Friday Announcements

1.  Smartbox Webinar: Creating AI features in Grid with Smart Prompt
From Olivia Withington, Smartbox:

Join our live webinar on Tuesday 28 April at 4PM (BST) for an introduction to Smart Prompt, an online Grid command that helps you build AI-powered communication tools. 

In this webinar, our head of User Experience, James Reichelt, will be joined by Brenda Del Monte, a US-based Speech and Language Therapist who specialises in AAC evaluation, training and facilitation. Together, they will discuss ideas and examples of how to use Smart Prompt in clinical settings to help you get started. Plus, you can find out more about our approach to responsibly implementing AI in a way that empowers users. 

Sign up for the webinar here.



2.  CALL Scotland ASL & Technology Conference 2026
From Claire Harrison, CALL Scotland:

On Wednesday 10 June CALL Scotland will be hosting our annual conference at Moray House, University of Edinburgh from 8:30AM-3:45PM. There will be the opportunity to speak directly to leading Assistive Technology suppliers and classroom practitioners as well as the opportunity to attend live workshops. 

Our booking system has now gone live and can be found here.  

If are unable to attend in person, we also have online options as an alternative; you can join us live online on the day or receive a recording to catch up at a time to suit you. 

If you have any queries about the Conference, please contact [email protected] 



3.  Specialist Speech & Language Therapist Vacancy – Treloar’s
From Sophie Milroy, Treloar’s:

Role:  Specialist Speech & Language Therapist – Term Time Only (Full Time or Part Time Considered)
Salary:  £37,921-£50,703 per annum (dependent on experience)
Closing Date:  Wednesday 20 May, 12:00PM

Treloar’s is a leading charity providing outstanding education, therapy and care to physically disabled children and young people, empowering them to live more independent and fulfilling lives. We are seeking an experienced Speech & Language Therapist to join our highly supportive, on-site SLT team, working across our inspiring School and College campus.

This role offers the opportunity to develop your skills supporting children and young people with physical and neurological disabilities, complex communication needs, and eating and drinking difficulties. You will manage a varied caseload appropriate to your experience and work closely within a well-established multi-disciplinary team alongside education, clinical and residential care colleagues.

We are looking for an HCPC-registered SLT with a minimum of three years’ post-qualification experience, a flexible and collaborative approach, and excellent organisational skills. Experience with AAC is essential, and a postgraduate dysphagia qualification is desirable.

Treloar’s offers term-time-only working, excellent CPD and supervision, wellbeing benefits, free parking, and a truly supportive working environment where your expertise is valued.

To find out more and apply, click here.  



4.  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.

Look out for an invitation heading to your inbox next week. Alternatively, please email [email protected] to receive the agenda and meeting link.



5.  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



6.  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!



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).