New Enhancements to Award-Winning DoodleMaths App
Global edtech leader Discovery Education today announced new product enhancements to its award-winning DoodleMaths app. Providing self-paced, personalised maths practice from EYFS to KS3, DoodleMaths is trusted and enjoyed by thousands of teachers and pupils across the UK. Part of the Discovery Education family of solutions, DoodleMaths is a research-based, curriculum aligned digital learning app that boosts student skills and confidence. Designed by teachers , DoodleMaths is filled with interactive exercises that continuously adjust to the unique needs of children, creating a fun learning environment that builds numeracy skills for the classroom and beyond. DoodleLearning’s product team has worked with teachers and education experts to develop the new enhancements to DoodleMaths, making the app even more intuitive, interactive and accessible. These enhancements include: ● New, interactive lessons New three-part concept lessons deliver a ‘Connect, Discover and Explore’ lesson structure. Pupils are encouraged to consolidate learning, discover new skills and put learning into practice by engaging with interactive, real-world, in-app tasks. ● New digital manipulatives and modelsNew interactive tools give pupils a hands-on learning experience that encourages deeper number sense and understanding. DoodleMaths now also includes more images to boost pupil engagement and new animations to bring concepts to life. ● New accessibility updatesNew text-to-speech audio (TTS) enables users to play single lines of text while a new glossary helps pupils to instantly access definitions of unfamiliar words. In addition, a new approach to UI design enables learners with low vision and colour blindness to distinguish text and non-text elements. Hundreds of questions within the app have also been redesigned to align with accessibility best practice. ● New curriculum designDoodleMaths now covers even more of the primary maths curriculum – particularly at EYFS. Shorter, snappier lessons also enable pupils to complete a Doodle session and earn rewards in as little as ten minutes. Steve Richards, UK Product Manager at DoodleLearning said, “These new enhancements and updates to DoodleMaths make it even easier for pupils – including those with differing abilities – to access high-quality learning experiences that support increased achievement. We are committed to ensuring every pupil using DoodleLearning can progress at their own pace and grow in confidence, and we look forward unveiling even more updates to our award-winning suite of apps very soon.” Designed to create every child a personalised learning experience tailored to their needs, DoodleLearning also helps to boost pupil confidence and ability. A study by the University of Bath showed that children who use DoodleMaths for 20 minutes a week are four times less likely to experience learning loss than their peers. Research also found that using Doodle ‘little and often’ doubles a child’s rate of progression. Further updates to DoodleLearning are in the works and scheduled for release throughout 2025/6. For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.co.uk and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Exciting Competition Prizes
Open Road Access (ORA), a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) rental company is thrilled to announce an exciting competition in partnership with Accessible Holiday Escapes and Heddwch Accessible Escapes. The competition aims to promote accessible travel and reward participants with fantastic prizes, including an accessible holiday experience. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Accessible Holiday Escapes and Heddwch Accessible Escapes on this amazing competition” says David Dew-Veal, Co-founder of Open Road Access. Planning a getaway as a wheelchair user can involve complex preparation, often leading to less frequent travel. Accessible Holiday Escapes, Heddwch Accessible Escapes and Open Road Access are on a mission to make travel more accessible for everyone by considering the needs of wheelchair users, to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. This amazing giveaway offers one lucky winner an extraordinary accessible holiday. However, this is not the only prize to be won. What prizes can be won in the competition? There are 3 incredible prizes to be won in this competition. The grand prize is an accessible holiday experience, including a four-day WAV rental and a three-night stay at an accessible cottage. The second prize provides a one-week WAV rental, ensuring an independent and accessible travel for all. The final prize features a pair of AirPods. How to enter the competition: The competition is open now. Individuals can record an entry by filling out a short form. As part of this initiative, Open Road Access will be hosting a stand at Naidex, Europe’s largest event dedicated to disability and independent living, held at NEC Birmingham on 19-20 March. Individuals can double their chances to win by visiting the Open Road Access Naidex Stand (G110) and recording a short video sharing their take on accessibility. David Dew-Veal continues: “This competition embodies the company’s mission to transform accessible transport and empower individuals with unforgettable travel opportunities.” The competition winners will be announced in ORA’s April newsletter. Open Road Access invites attendees to Naidex to be part of this movement toward more accessible future. “We are excited to welcome visitors to our stand at Naidex and we encourage everyone to participate in this fantastic giveaway” adds Dew-Veal. Visit ORA at Naidex Find out more about Accessible Holiday Escapes and Heddwch Accessible Escapes
