July 2020

A communication and assistive technology newsletter

Your monthly roundup for July

The CALL Scotland team have been working from home as much as possible. If you need to get in touch please leave a message on the main CALL answerphone 0131 651 6236 or email call.scotland@ed.ac.uk and we will get back to you.

New Online Professional Learning calendar

We are using the current COVID-19 restrictions as an exciting opportunity to move our Professional Learning courses online till at least December 2020.

Predictable 6 speaks Scottish!

The latest version of Predictable 6, the text-based communication app from TherapyBox, can speak with the Scottish adult and child voices Heather, Stuart, Andrew and Mairi. Let's find out how they sound and work.

Using T2S for Text to Speech on an Android

If you need flexible text-to-speech on an Android, you may need to install an app.

Education Scotland Wee Blether

As part of Education Scotland's Wee Blether series, the CALL Scotland team will be facilitating a FREE one hour session on 27th August on the use of assistive technology to support learners with additional support needs.

Training courses

At our University of Edinburgh training centre.

• Chromebooks and G-Suite applications for pupils with literacy difficulties - 10th September
• How Assistive Technology can increase engagement for pupils with complex learning needs - 17th September
• An introduction to using Windows 10 to support learners with a visual impairment - 24th September

see more courses...

Free webinars

30 minute online workshops delivered to your desktop.

• Ghotit apps for dyslexia and dysgraphia - 26th August
• Widgit Online for creating visual, communication and learning supports - 2nd September
• Glean by Sonocent: Reducing stress from notetaking for students with disabilities  - 9th September

see more webinars...

Upcoming events

Some events for your diary.

Cerebral Palsy Scotland Online Conference - 1st October

Free conference with presentations and an online exhibition, providing an opportunity to learn about and discuss topical issues affecting people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

Dyslexia Scotland Virtual Education Conference - 3rd October

Pre-recorded keynote presentations and workshops with a range of experts, followed by a live Q & A session with the presenters.

What we're reading

Communication Matters journal

CM have made the latest issue of their journal available as a free download. Lots of interesting articles on Augmentative and Alternative Communication, including Getting Parents Onboard with AAC Implementation, Comprehensive Literacy Instruction for Beginning Conventional Learners, Symbolising in Powerpoint: Communication Materials without Conventional Software, and lots more!

Scottish Schools and Childcare Reopening

Excellent Parent Club site with lots of useful information on returning to school and childcare settings, including specific advice for supporting learners with additional support needs.

Bridging the digital divide for care experienced young people in Scotland: If not now, when?

Interesting report from CELCIS investigating how Scotland’s care leavers have been affected by digital exclusion during Covid-19 and how local authorities have responded to these specific needs.