What We Do
Aims and Background
CALL (Communication, Access, Literacy and Learning) Scotland is a small unit within the Moray House School of Education, The University of Edinburgh. The Centre is co-located with the Scottish Sensory Centre. We were delighted to celebrate our 25th Anniversary recently and a 25th birthday commemorative booklet is available. 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. CALL addresses these problems and works to help people with disabilities (and their families, carers and professional helpers) get the most from this new technology. CALL specialises in helping pupils in education to access the curriculum and to participate and be included included alongside their classmates.
What is the geographical remit?
Since the core funding for CALL comes from the Scottish Government, our work, particularly with regard to assessments and loans, is concentrated in Scotland. Other organisations perform a similar role in other parts of the United Kingdom and we are in close contact with such colleagues in the field. Although our service work is in Scotland, we respond to general enquiries and questions on CALL research and development work from throughout the United Kingdom, and overseas.
How is CALL Scotland funded?
Core funding is provided by the Scottish Government Education Department. Additional funding support has come from the Scottish Government Health Department, Community Care Division, and from service level agreements with local authorities and schools in Scotland (eleven, in 2009). Other schools and authorities can buy in services on a case by case basis. CALL's research and development project work over the years has been funded by a number of agencies, including the Scottish Government, European Union, Nuffield Foundation, Department of Employment, Gatsby Charitable Trust and others.
