Ace Centre courses exploring Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) that supports face-to-face communication. Courses explore the resources available, skill development and assessment and implementation of appropriate solutions.

Coaching Communication Partners (D) - 11th June 2024

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

AAC Assessment Tools (D): 9th July 2024

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

Using AAC to Play (D) - 10th May, 7th June 2024

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.

How to Develop and Use a Communication Book (D) - 30th April, 21st May 2024

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


Using AAC to Play (D) 1st March 2024

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.


AAC Assessment Tools (D): 27th February 2024

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

Coaching Communication Partners (D) 6th February 2024

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

AAC in the Classroom (I) - 17th January 2024


Using voice output (NovaChat)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 offered to schools. It aims to highlight useful strategies for teaching staff to support the implementation of AAC systems throughout the school day.

COST: £120


Implementing the Pragmatics Profile (D) - 8th February, 7th March 2024

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

PODD 2-Day Introductory Course 14th, 15th February 2024 (D)

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


Who Needs AAC? (I)


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

What is AAC? (I)



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

When to Start with AAC (I)

Using a communication book to play with bricks

Introductory Level (Self-directed online)
This course will debunk the myths and share tips to support you with getting started using AAC.


Cost: £30

Supporting Communication for People with Aphasia (I)

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


Communication Partners (I)

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 to Develop and Use a Communication Book (D) - 16th November 23, 7th December 23

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