IET partners with Bristol Braille Technology to provide FIRST LEGO League programming for partially sighted and blind children

BBT specialises in technology for the partially sighted and blind, and their pilot project has developed braille kits to enable students to code and participate in the FIRST LEGO League programme. The kits consist of a computer console that will allow partially sighted and blind students to work together to participate in the global programme.

David Lakin, IET Head of Education, Safeguarding and Education Policy, says: “This has never been done before so we’re really excited about its potential opportunities to open up FIRST LEGO League to more children.

“Equality, diversity and inclusion across all of our education programmes is very important to us, and we’re proud to be leading the way in making STEM education more accessible to disadvantaged young people.”

Ed Rogers, BBT Managing Director, says: "We're pleased to announce the success of the first pilot of Canute Braille technology in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge. As a result of the work we've been doing, our testers were able to programme, control and get spacial tactile feedback from LEGO robots by using our unique multiline Braille workstation, the Canute Console.

"We're really excited to see how this can open up new fields within engineering for blind people. FIRST and the IET really get the life changing difference access to computer science and engineering can have for young blind people.”

Kim Wierman, FIRST LEGO League Senior Director, says: “We’re thrilled to partner with the Institution of Engineering and Technology and Bristol Braille Technology to bring the excitement and inspiration of FIRST® LEGO® League to more students.

“Bringing our unique and enriching programme experiences to underrepresented students, such as the partially sighted and blind community, is part of our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion at FIRST. This partnership is a critical step to improving robot programming access, collaboration, and workforce readiness skills for all through the life-changing experience of FIRST.”

A showcase took place on Wednesday 26 April at IET Stevenage: Futures Place and saw students using the new and innovative technology and putting it to work.

FIRST LEGO League introduces Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to children ages 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. FIRST LEGO League participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together. In FIRST LEGO League, students engage in hands-on STEM experiences, building confidence, growing their knowledge, and developing habits of learning. FIRST LEGO League’s three divisions inspire youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding and design skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics.

The IET is proud to be the FIRST LEGO League’s Great Britain and Ireland Program Delivery Partner. Supporting the competition is part of the IET’s commitment to show young people the benefits of careers within STEM.