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Managing iPads in a school with Volume Purchasing and Apple Configurator

Posted by Robert Stewart on the 18th September, 2012

It's now much easier to manage your iPads as the Apple Volume Purchase Programme (AVPP) is finally here in the UK and allows schools to purchase multiple copies of the same app or book! However, it now appears that you still have to pay by credit card as invoicing is not available yet!!!! I'll kee...

speak text in microsoft word 2010

Posted by 4 on the 27th August, 2012

A well hidden feature in Microsoft Office 2010 is the option to speak text out. Yes, MS Office 2010 includes a text-to-speech feature. It is pretty basic but it is available. As MS Office is integrated with Windows it means that whichever voice is selected in that computer's Control Panel will ...

iPad Apps and integrative workflows to support learners with literacy difficulties/dyslexia

Posted by Craig Mill on the 22nd August, 2012

If you are interested in using the iPad to support your pupils then you will probably be familiar with the large number of websites that have appeared over the past year offering ‘lists of Apps’ to support a range of difficulties including communication, literacy, numeracy etc. Some exa...

Spotlight on Speech, Language and Communication Needs

Posted by 14 on the 16th August, 2012

Linguist and language specialist Gordon Wells wrote "Almost every educational skill presupposes the use of language." ICAN highlights an interesting new statistic from the Department of Education (England and Wales) showing that speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) is the most co...

Sounding Board App is now free

Posted by 14 on the 31st July, 2012

CALL is not endorsing this particular App over and above other similar Apps, but just to alert you to a price change -  Version 3.1.1 of AbleNet's simple photo-based communication App Sounding Board, which used to cost £35, is now available as a free download  on the iTunes App St...

Sign Language Training available

Posted by 14 on the 30th July, 2012

There are interesting evening courses running this autumn at Donaldsons School in Linlithgow on British Sign Language, lip-reading, and deaf awareness. The sign language courses in particular may be of interest to those who use sign with children with complex communication support needs...

Smartbox Study Day: Edinburgh, 12th September 2012

Posted by Robert Stewart on the 10th July, 2012

This autumn Smartbox Assistive Technology will be touring the country to host FREE study days that will focus on some of the latest developments in the world of AAC and assistive technology. Venue: CALL Scotland, Edinburgh Date and time: 9:30am - 4:00pm, 12th September 2012 Each ...

\'Tricky Moments\' - new publication about challenging behaviour

Posted by 14 on the 3rd July, 2012

This looks like a useful new publication to help families and professionals understand and manage challenging behaviour in children with learning difficulties or ASD. Copies can be downloaded free from the ENABLE website  or ordered (price £3, or £2 each for more than 20 cop...

Something positive to end the term!

Posted by Paul Nisbet on the 27th June, 2012

Today I received a very positive evaluation back from a pupil and teacher who have been evaluating some equipment, and I thought I'd share it: seems like a nice way to end the term. (Mark is not his real name.) Background Mark is a Primary 6 pupil who attends his local primary school. Mark h...

Proloquo2Go v.2 is released, and new British English child voices available

Posted by 14 on the 20th June, 2012

The Proloquo2Go app for iPad, iPod and iPhone must be the most hyped communication aid ever. Seriously over-hyped, in my view, with the danger that parental expectations could be unrealistically raised, and potentially more suitable alternative AAC solutions ignored. But moving on - the good ne...

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