Not wanting to invoke any disasters! But during any emergency, communication is vitally important. The Institute on Disabilities, Temple University, Philadelphia, moved by the recent Haiti earthquake disaster, offers for free download a double sided sheet called Emergency Communication 4 ALL (picture symbol  and letter/word versions available). It's a very basic communication board and Passport in one. There is also a sheet of Tips for Communicating with Someone Who Needs Assistance. AAC services might use these for ideas to create their own version, or even just print it as is and perhaps provide to local community emergency responders such as firefighter services.

As expected, yet more apps are appearing for the iPhone. The latest one is called iComm, and it seems to have hit the media headlines, which is a good advert for AAC.

iComm is designed by a parent as are some of the others discussed in earlier blogs and in the CALL review paper.  It seems pretty similar in many ways to some of the others reviewed, such as iCommunicate. It comes with some photos in it and you can upload your own photos, and record yor own voice to make it fully personalised. Content is organised into categories (20). When you choose your category, it displays 4 items per page. When you make a selection it offers a confirmation Yes/No step (useful for users of eye pointing).  The points to note about iComm for now are:

• It is on SALE right now, at £1.79 (usually £15.99). You get the free version first (limited features), and then click to upgrade to the full version, which you pay for.
• it will ONLY run on an iPhone, not on an iPod Touch. The Daily Mail says it works on the iPad, but I would want to check this. It may only work on the WiFi + 3G version, and not the cheaper WiFi only version??

Interestingly, the little communication program Tap to Talk that was brought out originally for Nintendo DS and DS Lite, is now available also as an App for the iPhone, iPod Touch and/or iPad. This may get round some of the sound volume issues, and also as multiple Tap to Talk albums (ie vocabularies) can be stored and accessed online, it may prove to be useful for working with a number of different users at once (whereas other communication Apps are totally personal). The app is free via the App Store, but you need to be subscribed to the web-based Tap to Talk Designer.

Haven't tried it out yet - will keep you posted...!

Come along to the AAC SIG study afternoon on Wednesday 26th of May, at Braidburn School in Edinburgh, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

Our guest speaker will be Claire Murray, who will be presenting on ‘Emotional Understanding and Language’ in the context of the 'Growing Confidence Project'.

This should be a really interesting afternoon, with the opportunity to share experiences, thoughts and feedback on this subject with other professionals.

The session is FREE of charge. Please return the AAC SIG flier to the address given, in order to confirm your booking.

For more information, have a look at Claire's webpage

Hope to see you on the day!

This blog has mentioned before the growing range of communication Apps for iPhone and iPod Touch.

You can download an updated CALL Information Sheet reviewing different communication Apps, (and even a Nintendo DS app). Times are changing - many of these Apps are (much) cheaper than a roll of Velcro - makes you think!

The week of the US launch of the new Apple iPad seemed a good time to update that list, and some Apps have already been re-versioned to fit the iPad's larger screen. (iPad due to launch in the UK towards the end of April.) The first reviews of the iPad as a possible communication aid are looking pretty positive - apparently the sound output is not bad and might be enough without amplified speakers, and P2Go runs beautifully.

CALL Scotland has been organising the FREE annual ICT and Inclusion (originally called ICT/SEN Update) roadshow since 2001. It provides people with an opportunity to see and compare the latest software and technology to support students with additional support needs from most of the leading UK companies.

Location and dates for the exhibitions are:

• Best Western Invercarse Hotel, Dundee - 15 June 2010
• CALL Scotland, Edinburgh - 16 June 2010
• The Bruce Hotel, East Kilbride - 17 June 2010

Suppliers will describe their key products in timetabled sessions and there will also be short presentations by staff from CALL Scotland.

The exhibitions will be open from 9.00 am until 4.00 pm.

Free Lunch! A free buffet lunch is provided at each of the three venues. It is therefore important that people register for the exhibition in advance so we have an idea of numbers before the day. Please indicate when you book a place if you wish to stay for lunch.

