The biggest challenge facing the assistive technology sector is ensuring service users are getting the full benefits of the latest innovations.

Delegates at The Assistive Technology Conference heard how unprecedented developments in everything from prosthetics to artificial intelligence (AI) can help disabled people find new careers, stay in work and live independent lives.

“AT is a strength in this country and there are some great products on show in the exhibition area today,” said conference chair John Lamb, executive director of the British Assistive Technology Association.

“I am amazed at how quickly technologies such as AI are developing.”

Yet despite the increasing affordability and availability of AT, many disabled people and employers remain unaware of the wide variety of support on offer. The rapid pace of technological development in recent years also presents a significant challenge.

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Dr Gemma Taylor, lecturer in psychology at the University of Salford, explains how new technology is changing the landscape of early years development.

The landscape of the early years environment is changing as digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in our society. Children start using digital technology from as young as six months of age including video chatting with long distance family members, looking at photos, watching videos and playing on apps.

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The public sector must broaden its outlook in order to grasp the full potential of the internet of things (IoT), according to one leading expert.

Future of Government ICT Conference

Salford Professional Development will be hosting the ‘Future of Government ICT Conference’ the venue for the day will be the AJ Bell Stadium on the 29^th of the January. High level speakers from both government and industry will be debating and discussing the current state of the government’s wide ranging ICT agenda, and the challenges and barriers the government faces to save time, money, and improve the environment through improved government ICT.

Key Talking Points

ICT plays a crucial role in reducing public expenditure, saving civil servants time, and helping to improve the government’s green credentials. The sweeping changes have come as a result of the digital revolution, creating endless opportunity for government ICT. In the wake of this,the government has introduced a number of digital initiatives.

Founded in 2011 The Government Digital Service (GDS) set out to promote, provide and transform the provision of digital services. Following the ‘Digital by Default’ 26 points check list, which has since been formed into a more concise 18 point list. Part of the wider development of DirectGov since the ‘Directgov 2010 and beyond: revolution not evolution’ report. All of which is focused on delivering user centric government services.

The Department for Pensions have reportedly made annual savings of anywhere between £1 billion and 2.7 billion after overhauling their ICT system, when introducing universal credit. Highlighting the positive impact high quality government ICT can have on public expenditure, the time spent by civil servants and the government’s green agenda.

 Secure Your Funded place

Current and Future Government ICT initiatives will be discussed and debated at next weeks conference. We have limited funded places available, please contact Chris Reynolds on 0161 295 3612 or alternatively email chris@onecpd.co.uk for further details.

The Northern Powerhouse is a phrase which is frequently used amongst northern business leaders and political parties. However a recent study found that nearly half of people in the North of England are unaware of the Northern Powerhouse. The Manchester Evening News reported the most unusual hotel requests in the city during 2015, one of which was ‘Where would I find the Northern Powerhouse?’. Yet the importance of the Northern Powerhouse on the Northern Economy, infrastructure and industry is unprecedented. Our recent Conference explored key themes around the Powerhouse. Read more…..

Super Fast Broadband

Huge strides have been made in delivering broadband to all parts of the UK, with nearly one in three receiving superfast Broadband.

Ofcom’s strategic review concluded that this improvement has been down to a number of government initiatives, yet 54% of those living in rural areas are not satisfied with the government’s programme to improve broadband in rural areas.

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Ahead of the Northern Powerhouse Conference our official PR partner for the event Frontier PR have met with some of the conference speakers and sponsors. The interviews show a glimpse of what the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ means to them, and what they plan to address at the conference. Tickets are limited, and are available on our Conference webpage.

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Cyber Security Breach at TalkTalk

Last week TalkTalk one of the UKs largest mobile phone and broadband providers, suffered a ‘substantial and severe’ cyber-attack to its website. It comes at a time when cyber security is becoming talked about increasingly, and is now seen as a critical factor for any business with an online presence. In this blog we look at what caused the Cyber-attack at TalkTalk , the company’s response, as well as what this could mean to the online security landscape.

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In the run up to the Digital Housing Conference 2018, we will be sharing some insight about the digital housing landscape and refreshing what we have already learned from previous events.

You can learn about the latest Digital Housing trends for this year’s event here. 

Alternatively, you can go straight to the 2018 event page and learn about this year’s speakers here.

This insight is from IPFX, a previous digital housing event sponsor, and was gathered for last year’s Digital Housing conference with a view to showcase the work they do and how their support and services can help improve your company’s digital development.

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Can personal branding enhance your employability, career progression or even your own business? The answer is YES! The speedy digital revolution has changed the way we interact, communicate and get noticed.

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