Pembrokeshire access for all visitors in 2025
PEMBROKESHIRE TAKES NEXT STEPS IN PROVIDING ACCESS FOR ALL VISITORS IN 2025 Pembrokeshire is an inspiring place and to ensure everyone has access to its natural coastal beauty and experiences, Visit Pembrokeshire is stepping up its commitment to inclusivity with the launch of a dedicated portal on its website https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/open-to-all Part of a destination initiative called Open to All, the portal will feature a directory of businesses and organisations across Pembrokeshire offering services for those who face barriers to travel and tourism. It will include, for example, information about Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s all-terrain equipment and easy-to-hire mobility trikes and beach wheelchairs. Plus, details of accommodation providers offering wheelchair equipped rooms, the location of adaptive toilet facilities, information about those businesses with hearing loop facilities or sign language trained staff. In short, it will reference those Pembrokeshire businesses and organisations – from coastal foragers to yoga providers – featuring inclusive elements within their offering. Providing positive examples in action, the case study section will highlight specific operators such as North Pembrokeshire based Havard Riding Stables, who offer lessons for all abilities. Also Windswept, the Dale-based paddleboarding-for-all company who provide individual as well as family and group sessions with adaptive kit and hoist facilities too. Plus, Blue Horizons, a surf school with an operation at Broadhaven Beach, is one of the only surf instruction schools to offer itself exclusively to those with disabilities and their families. Not just limited to disability specialists, other case studies will include businesses who, just by implementing small measures, have made a difference to visitors with extra needs. Celtic Deep, for example, a marine conservation and wildlife adventure company, tailors its experiences by offering small group sessions and minimising walking distances to its activities. While bushcraft expert Buzzard Chris Bushcraft offers a range of courses that can be tailored to meet specific needs. As well as being useful for visitors, it is hoped this case study section will inspire other Pembrokeshire operators to follow suit. To this end, providing practical help to do so, there will be a Resource Hub, featuring free education and support tools. This section will include suggestions on how small tweaks to a business’s website, such as enlarging the font and tailoring its messages on its social media, can make a difference to a visitor’s experience. Links to free training opportunities offering a diverse range of sessions from British Sign Language to cultural awareness and how to help those with partial autism is also included. These will be supplemented with information about forums and in-person meet ups such as beach days, designed to encourage businesses to network and share ideas about best practice. While a positive step, Visit Pembrokeshire understands that the launch of the website is very much part of an ongoing cultural change. Says Emma Thornton, Chief Executive of Visit Pembrokeshire “The initial work conducted by the Open to All team alerted us to reports that a lack of accessibility provision was in fact discouraging potential visitors. “To turn this around, we initially began to highlight those organisations where accessible provision was already central to their offer, then used them as inspiration to other businesses to instil changes. “We’re now working with businesses across Pembrokeshire, helping them, where they can, to make changes and to tailor their own accessible offer; and we’re already seeing positive results. Some businesses for example have created new and bespoke access guides with accompanying videos. Others have added detailed information to their website about their inclusive offer for potential visitors to view. These positive tweaks demonstrate to potential guests that their needs are being taken into consideration. It says, ‘we’re listening,’ empowering them to feel confident in booking and visiting us.” She continues “Alongside this social inclusivity perspective, financially it makes sense too. Recent figures from the charity Scope suggest that the Purple Pound is worth over £249 billion annually, so ignoring this is not only doing a disservice to disabled visitors, but commercially to us as a destination too”. Open to All Project Manager, Abi Marriott, adds, “2024 was a busy and successful year gearing up to launch the new Open To All Resource Hub. Somewhat of a project legacy, this new website brings together the multiple strands of our work, offering access to business case study examples, training materials, toolkit and templates, plus a place where people can connect for ongoing specialist advice. It will also feature an inclusive media library for businesses to enrich their own marketing materials. We hope it will be an extremely useful resource for both visitors and businesses alike, adapting and expanding as we continue on our path to creating a more inclusive destination that is truly ‘Open to All’”.
