ASL & Technology - Supporting Communication with AAC

Posted by Gillian McNeill on the 14th May, 2021

This is the second blog in the series aimed at helping you identify which of the sessions to attend in our ASL and Technology conference on 16th June. It's easy to sign up (£5 admin fee), with sessions of interest to those supporting Assistive Technology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This blog highlights presentations in the programme for Supporting Communication with AAC.

Supporting Communication with AAC - What to See

• Joanna Courtney, CALL Scotland, (9:45am - 10:10am). Accessible early reading and writing resources for Clicker and Grid 3 software. This will cover CALL Scotland's Bookbug early writing resources for Clicker software and apps, as well as eye gaze enabled writing grids for Grid 3 software. Also, the popular Grid 3 eye gaze accessible versions of the books and the full range of free Bookbug symbol resources supporting communication and participation through shared reading. 
• Smartbox, (10:55am - 11:20am). Making the most of your Communication device using AAC Grid sets. This session will feature a range of Grid Sets that allow a user to communicate across different platforms and increase independence in the classroom and beyond. It will include some tips for utilising features in AAC grid sets, then explore apps that can allow the user to do more.
• Widgit, (11:30am - 11:55am). Using the new Widgit Symbol set to create bespoke resources for learning. This presentation introduces the new and updated Widgit symbol set used by Teachers, SEN Practitioners and parents to support the learning, communication and independence of students of all ages.  Also, a demonstration of how to make bespoke, learning resources within InPrint 3 software, to support a wide range of diverse needs.
• Liberator, (14:00pm - 14:25pm). LAMP Words for Life and TouchChat AAC vocabulary apps. This session will feature two AAC vocabularies for voice output communication devices - LAMP Words for Life often used by individuals with autism (also appropriate for individuals with a variety of disabilities) and TouchChat, with it's WordPower option for the emergent to independent communicators and those with literacy skills.
• CandLe, (15:45pm - 16:10pm). Emergent & conventional literacy for students with complex needs and/or who needs Augmentative & Alternative Communication. In this session Marion will be talking about the work to create resources for teaching literacy based on the US 4-Blocks literacy approach and on UK approaches to literacy. It will include resources to support speaking and listening, reading and writing (including our novel approach for students who struggle with traditionally taught phonics).

And lastly, although certainly worth staying for, my own session: 

• Gillian McNeill, CALL Scotland, (15:45pm - 16:10pm). Personal Communication Passports for learners with complex needs. In this session we will explore Communication Passports for learners with complex needs, practical, person-centred tool for learners and the team around them, to share key information in a simple, accessible format. It will cover the rationale for using Communication Passports, as well as the process for creating them, collaborating with parents and other professionals, and different options for printed and digital formats.

Hope to see you there!