Special Needs Working Group
Special Needs Working Group members create and/or supply materials that enhance and support the education of learners of all ages and abilities whose lives and education, in their broadest sense, need extra or specific support.
The group represents suppliers and/or manufacturers from all sectors of the education market supplying products and services that are designed, or are used, to help those who need additional learning support of whatever nature, whether physical, mental, or a combination of both, into schools and other educational institutions, large and small. The range of products and services offered by member companies caters for all ages and abilities, and includes the gifted and talented.
The companies that form SNWG range from large corporations to small organisations often set up and run by teachers, advisers or parents who have been involved in the process of delivering learning to individuals or groups of children, students and young adults with learning difficulties.
Upcoming meeting dates:
- Thursday 20 February 2025, 11am-1pm
- Wednesday 21 May 2025, 11am-1pm
- Wednesday 5 November 2025, 11am-1pm
Chair: Carrie-Ann Gibson
International Education Manager, Everway (formerly Texthelp)
Educator, international speaker, assistive technology specialist, language enthusiast and International Education Manager at Everway (formerly Texthelp), the world’s largest digital accessibility company.
Carrie-Ann is passionate about edtech and supporting students with different learning needs to thrive throughout their education.
Carrie-Ann has a degree in Applied Languages and a Masters in Professional Language Studies and has a deep knowledge of international education. Multilingual, and fluent in three languages, her background in teaching English as an additional language gives her a particular focus on literacy and language development.
Find Carrie-Ann online at @TH_carrie_ann or https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-ann-gibson-83735367/

How to join:
Joining the Special Needs Working Group is free and open to BESA members only.
Step 1) Click ‘Apply to join’ and login to the Portal. If you need help navigating the portal have a look at the Portal Manual or get in touch with us at eventsteam@besa.org.uk.
Step 2) Send in your application letter stating that you want to join the group using the example application letter as a guide.
In your application you must confirm:
- that the company has a substantial activity involved in Special Needs and with a particular expertise
- that you are happy to share ideas with the rest of the group and are committed to developing and taking the group forward
- that you are committed to a level playing field in the market
- that you meet the Group’s Terms of Reference
Step 3) Your application will then be presented to the group for approval & you’ll be emailed if your application is successful.
Meetings take place three times a year online, and you are expected to attend each meeting.
Example application letter:
I am writing on behalf of (your company) to apply to join the Special Needs Working Group.
Paragraph confirming that
i) Your company has a substantial activity involved in Special Needs and with a particular expertise.
Paragraph confirming that
ii) You are happy to share ideas with the rest of the SNWG Group
iii) Committed to developing and taking the Group forward
iv) Committed to a level playing field in the market
v) You meet the Group’s Terms of Reference
Yours sincerely,
Who are the group members?
Special Needs Working Group values:
Terms of reference:
Join the community
Whether you’re joining us as a Full Member or subscribing to the Launchpad programme, your business will need to meet our membership criteria and sign up to our Code of Practice. Take the next step and see what is involved in this commitment.