To find out more and to book online, go to the ICT and Inclusion web page or telephone CALL Scotland on 0131 651 6235 to book a place.

Inventive and thought provoking video on Youtube to make the point about augmentative communication (AAC) in schools (or not...) made by a project by/with/around a young lad in County Durham. Michael Reed.

Check it out!

Thinking about how raise awareness and enthusiasm for signing?

Did you know that there are lots of terrific little videos on Youtube of signed songs? Just Search on 'BSL signed song'.

Lee, and Duckingquackers are particularly impressive performers, and - my personal favourite - BenGee143

There are some very funny ones, and some that are just plain brilliant. All good! also some stories.

There are signing Apps coming out for iPhone / iPod Touch  but so far these are only ASL. For BSL so far there is only the sign alphabet - but they'll be coming.....

Also - bit behind the times, but I just spotted this clip re creation of a new digital BSL sign dictionary.

Hopefully everyone will now be aware of the cheap deal on BoardMaker software offered through LTS.

Please note that there is a training course on BoardMaker 6 and the new BoardMaker Plus! features in CALL on 25th March, and places are still available. Could be just the thing to get you started! Find out more and book

A new Information sheet called A Guide to Pictures and Symbols for Communication 2010 is now available for download or can be viewed along with the collection of other Information Sheets in the Resources section of this website.

It is a completely revised version of a similarly titled paper that was up on the CALL website before, but with buggy graphics now fixed and information added about a number of newer symbol and pictures resources.

TapToTalk is software created for the Nintendo DS Lite, DSi or DSi XL, and is comparable to a handheld dynamic screen communication aid.

The user simply taps the chosen picture on the DS Lite's lower touch-screen to make it speak the word or sentence represented by the picture and appear on the upper screen. The DS Lite has 3" screens. You need to have fairly good fine motor skills to access the screen and also some of the DS control buttons to navigate. It costs $99.95 for a home yearly subscription. There are different rates for home (1 child) Pro (2 or more children) and Agency (for 5 or more children)This could be off putting to people who like to buy a 'one off' product. However, there is a 30 day returns policy giving people the chance to try it out and see if it works for them.

The software comes with a large bank of pictures, and can be fully customised to contain the user's own pictures, photos and messages. If you want to use symbols, you need to either subscribe online to SymbolStix or import your PCS/Widgit symbols as jpegs. Sets of pictures, or 'albums' are customised on 'TapToTalk Designer' (accessed via the Internet), and then transferred to the DS via an SD card. You cannot programme on the device itself for quickness, but can easily download the latest version if the DS gets lost or broken, whilst the DS itself is affordable to replace.There are many advantages of this software: Tap To Talk is low cost, fully customisable and the fact that it works on the DS range means that the user is likely to feel less self-conscious about using it as it has a 'cool' factor. The DS itself is fairly robust, suited to small hands, and has a decent battery life of 19 hours. It can also be used whilst charging from the mains.

However, its volume is not loud enough for functional communication. The DS Lite requires external speakers such as 'DS Lite Grip Speakers' to make the voice output audible for everyday use. The sound quality when you record your own messages for the device is particularly poor. Also, the 'Tap to Talk Designer' software is not very intuitive for those used to conventional communication aids.Tap To Talk can also be put on the DSi, which has a built-in camera, mic and five brightness settings. It is also slightly larger with 3.25" screens. The latest version - DSi XL - has 4.2" screens, and a larger ‘pen sized’ stylus. Both of these are marginally more expensive but promise 'enhanced sound.' To find out more visit the TapToTalk website.

An Information sheet called Using the 'TapToTalk' app on the mainstream Nintendo DS range is available for download.

