equipment to its full potential.”

I joined iansyst in April 2000 as the second member of staff to be appointed to the Training department and now have a client list of over 1500. I live in Cambridge, where I also gained my BSc in Geography. In addition I have a C&G 7302 Certificate in Delivery of Learning. My previous employment includes working as an IT advisor for a Government agency that was involved with agricultural projects. With the experience I have gained from this and previous roles, I am able to deliver tailored training to a wide range of individuals and groups, leaving my students with the confidence to use their computers more productively. I feel particularly confident training in Dragon – and I enjoy the challenge of creating and solving Macros for our professional users. I am very much a people’s person and enjoy the diversity of customers and their teaching environments. I see my role within iansyst as a very rewarding one; I am privileged to be in such a worthwhile position where I am able to help people whilst having a job that I get fulfilment and gratification from.

Michael Pitcher

Assistive Technology Trainer/Workplace Consultant

“ I am passionate about the work that I do and I am driven by the desire to help people in whatever way I can.”

I have been helping people to use computers since the early 1990s and have specialised in dyslexia and specialneeds since joining iansyst in 1997. I am an accredited trainer for Texthelp and Dragon software and I hold a City & Guilds 7302 Delivering Learning Certificate.I am also an Associate Member of the Institute of IT Training, an organisation whose aim is to “continuously raise standards of professionalism within the training industry”. I am always keen to learn about new technology and I regularly attend product training to keep up with the latest developmentsin this field.Throughout my career, I have been fortunate enough to have met some remarkable people from all walks of life, many of whom have endured difficulties and frustrations throughout their lives. I see my role as a small, but important,part of the jigsaw in giving people the support that they deserve. My aim is to give individuals the confidence to use technology, to help them realise their potential and to encourage them to work independently. I have a good understanding of dyslexia and other disabilities and I believe I possess the necessary qualities to enable me to provide the highest standard of training. Computers are part of our everyday lives. They have revolutionised communications throughout the world,opened up a vast array of resources, and through advances in specialist software and equipment have done a lot to help establish a level playing field for those with disabilities. Assistive technology has broken down the barriers faced by many and it has become an exciting and rapidlygrowing industry. Today, we have access to a wealth of technologies specifically designed to help people of allages and abilities use computers. It is my belief that anyone can use a computer and with the right guidance and support the possibilities are endless.

Lee Evans

Assistive Technology Specialist (based in Gloucestershire)

“I’m a big believer in making the training sessions as involving and as much fun as possiblefor the student.”

I joined iansyst in June 2001, having previously worked for an Internet company in Bristol, as well as doing some voluntary teaching assistant work for my local college, where I was helping students gain their European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). I have a degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, which I obtained in July 1994 from Birmingham University, as well as gaining an ‘A’ Level in Psychology prior to that. I completed stage one of the Further and Adult Education Teacher’s certificate (FAETC)in August 2002 at Stroud College, Gloucestershire. Also, as part of iansyst’s commitment to ongoing training, I am a certified trainer for Dragon and TextHelp Read & Write. As I live in Gloucestershire, I mainly do training in the south – west,in Wales, and in some parts of the midlands and south. As a kid growing up in the 1980s, I found it fascinating to play with computers and see what they were capable of. Being in my thirties now, I’ve always tried to get the most out of learning about IT and using computers in the work place. Being a trainer for iansyst is a great opportunity to help others do the same.

Christopher Wilson

Senior Assistive Technology Trainer (based in the North East)

“I believe anyone can learn software and how to use a computer effectively. Some people may require more guidance than others, but we all have the capabilities to achieve and surpass all of our goals.”

