Learn about eye pointing as an access method. Explore the skills required to use eye pointing for different activities and the technology to enable control of a computer using eyes.

Learn about switch control as an access method. Find out about different types of switches,  how they control technology and the skills required to use them.

Learn about different types of mice and mouse alternatives, and how to improve the skills required to use them.

Learn about using voice control to enter text, operate a tablet or PC or to control your environment. Find out who it is suitable for and when it might be considered as an access method.

Learn about touch control as an access method to iPads, phones and tablets. Find out how you can help people to use touch to access a wide range of activities.

Developing Level (Teacher-supported online study)

Develop your knowledge and skills to identify appropriate AAC solutions. This course explores the fundamental principles of AAC assessment and is suitable for people working with children who may benefit from aided language systems.

Cost: £60

Developing Level (Teacher-supported online study)

This webinar and self-directed online learning course encourages a more detailed look at communication partner skills. Explore skills to practice yourself and ways to support others to develop their skills. 

Cost: £30

This course aims to increase awareness and opportunities for children with complex communication and learning needs to engage in play.

The course will be delivered by Ace Centre clinicians across 2 online sessions:

- Friday 10th May 2024 1:30-4:30pm

- Friday 7th June 2024 1:30-4:30pm

Learning outcomes: -

- To consider the importance of play for the development of communication & learning

- To identify 4 potential barriers for children with complex communication & learning needs to engage in play

- To describe different types of play and explore potential AAC resources that can be used

- To consider how we can provide opportunities for children to participate within play activities

This is a DEVELOPING LEVEL course suitable for professionals & carers working with children with complex communication, physical & learning needs.

Developing Level (Teacher-supported online study)

Develop your knowledge and skills to create personalised communication books using this illustrated guide. Find out who 'Developing and Using a Communication Book' is suitable for, how to select the appropriate Stage and discover how to use the templates in Boardmaker 7 to create an individualised resource. This session will be in two parts and is supported by Tobii Dynavox.

Cost: £120

This course aims to increase awareness and opportunities for children with complex communication and learning needs to engage in play.

The course will be delivered at the Ace Centre on [Month] 2024.

It provides the same learning content as our online version, but allows additional opportunities for hands-on exploration of resources which may facilitate communication skill development through play. 

This is a DEVELOPING LEVEL course suitable for professionals & carers working with children with complex communication, physical & learning needs.

Developing Level (Teacher-supported online study)

Develop your knowledge and skills to identify appropriate AAC solutions. This course explores the fundamental principles of AAC assessment and is suitable for people working with children who may benefit from aided language systems.

Cost: £60

Developing Level (Teacher-supported online study)

This webinar and self-directed online learning course encourages a more detailed look at communication partner skills. Explore skills to practice yourself and ways to support others to develop their skills. 

Cost: £30

Developing Level (Teacher-supported online study)

This course is in two sessions: 
Part 1: Thursday 8th February 2024 - Learn about the development of the Pragmatics Profile for people who use AAC and how to administer it.
Part 2: Thursday 7th March 2024 - Discover how to use the profile to identify appropriate vocabulary for AAC and create communication targets to support personal development.

Cost: £120

Introductory Level  (Face-to-face)

This two day introductory workshop is hosted and delivered at Ace Centre in Oldham by our certified PODD trainer, Suzanne Martin.

The course aims to discuss the teaching and learning strategies for implementing PODD communication systems and is taught as a face -to-face course.

Schedule:

Wednesday 14th February 2024: 9am - 5pm UTC

Thursday 15th February 2024: 9am - 5pm UTC

Cost: £225

Introductory Level (Self-directed online)

Explore how speech, language and communication needs can be supported by using AAC. Recognise different types of need and what solutions may be beneficial.

Cost: £30

Introductory Level (Self-directed online)

Find out more about Augmentative and Alternative Communication, what it is and who it is suitable for.

Explore different systems and strategies and how they can be used to facilitate communication for people with limited or no speech.

COST: £30

Introductory Level (Self-directed online study)

An introduction to supporting people with aphasia. This self-directed online course provides tips and strategies that you can do to communicate effectively with someone with aphasia. 

Cost: £30

Introductory Level (Self-directed online study)

Reflect on your personal interaction style and develop your communication partner skills to support AAC users. You will have access to online activities to work through independently. This course is suitable for anyone working with people who use AAC.

Cost: FREE

How can we prioritise communication without losing our focus on curriculum needs?

What can teaching staff do to embed the use of AAC into the learning environment?

This course provides an overview of ways in which we can best support our AAC users in the classroom. We will explore the principles of a total communication environment and promote ways in which we can facilitate use of an AAC system – paper-based or electronic – for functional communication.

Our AAC in the Classroom full day training is available to schools as part of teacher INSET, but can also be provided as 2 online teacher supported webinars. This course provides strategies for teaching staff to support the implementation of AAC systems throughout the school day.

• PART 1: Friday 17th May 2024 - 9:30am-12:30pm
• PART 2: Friday 14th June 2024 - 9:30am-12:30pm

Both sessions will be recorded and saved onto our Moodle learning site for course participants to review information provided as required. Additional information to support webinar content will also be available within this Moodle area. 

COST: £120

Splash! is a unique Maths and Shapes software program. It contains activities and worksheets that cover: number, geometry and shapes, measurement and graphs. Splash! has been designed to support pupils who have access issues, particularly those who have difficulty controlling a computer mouse and/or keyboard and has features that support pupils with low vision. 

This course has been updated for Splash version 3.

Cost:  £30

Introductory Level (Self-directed online study)

Splash! is a unique Maths and Shapes software programme. It contains activities and worksheets that cover: number, geometry and shapes, measurement and graphs. Splash! has been designed to support pupils who have access issues, particularly those who have difficulty controlling a computer mouse and/or keyboard and has features that support pupils with low vision. 

Cost:  £30

Introductory Level (Self-directed online study)

Built-in access outlines the accessibility features that are available within Windows and iOS and explores the ways the different types of support for vision, hearing, physical access and attention needs.

Cost:  FREE

Understanding The Benefits of AT (Self-directed online study)

This course guides you through the fundamentals of Assistive Technology in 5 easy lessons.   

Lessons have been developed through collaboration with established Assistive Technology providers - University of Dundee, TechAbility and Ace Centre.

Cost:  FREE

Introductory Level (Webinar)

This 1 hour webinar will introduce the use of 2D Computer Aided Design (CAD) to develop 2D profiles for real world Assistive Technology solutions.

Introductory Cost: FREE

Hill House Partnership with Ace Centre

Montacute School Partnership with Ace Centre

Newbridge School Partnership with Ace Centre

A shared area for all LAACES participants.

Dorset Local AAC Services pilot project 

Communication Access UK Training Modules for Ace Centre Staff

This course is for Ace Centre Learning authors. Follow these guidelines to avoid pitfalls, solve common issues, ensure compliancy and to retain a consistent visual style across the Ace Centre Learning courses.