Heather, the Scottish Voice, which can be downloaded free from CALL's Scottish Voice web site by anyone in Scottish schools, is a product of CereProc, an Edinburgh based company. CereProc make 'custom' voices by recording and synthesising human speech, and one possibility is to create bespoke computer voices for people who are likely to lose their speech as a result of illness or disability. CereProc have created a synthetic voice for Robert Ebert, an American film critic, who lost his voice after surgery. The voice was created by analysing the recordings made for Robert Ebert's TV series. This is fine if you are a well-known (in the USA) TV broadcaster, but not so good if the sum total of the recordings of your voice consists of a few warbles from your childhood or speeches at weddings and the like. Nevertheless, it's good to see progress like this because better synthetic voices, greater individuality and more personalisation all improve the communicative experience with voice output communication aids. Certainly, the response we have had to Heather, the Scottish Voice, has been extremely positive both when she is used for communication and also when reading out digital books, learning resources and exam papers. To find out more about the voices visit the CereProc web site.

Hurrah! At last Mayer-Johnson UK and LTS have got their act together and brought out a cheap deal on BoardMaker for Scotland.

CALL has been pushing for this. BoardMaker purchasing information has been pretty muddled lately, so the new clarity is welcome, as well as the discount.

The offer is only for the latest version, BoardMaker Plus! V6, which is the ordinary print-based BoardMaker 6 plus some new interactive features (see below). In case you are unclear - here's a few basic questions and answers.

I've got BoardMaker 5 - why might I want V6?

Lots of nice features such as 'Swap Button', easier photo importing, easier resizing, and the magical 'symbolate as you type' tool.

Why can't I just upgrade my print-only BoardMaker?

A marketing decison by Mayer-Johnson, it seems. The old paper only version looks set to fade away quietly. (You MAY still be able to get it through third party suppliers, for now.)

I don't want to pay for extra features I'll never use!

I know, it's really annoying!  But this LTS deal may take some of the pain out of it. And you never know, you may change your mind later and see a use for the new interactive possibilities of BoardMaker Plus!

I've got BoardMaker 6 - why might I want the Plus! version?

Well, it's not necessary IF all you ever want to do is make print-based symbol materials. But the Plus! version is also interactive - it talks, kids can use it themselves - drag and drop and switch access - brilliant on interactive whitboards or large plasma screen - you could make symbol quizzes, language activities, on screen work sheets, homework exercises etc. - could be just the very 'next step you were waiting for, for your pupils...

I'm new to all this. Why might I want to buy BoardMaker Plus! at all?

Well it is a really valuable tool to help you make the educational environment visual and supportive, useful for ALL pupils actually, but especially early years, additional support needs, those with language or literacy difficulties.  It's not the only tool - (CALL is not wanting to 'advertise' as such or to promote one symbol software above all others, but we do believe almost everyone can benefit from using symbols more, and BoardMaker is a tried and tested old warhorse). There's a good overview and comparison (and free trial) on the Mayer-Johnson website Also there are more and more free downloadable resources coming out all the time through the Adapted Learning website - a bit like the Clicker Learning Grids (only in symbols)

I like the sound of the free downloadable resources. Are they only for the Plus! version?

No, they are mixed. Many are for V6 print version but these will also play in V5. I suppose in time more of them will become more Plus! oriented

I've got an ancient Mac version - does the upgrade apply to me?

Yes, to ANY/ ALL old versions - but you'll get a PC version V6, there is no Mac BoardMaker Plus! (If I were you and I still use Mac, I'd keep my old Mac BoardMaker that will run in any machine without the CD in the drive AND buy the new PC one at the discounted price)

I hate upgrades! I love my old BoardMaker because it is so simple! Will the new version look all different and complicated?

No actually, it looks and behaves pretty much exactly the same as the older version, it's just got the new features added in. You don't see the new interactive features unless you double click and go looking for them.

What is the BoardMaker Plus! Player?

It means you can set a symbol exercise and get a pupil to complete  it on ANY computer, without needing the BoardMaker Plus! CD in the drive. Interesting possibilities here for homework perhaps

What are the Symbol Addenda and why would I want them?