I am currently the newest addition to iansyst‘s training department, having joined in the summer of 2005. I have worked with computers for most of my professional career, providing training and support to individuals on a variety of software and hardware. iansyst Ltd stands out as being truly customer-focused; it aims to deliver the very best support in training before, during and after appointments. I am an open and honest person,and I like to reflect this by taking pride in my work and who I work for, by providing the best training to each individual within my capabilities. With regards to computers in general, I think most people overlook the fact that computers are relatively new, and that they are constantly changing and adapting to new roles and tasks – and we must be prepared to adapt and change as well. Computers can seem very complex, but aslong as you remember that they are only tools like pen and paper to aid you in your everyday tasks, your attitude will help you learn how best to use them.

Tony Vella

Senior Assistive Technology Trainer (based in East Anglia)

“If you have a job you love, you will never work a day in your life.”

I joined iansyst in October 2006 coming from a position as a senior field service engineer for a computer maintenance firm. As part of my previous role, I attended a ProSkills “ train the trainer” course and was involved in writing and conducting in-house training for engineers. I successfully completed the City & Guilds 7302 ‘Certificate in Delivering Learning’ and am a certified trainer for TextHelp Read&Write 8-1. There is a great sense of achievement in helping an individual to reach their potential. Although most days I am teaching on the main software programmes that we supply, I would not describe any two days as being the same. This is because every student is different, and so every training session is different, because every student must be taught at their pace. Most days, I am fortunate to say, I see a real sense of excitement in the faces of my students as the realisation of the technology that they now have at their disposal, will change their lives for ever.

Anne-Marie Boyle

Assistive Technology Trainer (based in Scotland)

I joined iansyst in April 2007 as an Assistive Technology Trainer. Prior to this post I spent 5 years working for a national charity as an Assessor/Technical Trainer then Assessor/Consultant. Previously I had spent 13 years in a further education college as a Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Auxiliary. I have always enjoyed training people especially those who have a greater challenge becauseof dyslexia or disability. In my current post I travel throughout Scotland and meet people from all walks of life using assistive technology for a variety of reasons. It is very rewarding to see assistive technology removing barriers to education,employment and leisure.

Siobhain Wood

Senior Assistive Technology Trainer (based in the Manchester)

“I love to help people achieve what they think they can’t and assistive technology helped me achieve a great deal.”

I have recently joined the company in summer 2007 and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to do what I love best,help others to achieve and believe in themselves. I have personal experience with being Dyslexic myself and was diagnosed in the early 90’s and received help with the use of assistive technology such as Inspiration, Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Read & Write. Assistive technology helped me to gain a BA in BusinessManagement and Information Technology (IT). Also more recently in September 2005 a Masters Degree which has been so far my most fulfilling achievement. I never would have thought that I could write 20,000 words for a dissertation,but I did! I have a lengthy working history in customer facing roles, working with computers and have trained a number of people with different skills. My last role involved training IT software to groups and individuals for a Large Credit card company and yes I was one of those who went to India to do the training and I loved every minute of it. It is now my goal working for iansyst Ltd to help others with a number of disabilities to achieve their best out of using assistive technology.

Gillian Hudson

Assistive Technology Trainer (based in Edinburgh)

“The biggest benefit is training people who really appreciate our expertise!”

After spending 12 years working as an IT Trainer with the Scottish Tourism industry I was ready for a new challenge. I started with iansyst in August 2008 and after working alongside my colleagues throughout the UK I’m now out and about training in Scotland. I’m very lucky that I get to travel throughout Scotland working with a variety of students so no two days are the same!

It has certainly been an enjoyable few months, firstly learning new technology and now putting this into practice.

I am now looking forward to undertaking more training sessions, continuously learning new products and embarking on the City and Guild Certificate in Delivery of Training.

Angela Rew

Assistive Technology Trainer (based in Brighton)

“I’m in a job that gives me job satisfaction every day.”

I joined iansyst in July 2008, after working for a company in a similar field for 6 ½ years also as a trainer; this was both one to one and group training. I also conducted the Train the Trainer courses for Nuance. My knowledge of assistive technology software and training prior to my previous training days was nonexistent and having studied for 2 years to obtain an AdvDip in programming as a mature student, I became very aware of some of the difficulties people have to overcome when learning.

