Friday Announcements – 22 March 2024
1. Last Chance to Book Your Place on LAMP Workshop!
2. Smartbox is Hiring an Assistive Technology Specialist in Ireland
3. Therapy Box January – March Offer
4. Communication Works 2024!
5. History of AAC Oral History Project
News from Communication Matters:
6. CM2024 International AAC Conference – Registration Now Open!
7. Communication Matters International AAC Conference 2024 – Call for Papers!
8. Glasgow AAC Information Day – Register Now!
9. Communication Matters Small Grants
10. CM Office Closed Bank Holidays
11. About Friday Announcements
1. Last Chance to Book Your Place on LAMP Workshop!
From Emily Gabrielle, Liberator Ltd:
There is still time to sign up to either of our LAMP workshops – however, booking closes on the 31st of March so you need to hurry!
17th April – CRC Dublin, Ireland
19th April – CENMAC London, UK
LAMP stands for Language Acquistion through Motor Planning and is an amazing approach to teach language using AAC whilst valuing an individual’s interests, making intervention fun and respecting sensory needs.
Both face to face workshops are hosted by Amy Bereiter from the Center for AAC and Autism and the day is going to be full of information, ideas and videos of LAMP in action! All are welcome and no prior knowledge is needed in order to attend.
You can book tickets for either event at Eventbrite.
2. Smartbox is Hiring an Assistive Technology Specialist in Ireland
From Natasha Roberts, Smartbox Assistive Technology Ltd:
We’re looking for an Assistive Technology Specialist to help us deliver our technology to as many people as possible across Ireland. This role will require a deep understanding of our products and the people we support. You will be building long-term relationships, seeking new business opportunities and increasing awareness of Smartbox products and services.
Find out more about this vacancy and apply on our website: Explore the latest jobs at Smartbox (thinksmartbox.com)
3. Therapy Box January – March Offer
From Rebecca Bright, Therapy Box Ltd:
It’s the final week next week to qualify for an iPad, if you spend (in one or multiple orders) £2500 exc VAT. Request a quote at [email protected]. Send in your purchase order by 31 March to be eligible.
4. Communication Works 2024!
From Ryan Crowe, Ace Centre:
After a very successful 2023, Communication Works returns in 2024! These free to attend AT and AAC events in London/Oldham aim to give attendees an opportunity to learn about a range of assistive and accessible technology, communication tools, digital strategies and person-centred approaches.
Register your attendance for either event below:
North Event (Oldham – Thursday 23rd May):
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/communication-works-2024-north-tickets-764385857677?aff=oddtdtcreator
South Event (London – Thursday 6th June):
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/communication-works-2024-south-tickets-696507130577?aff=oddtdtcreator
5. History of AAC Oral History Project
From Ally Keane, University of Newcastle:
I am currently looking for a few adults with experience of using AAC devices (any form of AAC device, low-tech or high-tech) and familiar communication partners for an exciting oral history project creating a user history of AAC devices and services as part of my PhD degree.
It is well acknowledged that we need to collect the experiences of more disabled people to gain a better understanding of our past. This is an innovative project, prioritising user voices to provide insights into experiences of using AAC devices and services in lieu of official histories. It will also shape oral history methodology to allow us to interview more people who communicate via other communication methods.
If you would like to know more about the project and would be interested in getting involved, please get in contact with me (Ally) at: [email protected].
If you feel that you have important insights, but don’t want to undertake an oral history interview or have only been using AAC for a short period of time, please feel free to get in contact with me also – I’d still be delighted to hear your perspectives.
6. CM2024 International AAC Conference – Registration Now Open!
The Communication Matters International AAC Conference will take place at the University of Leeds from 8-10 September 2024.
Over the course of two and a half days, participants will enjoy a diverse programme of keynotes, plenaries, presentations, posters and talks from AAC supplier companies.
The conference provides a unique forum to meet and exchange information with representatives from all disciplines associated with AAC, including AAC users, parents, personal assistants, professionals, and suppliers of AAC equipment. Communication Matters encourages and supports AAC users to attend.
Residential accommodation will be in modern student residences, which is at the centre of the pedestrianised campus. The transport links to Leeds are very good, with a nearby airport and train station.
Registration is now open! Book early to take advantage of the Early Bird discount which expires on 12 July. See prices and book online here.
7. Communication Matters International AAC Conference 2024 – Call for Papers!
You are invited to contribute to the Communication Matters International AAC Conference 2024 (8-10 September, University of Leeds).
Presentations should be relevant to the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and where possible promote the positive role of AAC in the empowerment of the people who use it. This year, we particularly welcome presentations regarding neurodiversity and adults using AAC.
We are open to presentations from all in the AAC community including professionals and supporters and we especially encourage contributions from AAC users and family members.
We have based our topic areas for the presentations on the three aspects of evidence-based practice which represent improved outcomes for all.
These aspects are:
- Best Research Evidence: Papers submitted under this heading are carried out by independent organisations such as education, social or health services and universities. Authors should pay particular attention to describing the methodology and results of the study.
- Clinical and Professional Service Delivery: Papers submitted under this heading may include service development, audit or implementation projects, as well as practice reports. Typically, these papers will be presented by those providing a service for AAC users.
- Personal Stories and Case Studies: Papers submitted under this heading would include personal experience stories, single case studies and examples of AAC in the wider community.
Papers can be submitted as either a Platform presentation (45-minutes), Workshop presentation (45-minutes), a Poster, or a Lightning Talk (6.25 minutes or 12.5 minutes for AAC users).
We are using an online submission programme called Aventri. You will be asked to create an account, login and submit a simple form with a title and an abstract (a short summary) about your talk (maximum 300 words).
The deadline for submissions is 19 April 2024. However, please submit your abstract as soon as possible to help with our planning.
Further information can be found on our website: https://bit.ly/cm2024callforpapers.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunity, please email [email protected].
8. Glasgow AAC Information Day – Register 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: Wednesday 1 May 2024.
Venue: Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel, Beardmore Street, Clydebank, Glasgow, G81 4SA.
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:
Registration now open!
9. Communication Matters Small Grants
Each year the Board allocates a set amount that we are able to offer as Small Grants. These grants are up to £200 to applicants who live in the UK. We consider applications on a case-by-case basis, but may only award part of the amount asked for. If you are a member (or about to become a member) of Communication Matters, then you can apply at any time of year while funding lasts. Find out more at: https://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/what-we-do/cm-grants/
10. CM Office Closed Bank Holidays
The Communication Matters Office will be closed on the Bank Holidays on Friday 29 March and Monday 1 April. This means there will be no Friday Announcements next week.
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.
11. 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).
If you would like to receive these Friday Announcements to your email inbox each week, please subscribe to our AAC Forum or email [email protected].
