Friday Announcements – 9 May 2025
1. Supporting Smartbox Users as Windows 10 Pro Goes End-of-Life
2. New Predictable Support Video Library from Therapy Box
3. AAC SIG Universal Support for AAC Study Day
4. Makaton Support for Periods: Free Webinar
News from Communication Matters
5. AAC Slogans Needed!
6. AAC Awards 2025 – Nominations Open & Ticket Sales
7. Belfast AAC Information Day – Book Now
8. CM2025 International AAC Conference – Register Now
9. About Friday Announcements
1. Supporting Smartbox Users as Windows 10 Pro Goes End-of-Life
From Adam Waits, Smartbox Assistive Technology Ltd:
From October 2025, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 Pro which means that security and feature updates won’t be available for devices still running on Windows 10 Pro. To help ensure our devices continue to work at their best, we are piloting an upgrade pathway for UK customers who have a Grid Pad that currently runs on Windows 10 Pro.
To find out more about upgrading your device, visit Windows 10 Pro end-of-life – Smartbox Hub
2. New Predictable Support Video Library from Therapy Box
From Annie Galvin, Therapy Box Ltd:
Discover Therapy Box’s New Predictable Support Video Library – your go-to resource for getting the most out of the Predictable app!
Whether you’re new to AAC or want to explore more advanced features, our short, accessible videos walk you through key tools, tips, and customisations. Click the link below to start watching – and let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover next!
Predictable Support Video Library Playlist – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqecXfk92DbbmqWLbYtlMtc2LSnSJGWEE
3. AAC SIG Universal Support for AAC Study Day
From Tina Voizey, AAC SIG Co-Chair:
Join us online on Tuesday 17th June for our next Study Day. We are working on pulling together the agenda, but we’re really pleased to announce Chris Bugaj (Talking with Tech AAC podcast host) will be joining us live to lead a three-hour session called Learning Language Using AAC by Creating a Culture of Inclusivity with a System of Multi-Tiered Supports. The day will also include our AGM and the draw which sponsors three members to go to Communication Matters Conference in September 2025. To learn more, sign up to be a member, or enter the draw please visit https://aacsig.org.uk/agenda-17-june-25
4. Makaton Support for Periods: Free Webinar
From Natalie Applewhaite-Morgan, The Makaton Charity:
‘Makaton Support for Periods: From Research to Publication’ is our upcoming free webinar, promising a unique insight into the research and development of a resource designed to make period education more inclusive.
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025
Time: 6pm-7pm
Online: via Zoom
Zoom Registration required:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2717467338758/WN_Apy_w4lDRjqi9GVDIPjRlA
This one-hour webinar will highlight why accessible, inclusive period education matters, especially for those with learning and/or communication difficulties. We’ll talk about the research and development behind the resource, and how it can support Makaton users and their support networks, including parents, carers and education and healthcare professionals to aid communication and understanding through every stage of life.
Please note: This session includes references to anatomically correct terms for body parts and genitals, as used in the resource to promote clear and respectful communication.
This event is free for all to attend!
Get 20% off the Makaton Support for Periods resource download until 31st May 2025. To claim the offer, add the resource to your basket and enter the code MSP01 at the checkout. Discount offer applies to the Makaton Support for Periods resource download only.
Shop link:
https://makaton.org/ItemDetailDailyLiving?Category=DL&iProductCode=ZSOC10414W
5. AAC Slogans Needed!
We are designing a secret giveaway for the Communication Matters AAC Conference and need your help!
This year’s theme is “Identity” and we are looking for short slogans (3-5 words) linked to AAC that promote identity, empowerment and awareness. Please feel free to submit as many as you like! The results will be shared at conference and after through our social media channels. You can submit here: https://forms.office.com/e/XzSKXgaxCq
Last chance to submit your ideas is 23rd of May.
6. AAC Awards 2025 – Nominations Open & Ticket Sales
Nominations for the AAC Awards 2025 are now open! Follow the link below to fill in a form to nominate an AAC user, a family member or carer, professional or team, project or product that has supported you or helped to achieve the unachievable! Self-nominations are permitted and encouraged but all must be accompanied by a statement of support for the person, organisation, project or product you are nominating which can be given in a written or alternative format. Nominations close on Friday 13th June at midnight.
The AAC Awards are moving to the CM International AAC Conference! Though they are included in the price of the two-day conference registration or can be added on to one day or exhibition only attendee registrations, they are open for all to join. Not coming to conference this year? You will be at conference but you would like family, friends or colleagues to join in the Awards fun? No problem! Tickets for those who want to attend the Awards only are now on sale.
Submit a nomination and buy tickets here:
https://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/conference/awards/
7. Belfast AAC Information Day – Book Now
This AAC Information Day is a product demonstration day supported and presented by our Commercial Members from the UK’s leading suppliers of communication aids, equipment, software and symbol systems.
The day consists of five sessions which provide information and offer up-to-date knowledge on the range of AAC products available in the UK. There will also be an exhibition period where you can try out products.
Date: Thursday 12 June 2025
Venue: Girdwood Community Hub, 10 Girdwood Avenue, Belfast, Antrim, BT14 6E
Cost: FREE to attend! Lunch & refreshments are provided
To find out which suppliers are attending, please visit our website by clicking on the links below:
Book your place now!
8. CM2025 International AAC Conference – Register Now
Registration is now open, but we wanted to highlight some exciting changes and additions taking place this year.
One notable change is the conference being shortened to two days. We will open the main conference on Monday 8th September at 9AM and close at 4PM Tuesday the 9th. While this means a slightly shorter conference than previous years, we have worked hard to consolidate the programme to offer better value with events on either side. These include:
- Pre-Conference Relaxed Exhibition: on the afternoon of 7th September, we will be providing a time for conference delegates and the community who need a quieter and less busy space to meet with suppliers. This is a free optional event for those who wish to add it to their delegate package. Tickets will also be available to people not attending conference.
- AAC Awards: on the evening of 8th September, we will be hosting our biennial event celebrating all forms of communication, the people who use AAC, the professionals, families and suppliers that support them. Being held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, we are certain the awards, dinner and dancing will prove to be a fun and exciting night for all! This event is included in the full delegate registration price. It can be added to one-day and exhibition-only delegates at an additional price. Tickets will also be available to people not attending conference.
- Post-Conference Research Study Day: this additional day on 10th September is open to conference delegates and others who are interested in research focused strands delivered by an international cohort of researchers and academics. This event can be added to all delegate packages at an additional price. Tickets will also be available to people not attending conference.
Changes to accommodation
In another effort to offer choice and value, there are now options available for conference delegates to choose accommodation. When going through the registration process you can add on-campus accommodation at Storm Jameson, which will be added to the full conference delegate rate. You can also choose to opt-out and stay elsewhere. We have teamed up with Conference Leeds to offer delegates preferential rates at hotels within Leeds for your convenience.
Registration is now open!
Book early to take advantage of the Early Bird discount which expires on 11th July.
See prices and book online here.
9. About Friday Announcements
These ‘Friday Announcements’ comprise weekly product updates, upcoming courses, and supplier news. Please email [email protected] with the item you want to be included by Thursday at 5pm – no more than 200 words (one entry per organisation per week) – and include contact email and/or link so readers can find out further information (no file attachments please).
