Stone Launches "@ccessability" Scheme
Stafford (UK), January 2011 - The computer hardware manufacturer Stone has announced the launch of its @ccessAbility scheme, an independent initiative that provides schools with a bespoke package to deliver 1:1 ICT access to pupils without reliance on central government funding. The Stone-designed programme comes in the wake of continued government cuts and the termination of the Home Access scheme. It aims to ensure that computer devices continue to be made available on a 1:1 basis to allow pupils to study both at school and at home.
As a corporate supporter of the e-Learning Foundation, Stone's @ccessAbility is a sustainable 1:1 scheme designed to complement the work of the UK's leading digital inclusion charity perfectly. @ccessAbility is a fully configurable initiative, meaning each package can be tailored to meet the requirements of the school.
The administrative support required to maintain a scheme such as @ccessAbility would ordinarily not be possible for schools to manage without additional funding. Usually, 1:1 schemes incur increased administrative burdens, such as managing payments, insurance claims, or missed payments, and with additional funding proving so hard to come by at this time of economic fragility, schools facing these issues alone may choose to opt out.
With @ccessAbility however, Stone takes care of all the administrative burdens, allowing schools to reap the benefits of teaching and learning associated with 1:1 ICT access, without the resource headache. Working on a parental-contribution basis, the scheme is easily scalable to meet the varying demands of educational institutions - including those of independent schools. Each device comes with full warranty (on flexible terms to meet each school's individual requirements) and insurance against accidental damage, loss, or theft.
James Bird, CEO of Stone, comments, "With the proliferation of ICT across the curriculum, schools are being increasingly pressured to deliver personalised pupil access to technology. Stagnant or decreasing budgets in the education sector, however, are making this ever more difficult for schools to achieve alone. With the end of the government's Home Access programme, in which we were a proud partner, there presents a hole in providing young people from all backgrounds with access to a high-quality ICT provision."
To enable schools complete flexibility, the @ccessAbility scheme is entirely vendor independent, meaning Stone will provide whatever device fits best with each school's teaching and learning methods. Stone is able to provide schools with market-leading mobile devices such as Stone laptops, Samsung Netbooks, or Toshiba products, and as a certified Microsoft Gold Partner, Stone will also supply Microsoft operating systems and education-focused software to support each scheme.
Stone's recent accreditation as an Apple Solutions Expert in Education means that the company now also resells Apple products and offers a consultative role on IT applications in education establishments on behalf of the technology giant. With an ability to draw on this vast portfolio of products, Stone is in a position to offer desktop and mobile devices that will serve the evolving needs of UK education.
