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Aims and Background
The CALL Centre is a small unit within the Department of Educational Studies, in the Faculty of Education, The University of Edinburgh. The Centre is co-located with the Scottish Sensory Centre, offering a rich one-stop resource. CALL is both a Service and a Research Unit. Service activity is limited by the amount of staff time available, but is open to anyone in Scotland concerned with communication difficulties, particularly in a learning context.
New technology has much to offer people with physical, communication or sensory difficulties. Computers and computer-based aids have become smaller, cheaper and more practical and can be readily adapted to provide disabled people with access to communication, education, recreation and employment. Communication systems with synthesised or digitised voice offer a means of communication for those who cannot speak; switches and other devices can be used by people with physical disabilities as an alternative to a standard computer keyboard; enlarged displays or voice feedback offer computer access to those with visual impairments; specialised software helps people with writing or spelling difficulties. `Low-technology“ systems such as picture or symbol books can be valuable too.
However, the wide range of possibilities means that choosing and using these technologies with particular individuals can be complex and sometimes daunting. The CALL Centre addresses these problems and works to help people with disabilities (and their carers and professional helpers) get the most from this new technology.
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What is the geographical remit?
Since the core funding for the CALL Centre comes from the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED), most of our work, particularly with regard to assessments and loans, is concentrated in Scotland. Other organisations, particularly the ACE Centre, ACCESS Centres and Communication Aids Centres perform a similar role in England and Wales.
Nevertheless, we will endeavour to respond on a limited scale to general enquiries and questions on CALL Centre research from throughout the United Kingdom, and overseas.
How is the CALL Centre funded?
Core funding is provided by the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED). Additional funding has come from the Scottish Executive Health Department, Community Care Division, and from service level agreements with local authorities and schools in Scotland (in 2001, CALL has nine small scale assessment and training service contracts) and with the University of Edinburgh Disability Office. Research and development project work over the years has been enhanced by funding support from a number of agencies, including the European Union, Nuffield Foundation, Department of Employment, Gatsby Charitable Trust and others.
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