Microlink is Europe's largest supplier of Assistive Technology and Inclusivity solutions, supporting over 180,000 students and numerous FTSE 100 companies over 20 years. Their education services provide teachers resources to create inclusive classrooms allowing students with different learning styles to develop skills and employability. Microlink sponsors the AoC Beacon Awards to recognize exemplary work by colleges in delivering inclusive learning and supporting students' progression to employment or higher education.

1. Microlink is Europe’s largest multi-award winning supplier of Assistive Technology and Inclusivity
solutions. For over 20 years our work in education has seen us support in excess of 180,000 students to
successfully achieve their true potential through Assistive Technology. In recent years we have done the
same for numerous FTSE 100 companies.
Our pioneering work has been recognised through awards including best SME 2012, Disability Champion
2012 and the Disability Standard award 2012, where we were valued amongst FTSE 100 organisations.
We strongly believe in supporting teachers. Our education services through The Learning Access Suite
and The Education Profiler provide teachers with the resources to help them empower their students and
create an inclusive classroom. Through our Assistive Technology solutions, inclusive classrooms deliver
a wider scope for development to students with different learning styles, allowing them to harness their
skills and ultimately become more employable in the future.
Microlink welcomes this opportunity to demonstrate its support of the AoC Beacon Awards through joint
sponsorship. It is imperative to recognise the exemplary work colleges are doing in delivering inclusive
learning, as an important gateway to employment and higher education for their students. We are proud
to support them on this important journey, highlighting the profound impact they are making in their
community and the country. We would like the opportunity to work with the participating colleges and
support them on this important journey.
www.microlinkpc.com | Twitter: @microlinkpc | Facebook: /microlinkuk
The AoC Charitable Trust is a Registered Charity which was established in 1994 to advance the education
of members of the public over the age of 16 years. It currently does this through the AoC Beacon Awards
and the AoC Gold Awards for Distinguished Alumni of Further Education Colleges. In 2013, the Trust
piloted a Silent Auction to raise money to support student grants which will be given in the summer of
2014 to ‘Future Stars’; students who are currently at a nominating college of a Gold Award winner with
similar career aspirations.
Twitter: @AoCTrust
Achievement for All 3As is an award winning, independent charity that transforms the lives
of vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and their families by raising educational
aspirations, access and achievement.
The Awards
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Further education - serving the needs of a better society and strong economy

2. 10
Microlink, AoC Charitable Trust and Achievement for All 3As Inclusive
Learning Award for Students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities
The Inclusive Learning Award, supported by Microlink, AoC Charitable Trust and Achievement for
All 3As, will celebrate exemplary practice in further and continuing education for learners with learning
difficulties and/or disabilities. Assessors would be particularly interested to receive applications from
further education institutions which have developed exemplary practice in inclusive learning in relation
to the curriculum for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
The award supports the aims set out in the Green Paper, “Support and Aspiration: A new approach to
special educational needs and disability”, to improve the quality and choice in Further Education for
learners with learning difficulties and disabilities, and improves their transition to adulthood.
The assessors will look for provision that exemplifies the principles of inclusive learning, and the
development of the skills and attributes supporting progression to employment or to independent living.
Applications should also demonstrate the following:
• An inclusive curriculum which includes teaching and learning activities well matched to learner’s
different needs, enabling individuals to develop their skills and experiences through an inclusive and
personalised approach
• Innovative use of resources, including IT, to support the development of knowledge, skills and
attributes enabling progression to employment or independent living
• Effective multi-agency partnerships making a practical contribution to supporting learner
achievement and progression
• Effective encouragement of greater participation in learning through a curriculum that enables the
sustained involvement of learners with their local communities enhancing the college experience
• Equipping and empowering learners to have a voice, to solve their own challenges, make their own
choices and to participate in community or society
• Comprehensive transition planning for each individual, including processes that fully support
learners into college, employment or adult life, and which enable them to achieve success and helps
them to transform their lives.
Further education - serving the needs of a better society and strong economy