First disabled person to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole
A British stroke survivor from Devon, Jonny Huntington, has made history by becoming the first ever disabled person to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. Just 52 people have ever successfully skied to the South Pole without support. Jonny is the first explorer with a disability to do so, covering the 911km of Antarctic tundra with limited mobility down his left-hand side; a feat he completed in 45 days, 14 hours, 15 minutes. Having set off from Fuchs-Messner on the edge of the Antarctic landmass on 21st November, Jonny arrived at the South Pole on 6th January at around 5pm (GMT) officially making history as the first ever explorer with a disability to reach the South Pole alone. “I’m exhausted – but so proud to make it to the pole and complete an expedition that many thought impossible,” said Jonny from the South Pole. “It has pushed me to my limits – both mentally and physically – but there was no way I was going to give up. I just needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other. “It is incredible to think that I am the first disabled person in history to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole, and it just proves that anything is possible with self-belief. “I will never let my disability define me, and I hope that by reaching the finish line, it shows that no matter what life throws at you – with enough determination everyone can fulfil their own potential.” On average, Jonny was skiing for 11 hours a day and dragging all his equipment and food in a sled which weighed more than 90kg, with everything he needed to survive the expedition. Throughout the expedition he battled Arctic temperatures as low as -40 C and blistering 24-hour sunlight; huge ice formations called sastrugi and soft snow making progress challenging. This year has been particularly challenging for adventurers in Antarctica with other expeditions having to be aborted. Jonny added: “Antarctica is a remote, hostile and uninhabitable environment, and some of the conditions were incredibly challenging. “There were days when I had to finish earlier than planned because of dangerous conditions or pure exhaustion and self-preservation for the longevity of the expedition, meaning the expedition took longer than I initially planned. I ended the expedition with just 24 hours of rations left.” Completing the expedition has been a monumental effort for Jonny, who has a significant lack of mobility and control down his left-hand side, following a stroke in 2014. At just 28 years old, the stroke left Jonny with complete left-side paralysis from the neck down. After years of intense rehab, today Jonny lives with permanent brain damage resulting in a significant lack of strength, mobility and control down his left side. Talking about how it affected him on the expedition, he said: “This was a massive undertaking for an able-bodied person. Add my restricted movements due to neuro fatigue from the brain damage, and it took the challenge to a whole new level. “My disability means I have little control in my left ankle, meaning that my leg kind of freely rotates. I fell a lot over the course of my journey, especially at the start of the expedition while I was getting acclimatised to the conditions, but just had to get back up, dust myself off, and carry on. “It was also exacerbated by the cold climate of Antarctica and proved a constant challenge with the uneven and sometimes unpredictable snow conditions. “Despite the challenges I faced on the ice, my hope is that by completing the expedition, I have shown that disability does not mean inability.” ALE’s Expedition Manager, Steve Jones, said “I’m delighted for Jonny that he has succeeded in his goal of becoming the first disabled person to ski solo to the South Pole. “This is a milestone achievement for Jonny personally and for the everyone living with disabilities. “He has not just skied to the South Pole alone, but unsupported, without resupplies or outside assistance en route. This is a massive physical and mental challenge in which Jonny has thrived.” Jonny was born in Cambridge, where he lived until he went to university at 18-years-old and subsequently joined the military. He now lives in Kingsbridge, Devon. Through his expedition, Jonny was raising money for four charities including the Invictus Games Foundation, Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team, Team Forces and The Adaptive Grand Slam Foundation. To donate, visit https://givestar.io/gs/south-pole-solo-expedition. To find out more about Jonny’s expedition, visit www.jonnyhuntington.com see @jonnyhuntington on Instagram and LinkedIn. Jonny would like to thank the many people who have helped him to take on this challenge including his partners Specialist Risk Group, Team Forces, Collins Aerospace, ACRE Capital Real Estate, and Continuate. Major General Lamont Kirkland CBE, CEO Team Forces, added; “What a monumental effort from Jonny. It’s a privilege to have supported him to show that anything is possible with the right training and mindset.” He’d also like to thank his technical partners Dynafit, Doxa Watches, JADAT Adventures, Salewa and SunGod Eyewear; and supporters Veeam, Dell, Pointwire, Comtech, Tila Capital, NSSLGlobal, Branding Science, Lidstones, and &SONS.