I have met some very courageous and inspirational people since becoming a trainer, and they have helped me to deliver training in an understandable, adaptable and professional manner. Every student/client is an individual which is refreshing and makes every day different and worthwhile.

I live in and cover the South of England, including Kent (Dover) up to Essex, parts of London along to Reading and down as far as Weymouth. My software knowledge includes Dragon NaturallySpeaking (certified trainer), TextHelp Read & Write (certified trainer), Inspiration, Claro Read, Audio NoteTaker, plus others. I am due to undertake the City & Guilds 7303 ‘Certificate in Delivering Learning’ in the near future, I now feel that after 30 something years I have finally found my niche and plan on training people until I can no longer continue.

Samantha Carey

Assistive Technology Administrator

“It is a very rewarding job and I look forward to the future as part of the iansyst team.”

I am the training administrator / coordinator. I have been working for iansyst since 2008. The reason iansyst interested me as a place to work is, being dyslexic; I am very passionate about what this company does. I believe this is the best job I have had. I organise and work closely with the trainers who go out and help the students with their assistive software. This means I also get in contact with the students themselves and help them in the best way I possibly can.

In my day-to-day job role I generate training forms for the trainers which have all the information the trainer will need about the software and the equipment the student has. I also speak daily with customers and LEA’s . I am office based and the first point of contact for the trainers and customers who need training.

Alan Duncan

Assistive Technology Trainer (based in Glasgow)

“It’s very rewarding to know that the training you offer can make a big difference to someone’s life”

I joined the Iansyst training team in September 2008, having spent more than 10 years working as an IT Trainer in both the private and the public sectors. While I have previous experience working with customers in small groups and on a one-to-one basis, it’s an exciting and fresh challenge to provide assistive technology training to users throughout Scotland.

The other members of the team are very supportive, and are always ready to pass on their experience. The depth of knowledge that is at your disposal is a reassurance when you need some advice. From the outset it was clear that while the team is professional at all times, the trainers always seem relaxed with what they do. This in turn helps the customer enjoy his or her training even more.

It is an exciting time to be joining Iansyst, as the company is not complacent and is ready to build upon its success. It continues to flourish as the market leader in the provision of assistive technology services and it’s a privilege to be part of its continued success.

Jackie Harber

Assistive Technology Trainer (based in Hertfordshire)

“Helping others to help themselves to overcome their difficulties via technology.”

I joined Iansyst as an Assistive Technology Trainer in 2007. I have been involved in the dyslexia world since 1991 and run a Dyslexia Association in Hertfordshire. I have worked with Computers all my working life, and prior to joining Iansyst worked for a National Charity as a Needs Assessor. Previous roles include running my own business delivering one-to-one computer support and training. Designing and implementing a membership database system for a national charity and being a puppy walker for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Married with three children I am very proud that my two dyslexic children have successfully negotiated the education system and achieved degrees in their own right. – with computers and technology playing its part along the way.

I really enjoy meeting our clients, and working with them to enable the solutions to help them – whether they be at school, at University or in the work place. It is a privilege to see the difference these solutions can make with many achieving success beyond their expectation.

Rob Cundy

Assistive Technology Trainer (based in Cambridge)

I joined iansyst and its training department in January 2009 having spent nearly 18 years working within the Motor Trade. Whilst in the early years I worked in a practical role, in the later years I moved to a customer facing role where I provided my customers a more knowledgeable, productive service. Seeing their satisfaction made me think helping people achieve and do things with my help gave me immense pleasure. That is why iansyst was so appealing. Seeing a student’s face after a training session and thinking that this will change their life is just amazing.

With the caring and professional approach of everybody at iansyst you can see why the company is one of the leading companies in its field and I feel proud to call myself part of that team. Within my department I have never seen so many people have a joy and a passion for what they do, and are always ready to learn and improve what they do to help our students. Assistive technology has not just changed my students life’s its changed mine too.

