EKC Folkestone College launches Assistive Technology Room

Professionals in the Health and Care sector are looking to the future following the launch of EKC Folkestone College’s Assistive Technology Room.  

This innovative space is designed to empower care providers and local businesses with practical experiences that will enhance the levels of care currently provided across Kent. 

The launch event began with a presentation on the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) project, which has paved the way for positive transformations in the Health and Care sector. Stakeholders and local businesses were then guided through a tour of the Assistive Technology room, followed by a demonstration session in the College’s new immersive classroom. 

During the session, attendees had a closer look at cutting-edge tools such as the PARO Seal, an advanced therapeutic robot that engages patients with dementia and cognitive disorders, and the TD Pilot, an iPad-based speech-generating device controlled by eye-tracking technology. These demonstrations highlighted the potential that Assistive Technologies can have on revolutionising care practices.  

Nicola Condon, Teaching and Learning Innovator at EKC Folkestone College, is leading the associated courses and is keen to collaborate with local care providers. Reflecting on the event, she said: 

“We’re always open to hearing from employers who can contact us directly. Working with stakeholders is really important. As these are new courses, there are lots of opportunities to build on the delivery and tailoring the curriculum. There’s been lots of discussions this morning about the courses and how we can impact businesses further.”  

Nicola also spoke about how easy it is to access and join the courses, noting that prior healthcare experience isn’t required: 

“The Level 2 course in particular is a great way for people to learn more about the technology. These qualifications are designed to equip staff with the skills and competence needed to use assistive tech and to enhance the care they currently provide.” 

Among the attendees was Alexandra Lewis-Wortley, Managing Director of Expertise Homecare, Ashford and Folkestone. She shared her enthusiasm for the technology on display, saying: 

“It’s been really eye-opening. I didn’t know there were so many forms of tech available to help people in home and social care settings. I really liked the smart doorbells and the TD Pilot which anyone can control with just their eyes. These are all very exciting pieces of equipment.” 

Thanks to today’s event, Alexandra has signed up for the Level 2 Introduction to Assistive Technology course, adding: 

“The courses and technologies are the future—we need it everywhere as much as we can. I think a lot of people need to be getting their care teams, management teams, and supervisors involved with these courses. I can’t wait to learn all about these new technologies at the College.” 

In addition to today’s event, Assistive Technology Rooms are also being launched across the Group at EKC Broadstairs College and EKC Canterbury College. Together, these ensure that skills gaps are addressed across Kent in the Health and Care sector.  

Participants in the blended learning courses will gain invaluable experience with these technologies or learn new digital skills for their careers. 

By signing up for the courses, businesses and local employers can also use the facilities available to train their teams and explore how cutting-edge tools can enhance care outcomes. 

For more information about the Assistive Technology Room and the courses available, visit ekcgroup.ac.uk and search for “Supporting Innovation in Health and Care.”