Transforming Air Travel to Meet the Needs of Disabled Passengers
Air travel remains fraught with challenges for many disabled passengers – from mishandled mobility aids to insufficient staff training and outdated accessibility standards. These barriers highlight the urgent need for meaningful change in the aviation industry. To address these critical challenges, leading wheelchair accessible vehicle rental service Open Road Access recently hosted a groundbreaking webinar in collaboration with the Rights on Flights campaign. The event brought together industry leaders, accessibility advocates, and members of the disabled community to discuss practical solutions for improving air travel for disabled passengers. Featuring insights from experts like Christopher Wood MBE, Martyn Sibley, and David Dew-Veal, the session aimed to shape a roadmap towards a more inclusive future. “At Open Road Access, we believe air travel should be accessible, safe, and dignified for everyone” says David Dew-Veal, Director of Strategy & Innovation at Proximo Group, the parent company of Open Road Access. Drawing insights from a recent webinar, Open Road Access has developed an actionable roadmap for achieving accessibility in air travel, ensuring equity, dignity, and inclusion at every stage of the journey. Key recommendations from the roadmap include: Disability inclusion and representation: Disability inclusion and representation in the industry is crucial, as it ensures accessibility is foundational rather than an afterthought. This can be achieved by making sure disabled people are employed, included, and actively engaged in the aviation industry. Booking and assistance coordination: • Making all booking platforms accessible (WCAG 2.2 compliant) and enabling an electronic “passport” storing mobility information for regular passengers to streamline booking. • Providing free travel for personal assistants and implementing seamless data sharing between airlines and airports. At the airport: • Implementing universal design principles in airport refurbishments and builds. • Equipping terminals with accessible self-service kiosks, e-gates, restroom facilities. Installing changing places and service animal relief areas (SARAs) and ensuring gates feature lifts to easily transport mobility aids. Pre-flight and boarding: • Using photo documentation for mobility aids at check-in and prior to returning mobility aids to ensure they are returned in good condition. • Allowing wheelchair users to stay in their chairs up to the aircraft door and prohibit handcarrying for level changes, requiring proper lifting equipment. In-flight accommodations and accessibility: • Equipping aircraft with on-board wheelchairs and accessible lavatories for all aircraft seating 125+ passengers. • Providing movable armrests on aisle seats and designated seating for passengers needing to stay in their personal mobility aids. Onward travel and disruption management: • Implementing a “travel disruption support” program for real-time assistance during delays and cancellations. • Ensuring accessible car rental services at airports. The roadmap highlights the importance of collaboration between airlines, airports, and policymakers to make these recommendations a reality. “Whether you’re an aviation professional, an advocate, or a passenger, join us in exploring how we can work together to make air travel accessible for all” adds David Dew-Veal. https://openroadaccess.co.uk/key-takeaways-from-the-shape-of-the-future-of-air-travel-webinar/
Stiltz to exhibit at all OTAC Conferences
Event sponsor Stiltz to exhibit at all OTAC Conferences With £86 million added to DFG funding this year, Stiltz will be exhibiting at all Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conferences (OTAC) to meet the increased demand for homelift solutions in domestic properties with inaccessible stairs. The 10 OTAC events this year will provide an opportunity for housing and healthcare professionals to engage and learn about the latest accessible home adaptations for private and public funding. Delegates will consist of occupational therapists, equipment prescribers and grant officers with a duty of care to residents with mobility challenges. With only 9% of English housing stock having basic accessibility and over 1.8 million people now in need of accessible housing, identifying an efficient and clear pathway to an enabling solution is vital. That solution is a Stiltz Homelift. By attending OTAC, visitors will be able to tap into a wealth of expertise from Stiltz. Its stand will be manned by product specialists who will be able to discuss in detail the homelift assessment and provision process – 100% client-centric at every stage. Other topics to explore will include: Stiltz CPD seminars will also be available as part of the OTAC educational programme. Respected accessible architect Amy Francis-Smith RIBA, continues to encourage all occupational therapists to consider prescribing a Stiltz Homelift. In conclusion she adds, “The impact of a homelift on homeowners is profound. For those previously limited by stairs, these lifts restore access to the entire home, fostering independence and freedom. The message for occupational therapists is clear – homelifts are no longer a luxury but a core component of inclusive design. By incorporating this innovative assistive technology, we can create homes that are not only functional but beautiful and sustainable for years to come.” Come and meet Stiltz at all 