Friday Announcements

1. 50% off Grid for iPad in October 
From Olivia Withington, Smartbox:

In support of AAC Awareness Month, we’re offering 50% off all one-time purchases of Grid for iPad between 13-23 October. The app includes instant access to symbol and text communication, as well as interactive learning content. 

We create AAC technology so everyone has the freedom to communicate, connect, and be heard – and we’re working towards a world where no one is left without a voice. By reducing the price of our Grid for iPad AAC app during AAC Awareness Month, we hope to make AAC more accessible for individuals and families who rely on communication support in everyday life.

Find out more about the sale: Grid for iPad 50% off app sale – October 2026 – Smartbox 

Download in the App Store.


2.  Join the East Midlands AAC CEN Online!
From Sofia Nuttall, Derbyshire Community Health Services:

Join us online for the East Midlands AAC CEN to explore new resources and share ideas with colleagues working with AAC users.

Date: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Time: 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Venue: Virtual / Microsoft Teams
Theme: CM Conference Feedback
Cost: Free

Whether you’re into AAC tech, communication strategies, or just want to connect with a friendly community, this is the place to be. No need to travel, just hop on from wherever you are and join some great sessions and chats. The main focus is going to be around feedback from Communication Matters Conference 2026.

Order tickets here:
East Midlands AAC CEN Tickets


3.  Secure your place at TechAbility26
From Fil McIntyre, TechAbility:

This Assistive Technology Conference sold out last year, so book now for TechAbility26 to secure your place.

Date: Thursday 19 November
Location: Coventry Building Society Arena

The day will include:

• Keynote from Beth Moulam on “Dreaming big, working hard and being resilient as an Assistive Technology user”
• Breakout topics include: Smartglasses as AT, Embedding AT and AI, Professionalising the role of the Assistive Technologist, AT and employment transition, Why cultural change is as important as technology, The impact of AT on user’s lives, plus many more
• Exhibition: get quality time with Assistive Technology suppliers
• Hot Topics discussions: learn from your peers, share your knowledge, make contacts

Full details at TechAbility Conference 2026


4.  Annual Meeting of CM Members

All current members of Communication Matters are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Members. The meeting will take place online via Teams at the start of our International Conference at the University of Leeds.

Date: Sunday 13 September 2026
Time: 1:00PM – 2:00PM

Members have been sent a link to the meeting by email, so please do check your junk folders if you haven’t seen this communication. If you have not received the email and would like to attend, please contact [email protected]

The 2026 Agenda, minutes of the 2025 meeting and the current financial statement are all available on the members portal. Please contact us if you have any difficulty accessing this.

If you are an AAC user and will already be at the University of Leeds, and would like to attend in person, please contact [email protected]


5.  CM Conference 2026

Around 450 delegates will be heading to 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). 
 
Bookings for CM2026 have now closed.

The programme features a keynote speech from Jeff Higginbotham on ‘Looking at AAC Through Time and Interaction’, and a plenary speech from Gavin Clifton, The Disabled Writer: Children’s author, inspirational speaker, disability advocate, lyricist.
 
Click here to view the full programme and plan your visit.


6.  Office Closure Notice

Following our annual conference, the Communication Matters office will be closed from Wednesday 16 September, with normal operations resuming on Monday 21 September.

As a result, there will be no Friday Announcements issued on 18 September.


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).

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.