Steve Martin Associates
Adam began his career in 1994 as a teacher, immediately being drawn to ICT and disability. He worked concurrently as a special-needs teacher and a learning-support assistant in Cambridgeshire, where he taught literacy, ICT and independence skills to students with a combination of physical disabilities and learning difficulties, working to find hardware and software solutions enabling them to access the curriculum.
He moved to a position at Anglia Ruskin University as an mPowerNet Tutor under the auspices of the New Opportunities Fund. In this role, he was responsible for professional-development training for teachers and support staff who championed children and young adults with disabilities, focusing on the application of technology, computers and ICT. He also delivered training to hospital staff, occupational therapists, speech therapists and social workers, each with their own case load.
In 2003, Adam moved into the charitable sector, becoming a Lead Assessor for AbilityNet. His remit was to provide hands-on assessment services and disseminate information in the local community. As an assessor, he worked with the widest variety of disability types, demonstrating assistive technology to address special needs. This ranged from computer access, specialist wheelchair and environmental-control systems to augmentative and alternative communication devices.
Whilst in this role, he became involved in Medico-legal reporting and the needs of the Court.
Most recently, Adam has been working for Smartbox, one of the country's leading suppliers of eye-gaze input systems, a significant control interface within the disability sector. They are also a major supplier of augmentative and alternative communication aids (AAC), environmental-control equipment and software. Adam is responsible for assessment services, for nurturing knowledge and experience within the team and managing NHS Specialist AAC Services (Hubs) and other key accounts.
Other information:
Between 2014 and 2018, Adam was a trustee for Communication Matters – a national voluntary organisation comprising members concerned with augmentative and alternative communication.
He is a guest lecturer on the MSc ATEdu degree course at Dundee University, focusing on electronic communication aids, assistive technology and the assessment and selection of products.
He has sat on the Exam Working Group (2018) for children with communication and physical difficulties.
Adam is a regular speaker at national and international conferences. He is highly regarded within the industry, having a track record of inspiring people with disabilities and promoting positive outcomes. In common with all SMA consultants, he holds certificates from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Adam Waits @