2025 OTAC conferences: 30th January – GlasgowGolden Jubilee Hotel, Beardmore St, Glasgow, Clydebank, G81 4SA (In partnership with Stiltz dealer, Scotland Mobility) 6th February – CambridgeHilton Cambridge City Centre, 20 Downing St., Cambridge, CB2 3DT 13th February – DevonThe Imperial Torquay, Parkhill Rd, Torquay, TQ1 2DG 20th March – LeedsWeetwood Hall Estate, Otley Rd, Weetwood, Leeds, LS16 5PS 1st May – NewcastleHilton Newcastle Gateshead, Bottle Bank, Gateshead, NE8 2AR 26th June – MidlandsMolineux Stadium, Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton, WV1 4QR 25th September – LiverpoolAintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Rd, Aintree, Liverpool, L9 5AS 6th November – WatfordHilton Watford, Elton Way, Watford, WD25 8HA 13th November – BrightonBrighton Racecourse, Freshfield Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN2 9XZ 4th December – Cardiffvoco St. David’s Cardiff, an IHG Hotel, Havannah St, Cardiff, CF10 5SD If you would prefer to book a one-to-one appointment with a Stiltz Trusted Assessor,please email: enquiries@stiltz.co.uk www.stiltzhealthcare.com
Book launch for inspiring academic
As part of its efforts to promote disability inclusion and empowerment within the academic community, The University of Manchester is set to host the launch of Beyond the Chair, a compelling memoir by disabled scholar Dr Paul Doyle. Despite the profound impact of Cerebral Palsy on his motor functions and speech, Dr Doyle has completed a PhD in disability studies as well as writing this insightful book to share his experiences and inspire others.Dr Doyle chose to launch his book at The University of Manchester in recognition of the institution’s significant efforts to increase disability inclusion in recent years. The University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment was recently acknowledged with the prestigious Disability Confident Leader status, reflecting its dedication to supporting disabled staff and students. The connection between Dr Doyle and the University was facilitated by Dr Hamied Haroon, a distinguished biomedical researcher based at Manchester who has overcome his own challenges with a disability, and is also renowned for his leadership in advocating for the rights and opportunities of disabled individuals in academia. Dr Haroon introduced Dr Doyle to the university’s Disabled Staff Network, the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures (SALC), and the Faculty of Humanities. These bodies have collectively agreed to fund and host the book launch, underscoring the university’s commitment to inclusivity and support for disabled scholars.The event will include a reading by Dr Doyle and his personal assistant, followed by a Q&A session hosted by the University’s Academic Lead for Disability EDI Professor Jackie Carter, a Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 lister who is celebrated for her dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion within the academic community. After the Q&A, attendees will be able to engage with Dr Doyle and other attendees at a book signing and networking event, where they will be able to discuss his journey, and explore the themes of resilience and determination detailed in his book. Refreshments will be available. It will take place on Friday 21 February from 4pm in Ellen Wilkinson Building Room C1.18, before moving to the Atrium. All are welcome to attend. “My book is based on my PhD, and the fieldwork for my degree took place at a special school,” said Dr Doyle. “The young people and I formed advocacy groups in which we talked about leaving school. As I have very severe Cerebral Palsy, I was able to talk about my own experiences of leaving special school with no qualifications at all, and transitioning to a mainstream college. I have had to convince people that I am able to achieve a high educational status.” “I’d like to thank The University of Manchester – I feel honoured to have my book launch there. I feel that the subject and the message of my book needs to be distributed around the world, and the University is part of my journey.” “I am so proud that Paul will launch his groundbreaking book at our University – my heartfelt thanks to the incredible Laura Howard and Jackie Carter and to everyone involved for making this event happen,” said Dr Haroon. “The lived experiences that Paul’s book explores chimes so closely with the journeys that Paul and I both share, going beyond segregated education and proving that Disabled talent cannot be ignored. Please join us at the launch event to hear more!” “Paul’s book offers a profound insight into his experiences, challenges and triumphs, serving as a beacon of inspiration for people facing similar obstacles – we are proud he chose The University of Manchester to be the place where he launches his book,” said Professor Jackie Carter. “I run the Disabled Staff Network and Disabled PGR group, and it is amazing how far the University has progressed in the past two years in its mission to promote disability inclusion and empowerment,” said Laura Howard. “What people like Jackie Carter, Kathy Bradley and Melissa Westwood have achieved in that time is mind-blowing – they’ve managed to raise the profile of disability so much that we now get departments coming to us to seek feedback on ways they can improve.” For more information about The University of Manchester’s initiatives in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, visit the website.