Friday Announcements – 22 August 2025
1. New Scene & Heard Pro Support Video Library!
2. Connect and Celebrate Makaton International Awareness Day 2025
3. London Marathon Fundraiser for 1Voice
News from Communication Matters
4. AAC Awards – Last Chance to Book!
5. CM2025 International AAC Conference – Registration Now Closed!
6. CM Office Closed Bank Holiday Monday
7. About Friday Announcements
1. New Scene & Heard Pro Support Video Library!
From Namrata Alandkar, Therapy Box Ltd:
Exciting news! Our NEW Scene & Heard Pro Support Video Library is live!
Find easy step-by-step videos to help you get the most from your AAC app. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for tips, we’ve got you covered.
Find it here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqecXfk92Dbbx7lA-h3T5OZGtiAN404FA.
2. Connect and Celebrate Makaton International Awareness Day 2025
From Natalie Applewhaite-Morgan, The Makaton Charity:
Join us for a special 90-minute online event to celebrate Makaton International Awareness Day 2025 – with this year’s theme centred on friendship and connection.
Thursday 28th August 2-3.30pm BST – Free webinar
Whether you’re completely new to Makaton or a long-time member of the community, this interactive session has something for everyone. You’ll start in the main room for a friendly introduction, before choosing from a variety of breakout sessions designed to explore different aspects of Makaton in fun and meaningful ways.
Breakout rooms include:
- Exploring Makaton with Singing
- Makaton: What’s it all about?
- Try Makaton! – A welcoming taster session
- Connection Café – A relaxed space to connect with others, share personal experiences, tips, and stories about using Makaton
- Find Out About Makaton Training – Explore your training options, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step
Come and connect with others who share a passion for inclusive communication. Learn, share, and celebrate what makes Makaton so special.
Please note: To encourage open participation and connection, this live event will not be recorded.
Webinar link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PDmyKQ_jSuucDr-DxwG1IQ
If you have any questions, or if anyone registering needs any help, please direct them to [email protected].
3. London Marathon Fundraiser for 1Voice
From Judy King:
I have been accepted by the charity 1Voice to be part of their team running the TCS London Marathon 2026. I’ll be joined on the team by Vicky Healy, and I am so excited! I ran my first marathon in April at the age of 60 in Guernsey.
Please think about supporting us to raise funds for 1Voice! You can find the link to my donation page here:
4. AAC Awards – Last Chance to Book!
On the evening of Monday 8th September, we will be hosting our biennial AAC Awards 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! Tickets (for those not attending conference) can be purchased here https://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/conference/awards/ until 23:59 on Monday 25th August. Don’t miss out and book your ticket today!
5. CM2025 International AAC Conference – Registration Now Closed!
Thank you to everyone who has booked a place at the Communication Matters Conference. Registration has now closed.
The draft programme can be downloaded from our website, so please have a look at which sessions you might like to attend.
Joining information with all the details about how to find the venue, travel and accommodation etc., will be sent out to everyone soon.
We look forward to welcoming you all to Leeds!
6. CM Office Closed Bank Holiday Monday
The Communication Matters Office will be closed on Monday 25th August for the Bank Holiday. Please email [email protected] with any enquiries and we will get back to you as soon as possible on re-opening. Thank you for your understanding.
7. 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).
