Specialist Occupational Therapist & Assistive Technology Consultant

HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist | RCOT Member
St Albans, Hertfordshire | http://www.jiao.life

Professional Summary

Luke Thompson is a Specialist Occupational Therapist with over 18 years’ experience working with children, young people and families, including over 9 years as a qualified OT. He specialises in neurodisability and assistive technology (AT), supporting individuals with complex physical needs to maximise independence, communication and participation.

Luke founded Jiao Ltd in August 2024 following his role as Assistive Technology Lead at Pace, where he established and led a pioneering AT service within a specialist setting. He now works independently providing clinical assessment, intervention, training and consultancy.

Luke also undertakes expert witness work. Medico-legal instructions for civil litigation are accepted through SMA Legal, alongside experience contributing to SEND Tribunal reports.

He is known for combining strong clinical reasoning with practical, innovative solutions, particularly in AAC, switch access, environmental control and alternative access.

Clinical Expertise

  • Neurodisability and complex physical needs
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
  • Assistive Technology (AT) and alternative access methods
  • Switch access assessment and skill development
  • Power and manual wheelchair
  • Environmental control systems
  • Postural management and functional seating
  • Activities of daily living and independence
  • Training for families, education staff and multidisciplinary teams

Current Role

Director & Specialist OT – Jiao Ltd

August 2024 – Present

  • Independent OT practice providing clinical services, consultancy and medico-legal work
  • Specialist assessment and provision of assistive technology for individuals with complex needs
  • Delivery of training (in-person and online) on AAC, alternative access and assistive technology
  • Preparation of expert reports via SMA Legal instruction

Previous Roles

Assistive Technology Lead – The Pace Centre, Aylesbury

February 2017 – July 2024

  • Established and led the Assistive Technology service
  • Project lead for AT innovation, assessment and implementation
  • Delivered training for staff, families and external professionals
  • Collaborated with academic and industry partners

Occupational Therapist – International China Concern (China)

2015 – 2016

  • Sole OT supporting over 160 disabled and abandoned children with complex needs
  • Delivered assessment, intervention and workforce training

Earlier experience includes roles in care, support work and youth work, providing a strong foundation in real-world support for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Innovation, Research & Policy Contribution

  • Creator of the Seven Stages of Switch Development and Switch Heroes framework
  • Patent holder: Power Wheelchair Simulator (GB2580888)
  • Collaborated on research and innovation projects with Imperial College London and Innovate UK, including work exploring improved ways for individuals to identify appropriate assistive technology solutions
  • Consultant to CENMAC, a specialist London-based assistive technology and AAC service
  • Contributed to the Department for Education-funded Assistive Technology Lending Libraries pilot, supporting improved access to AT across multiple local authorities and schools
  • Advisor/consultant roles with organisations including Enayball, humansauce, Gripable and Motion UK
  • Board member, London AAC Clinical Excellence Network (CEN)

Medico-Legal & Expert Witness Work

  • Provides Part 35-compliant expert witness reports through SMA Legal
  • Experience contributing to SEND Tribunal reports, particularly in relation to assistive technology, communication access and functional independence
  • Reports underpinned by specialist expertise in neurodisability, assistive technology and complex needs

Publications & Speaking

Luke delivers national and international presentations and contributes to professional publications.

Speaking includes:

  • ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association)
  • TechAbility
  • Communication Matters
  • Communication Works

Publications include:

  • OT News
  • Communication Matters Journal

Training & Consultancy

Luke provides training and consultancy for:

  • Case managers and multidisciplinary teams
  • Schools and local authorities
  • Health and education professionals

Areas include:

  • AAC and communication access
  • Switch access and early development
  • Assistive technology implementation
  • Supporting individuals with complex needs

Training is delivered in-person and online and tailored to service needs.

Location & Working Approach

Luke is based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, and works across:

  • North London
  • Hertfordshire
  • Buckinghamshire

For ongoing therapeutic input, Luke typically works within a 40–60 minute travel radius, enabling:

  • Greater consistency of input
  • Increased availability for clients and teams
  • More efficient use of clinical time

Wider travel can be considered for assessments, consultancy and medico-legal work.

Professional Registration & Qualifications

  • HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist
  • Member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
  • Enhanced DBS Certificate
  • Currently completing the Bond Solon / Cardiff University Expert Witness Certificate

Contact

📧 luke@jiao.life
📞 07989 150791
🌐 http://www.jiao.life
🔗 LinkedIn: privateot