Friday Announcements

1.  Final chance to register for 24 Hours of AAC
From Charlotte Alderson, Smartbox:

It’s almost time for 24 Hours of AAC, a global virtual event taking place 6-7 May 2026, bringing together leading voices in AAC for a full 24 hours of talks, insights, and discussion. This event is for anyone with an interest in AAC – from people who use AAC and their families, to professionals, educators, and anyone passionate about communication access and inclusion. Across the day, speakers from around the world will explore four key themes:

• Lived experience
• AAC implementation
• AAC everywhere
• The future of AAC

If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time to register for free and explore the full programme here.



2.  Communication Works 2026 North & South
From Ryan Crowe, Ace Centre:

Ace Centre and CENMAC will once again be bringing the Communication Works exhibitions to Oldham and London in 2026!

Communication Works 2026 are free events, one taking place in London run by CENMAC and another in Oldham organised by Ace Centre. They aim to allow visitors to learn about a range of assistive and accessible technology, communication tools, digital strategies and person-centred approaches.

The seminar programme (Communication Works North Seminar Programme 2026) will offer the sharing of best practices and implementation ideas when supporting learners using assistive technology. The exhibition spaces will provide an opportunity for visitors to get hands-on with the latest products and innovations as they meet with new and established suppliers.

Communication Works NORTH
Date: Friday 22 May
Time: 9:30AM – 4:00PM
Address: Oldham Events Centre, Boundary Park Stadium, Hilbre Ave, Oldham OL2 5BL
Register here

Communication Works SOUTH
Date: Wednesday 24 June
Time: 9:15AM – 4:00PM
Address: Charlton Athletic Football Club, London SE7 8BL
Register here

For more information and to see some highlights from last year’s events, click here.



3.  Get Involved with BATA – Become an AAC Ambassador
From The BATA Team:

Do you have a little time to spare and a passion for assistive technology? BATA is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us expand our reach and increase our impact across the sector.

We are currently seeking new BATA Directors to join our Board and volunteers for key roles on the BATA Council.

• BATA Directors play a vital role in setting our strategic direction, supporting strong governance, and ensuring the sector’s voice is heard.
• Council Members represent specific focus areas such as SIGs or Ambassador roles, contributing specialist insight at quarterly meetings and helping drive action.

We currently have a handful of Council vacancies, including:

• AAC Ambassador
• Teachers for AT Lead

All roles are voluntary and typically require just a few hours per month. Full role descriptions can be found here.

To apply for any of these volunteer roles, you can complete the BATA Volunteer Role Application Form or contact [email protected].

If you enjoy collaborative working and want to support positive change through assistive technology, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: Thursday 14 May 2026.



4.  Communication Matters AAC Study Day – Book Your Place

Date: Wednesday 16 September
Time: 9:30AM – 4:00PM
Location: University of Leeds, Leeds

The AAC Study Day involves two workshops, both two and a half hours long, that complement each other with a focus on research, technology and its use in practical applications.

This full day event encourages deep reflection in relation to collaboration, conversation, and design in the field of AAC. The presentations are:

“Co-production in Research”
Presented by Sarah Hayward and Joanna Holmes.

“Designing AAC for In-Time Conversation”
Presented by Prof Jeff Higginbotham, Director of the Communication and Assistive Device Lab (CADL) at the University at Buffalo.

You can book your place at the Study Day as an add-on to Conference attendance, or as a stand-alone ticket. Conference attendance is not required to join us at the study day.

For further information please see: AAC Study Days – Communication Matters



5.  Join the Conversation: Organisational Members

Communication Matters invites representatives from all organisational member groups to our upcoming meeting, traditionally known as the Suppliers’ Meeting. We are opening this meeting to reflect the wider AAC community, and we welcome any organisational members offering services or products in this space.

Save the Date: Friday 15 May 11:00AM on Microsoft Teams.

The session will include an update from Communication Matters, a discussion about organisational membership, and a look ahead to our 40th Anniversary, events and the 2026 Conference.

Check your inbox for an invitation, or alternatively, please email [email protected] to receive the agenda and meeting link directly.



6.  Communication Matters Quality Service Standards – Share Your Views
We are currently updating the Communication Matters Quality Service Standards for AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), and we would like to hear from you.

The standards help guide how communication support is provided across the UK, including support at home, in education, in the workplace, and in the community. This update aims to reflect current practice and ensure the standards are shaped by the experiences of those who use and deliver AAC.

We invite responses from:

• AAC users
• families and carers
• professionals, services, and organisations
  
  

The questionnaire explores:

• how communication is supported
• access to AAC services
• support across different life stages
• what good communication support looks like in practice
  
  

Your feedback will help identify what is working well, where there are gaps, and what needs to improve. The findings will be used to co-produce updated standards.

The questionnaire can be completed in your own time, and you may skip any questions.

If you require support or an alternative way to take part, please get in touch with Dr May Agius on [email protected] 

Access the questionnaire here: Communication Matters Quality Service Standards Questionnaire – Fill out form



7.  CM Conference 2026 – Early Bird Registration Open Now!

Join us in Leeds on 13-15 September 2026 for an exciting event packed full of informative presentations, inspiring stories and insight into the advancing world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Our conference offers a diverse programme of events that brings AAC users, their families and carers together with researchers, professionals and suppliers to learn, network, socialise and celebrate.

Early bird conference delegate registrations are now open, with the discounted ticket rate available until 29 June 2026.

Book your place now to not miss out on this great deal!



8.  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).

This newsletter may include links to external websites or third-party content. While these are checked for quality and working links at the time of publication, Communication Matters is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or availability of external sites.