This is a one CD pack of ALL the new PCS symbols that have come out since 2000. (There were 5 editions - 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008).  Everyone is always muddled about which symbols they did or didn't buy  - whether they installed them -  how to tell which Addenda are or aren't installed and so on. It's confusing to see symbols in some materials that you then can't 'find' in your BoardMaker. The Addenda are where many of the symbols particularly useful for autism materials are. So frankly I'd advise everyone to get this pack unless you are 100% certain that you already bought and installed all of those Addenda at the time (and still have the CDs...)  Ensuring that ALL classes / schools have the same full set of Symbol Addenda is a valuable step forward in preparing to make your school or authority Communication Friendly. The symbol Addenda will work with all versions, including older ones.

I use BoardMaker with my communication impaired clients, but I'm not in a school - can I buy at the LTS discounted rate?

As far as I know, yes, if you are in Scotland.

For further information about the LTS deal, available from 22nd February 2010, see software pages on LTS website or call Jonathan Cairney (Commercial Licensing Manager) on 0141 282 5000.

For People Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Time: Saturday 13th March 2010, 11am - 4pm

Location: CALL Scotland, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh

Webpage: Technology Discovery Day

It's FREE and refreshments will be provided. Drop in, or stay all day!

The day is run by expert staff from Ayrshire and Arran AAC Resource, CALL Scotland, FACCT, KEYCOMM, SCTCI, TASSCC and other specialist centres and funded by Augmentative Communication in Practice: Scotland.

• Try out new computers, software, websites, music, communication aids, environment controls, and games and technology for fun and communication! (Remember to bring YOUR communication aid!).
• Make new friends and contacts. Get help and ideas from specialist professionals from AAC services and other centres across Scotland.
• You’ll need to arrange your own transport and bring someone along to help you and join in the fun!
• Refreshments (eg. sandwiches, tea, coffee, juice) will be provided. If you have special dietary requirements, please bring what you need.

Registration

If you would like to come:

• Visit the Technology Discovery Day and read more about it and use the online form to book your place;
• OR telephone CALL Scotland, 0131 651 6235 to book a place;
• OR fill in a paper copy of the booking form and return it to: CALL Scotland, Paterson’s Land, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ.

WOW -  I have received two emails this week that make me feel a bit old but massively proud!  Both were from young women in their early twenties who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) - at opposite ends of Scotland - that I have known since they were very young. I've known both since they entered Primary school (one from Nursery actually), when they were referred to CALL for assessment. Both have cerebral palsy and no functional oral speech, and were amongst the first ever Scottish users of voice output communication aids. Both were members of the first ever generation of children with complex disabilities to go through their education from Nursery to Secondary in their local mainstream school.

When I first met and started to work with those wee tots in the late 1980s /early 1990s, it was certainly my vision - but only a distant  dream - that one day technology could help them to communicate freely, so it is really exciting to see it come true in this way.

This sudden burst of pride and excitement prompted a somewhat deeper 'round-up of the year/ decade / century' reflection, and some darker thoughts rose to the surface. I realised that what has been achieved has mainly been through the efforts of these determined young people, themselves. Sadly, in both cases, the girls were rather let down at school. Well, OK, it was all new then to staff in mainstream schools. Individual staff did their best. The curriculum seemed both a straitjacket and a set of blinkers. 'Communication' seemed to mean only 'literacy'. 'Inclusion' all too often meant little more than just being present in the room.

The girls' experiences with FE  in Scotland seem to have been no better, overall. One had to go to England, and one has struggled to access any relevant courses locally, not to mention the battle for funding to allow her to attend at all.

On a positive note, we have now moved a long way from those days and we are committed to getting it right for every child, active learning, pupil participation and listening to the child's voice, and the rest. We are signed up to delivering a Curriculum for Excellence that promises to create effective contributors, successful learners, responsible citizens and confident individuals. Well, clearly none of these outcomes are possible without effective communication skills. Dare I hope that the next generation of AAC users are set to receive an appropriate, child-centred outcome-focused education that recognises the importance of communication skills as a fundamental underpinning of all learning?

I salute the two young women who emailed me with Christmas greetings and offers of voluntary help for younger AAC users coming up behind them. They HAVE turned into effective, successful, responsible and confident individuals - but largely in spite of, not because of, their educational experiences.