Clive Newton

Assistive Technology Trainer (South West Region)

“I’ve been involved in computer tuition for several years and am passionate about the use of technology as a tool to help make life easier.”

I’m iansyst’s trainer for the South West region. Before joining Iansyst in early 2009 I had careers in publishing and then education, having qualified as an ICT teacher in 2006 and have worked in several schools. I jumped at the opportunity to help tailor technology to disability and need - the leaps forward in assistive software over the last decade have been fantastic and allow people to achieve more than ever, despite disabilities.

With iansyst we always strive to tailor our knowledge to best help our students, something which makes no day the same and we meet some truly inspirational people. On a personal note, as a child I had 2 brothers both adversely affected by dyslexia, and to be part of the solution for many who are affected in similar ways is therefore very rewarding. I am a Senior Associate of the Institute of IT Training and an accredited Texthelp trainer, and through the support of iansyst as an employer, I am able to remain up to date on all advances in the field.

Mark Woodward

Assistive Technology Trainer (based in Swindon)

I’ve had various roles over the past few years, all of which have allowed me to develop my interest in computers and technology. However, it wasn’t until recently that I discovered just how much I enjoyed training & enabling other people, and I realised that my ideal role lay in combining the two.

I’m now very fortunate to be working for iansyst Ltd, & in a position to indulge both passions! Training people in the use of some very clever assistive technology, and helping people to understand how it can empower them, is a great privilege and very rewarding. I’m a member of the Institute of IT Trainers and the Institute for Learning, and am on a continuous journey keeping abreast of the latest technology and striving to be the best teacher I can be.

Aaron Tyler

Assistive Technology Trainer

Before joining iansyst in 2008 I worked as a UK returns manager for a photocopying company. Through this time I helped members of staff within the organisation who suffered with dyslexia. Having dyslexia and dyspraxia and severe short-term memory myself I feel this has become a passion of mine.

I was trained through iansyst myself back in 2001 whilst in the workplace, I have been using Read and Write, Dragon and Inspiration for over nine years. When I was offered the chance to work for a leading company who specialises in assistive technology for people with learning difficulities, I thought this is the time I can now help others with something that has become a passion of mine.

My aim as a trainer is to; help, assist, and support you through the software that you have been provided, I like to bring fun, enjoyment, and ease to every training session I deliver. I know just how hard it is to refrain new information about software, the speed of the training will be as fast or as slow as you need to retain the information. I look forward to meeting you soon, and thank you for taking the time to read my profile.

Adele Baker

Assistive Technology Trainer

I come from a financial, commodity and nursing background, with experience in training, customer service and sales support.

I feel the experience I have gained from these roles, together with a period at University can only benefit those that I train.

I am in a very privileged position where my experience helps me to empathise with those being trained. Having an inquisitive mind has helped me to overcome, understand and research learning disabilities. I understand and realise that having the tools, understanding and confidence to learn equipment and assistive technology can help thousands of individuals to reach their potential in life, whether it is a child, teenager or adult. To be able to help those with learning disabilities including dyslexia is an opportunity I am really looking forward to.

I joined the iansyst Ltd training department in December 2008. I am at the beginning of my journey within the company. With patience, hard work, good interpersonal, organisational and verbal skills, I hope to become an excellent trainer with a good understanding of the industry.

Lorna Gallacher

Training Administrator

I am a Training Administrator, and the newest member to join the office-based training team. I’ve worked in many varied admin and customer facing roles, but this is definitely the most rewarding. It’s refreshing to work within a company where everyone is so dedicated and hardworking; there is a genuine feeling that we are working for a cause and that this is not “just a job”.

My role involves processing orders and arranging training. I speak to customers and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) on a regular basis and ensure that we make everything easy and straightforward for our customers.

It’s really important to me to be helping people in whatever way I can, and I think the support that the training team give makes a huge difference to our customers - to their ability and confidence.