Friday Announcements

1.  What’s New from Tobii Dynavox – Q3 in 60 Seconds
From John Liddle, Tobii Dynavox:

Catch up on the latest updates from Tobii Dynavox in moments! Our new ‘What’s New for Q3’ video gives you a quick round-up in just one minute.

Updates include the latest TD Snap 1.41 release and Tobii Dynavox joining the ElevenLabs Impact Program.

Watch the 60-second update on YouTube here: What’s New from Tobii Dynavox Q3 2026 in just 60 seconds

2.  Coming to a City Near You: Smartbox Roadshows 
From Graeme Innes, Head of UK & Ireland Sales at Smartbox:

In 2027, we will be bringing the Smartbox Roadshow to four cities across the UK and Ireland, hosting our own two-day event in each location.

The first day of each event will be an Access Day, offering one-to-one appointments with a Smartbox AT Specialist where you will have the opportunity to explore communication and access options, try equipment, and discuss potential funding routes in a supportive environment. Access Days may benefit existing and potential AAC users looking for expert guidance on the most suitable solutions for their needs.

Day two is a Professional Discovery Day, designed to help experienced AAC professionals enhance their knowledge of Smartbox solutions, deepen understanding of clinical applications, and build confidence using Grid. Through a combination of presentations, workshops, and hands-on activities, attendees will gain practical insights that can be applied in their everyday work supporting communication needs.

Dublin, 2-3 February, Crowne Plaza Dublin – Blanchardstown
London, 9-10 February, 1 America Square – Cavendish Venues
Newcastle, 23-24 February, Holiday Inn Newcastle – Jesmond
Birmingham, 2-3 March, The Eastside Rooms

Find out more and register your place today!

Access Days – Smartbox UKIE
Professional Discovery Days – Smartbox UKIE

3.  Assistive Tech Exchange with ATtherapy
From Tiffany Williams, AT Therapy:

Join us on Tuesday 24 November, 1.00PM – 4.00PM, online via Microsoft Teams, for our final ATtech Exchange meeting of 2026!

We have a fantastic line-up of speakers joining us:

• Will Wade: Brain-Computer Interfaces and the Future of AAC
• Kath Broomfield: Softly Non-Spoken: Exploring the Potential of Soft Robotics to Support Non-Verbal Communication
• Bob Sagoo: Assistive Switch Access for AAC Devices

There will also be opportunities to connect, share knowledge, exchange ideas and explore the latest developments in assistive technology.

The ATtech Exchange is open to anyone with an interest in assistive technology, whatever your role or background. We’d love to welcome you!

Register for your free place here: ATtech Exchange with ATtherapy

We look forward to seeing you there!

4.  Let’s Chat! ISAAC Informal Chats
From Marcia Gemler, ISAAC:

Please join us for the next AAC online chat! Join host Dr. Lateef McLeod for a fun casual get together.  Chat questions are in the description below.

Date: Monday 16 November
Time: 7.00PM – 8.00PM (UK Time) 

In many countries, November is a time to remember those who served and sacrificed so that we could enjoy the freedoms we have today. 

• Who is someone in your life that you are especially grateful for, and why? 
• What is the most ridiculous thing you’re secretly grateful for?
• If you could give a “Thank You for Helping Me Survive This Year” award, who or what would win?

Informal chats are hosted by the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (aka ISAAC).  Connect, communicate and share what you think. You do not have to be an ISAAC member to participate in the chats.  

Chats are moderated by members of LEAD, ISAAC’s leadership committee for people who use AAC. Chat questions are posted at least one week before the chat, giving participants the opportunity to pre-program their devices with responses if they want. They are a fun opportunity to interact with other AAC communicators internationally.

If you would like to receive email alerts for future chats, be sure to add your email address in the Google Meet group chat or email us at:  [email protected]

More information including dates and questions can be found here.

5.  I-ASC Explanatory Model of AAC Decision Making Workshop
From Katy Latham, Manchester Metropolitan University:

Join us for an interactive workshop exploring the updated Appropriate Symbol Communication for Augmentative and Alternative Communication ASC for AAC website.

Date: Wednesday 16 December
Time: 1.00PM – 5.00PM
Location: Multi-Functional Hall, Brooks Building, Manchester Metropolitan University

The workshop will feature guest speakers including Beth Moulam, Liz Moulam, Helen Whittle, Janice Murray, Yvonne Lynch and some of the team who co-developed the updated resources. There will be an opportunity to hear more about the research underpinning the I-ASC framework, discuss the influence of policy on AAC decision making, and co-production in research. Participants will take part in practice-based learning activities to develop their confidence in using the I-ASC tools and materials.

This event is suitable for AAC users, family members, communication partners, health and education professionals, and industry partners. The workshop is also suitable for those with all levels of knowledge and experience.

Please register your attendance via Eventbrite: Exploring ASC for AAC – Eventbrite

If you have any general queries or questions regarding accessibility of the venue/resources – please email [email protected].

6.  Spoken Releases AAC App Update
From Evan Lauer, Spoken Inc:

Version 1.9.7 of Spoken – Tap to Talk AAC just released on Android and iOS.

The update includes:

• Better Word Predictions: Improved predictive text offers more useful suggestions, including more relevant predictions when using one of the app’s location-based contexts, like eating or shopping.
• iPhone Duo Support: Spoken is now optimized for Apple’s new folding iPhone, including a tablet-style experience when unfolded.
• New Voice: Clover is the latest addition to Spoken’s voice library, adding another youthful-sounding option to the mix.
• New Attention Sound: Spoken’s attention sounds were originally inspired by the simple act of clearing your throat. That idea has been taken a bit more literally with the newest option, “Ahem.”
• ElevenLabs Updates: Added support for the newest ElevenLabs models, along with improvements to the account linking experience.

For more details, you can read about the update on the Spoken blog.

7.  Communication Access UK Relaunch

Communication Matters has relaunched Communication Access UK, ushering in a new chapter for the initiative after 10 years under the stewardship of RCSLT, and bringing free online communication skills training to anyone who may meet people with communication difficulties in their daily lives.

One in five people in the UK will experience communication difficulties at some point in their lives, and for many, everyday tasks can be challenging. Communication Access UK is designed to help people approach inclusive conversations with confidence.

Communication Access UK offers businesses and organisations across the UK the opportunity to undertake training in accessible face-to-face, telephone and online customer service. Participants can earn the right to display the Communication Access Symbol, demonstrating their commitment to meeting the communication needs of all customers.

Individuals can also complete the training independently, learning more about communication difficulties, the barriers people may experience, and the practical steps they can take to communicate more inclusively. The online training is divided into four modules and can be completed in stages or in one sitting.

This practical online training can make a significant difference to the way people interact with those who have communication difficulties. Rather than feeling nervous or unsure, participants gain the confidence and skills to communicate effectively and listen actively.

For people with communication difficulties, seeing the Communication Access Symbol provides reassurance that staff within the organisation are ready to listen, understand and communicate with them.

To find out more, visit: Relaunching Communication Access UK

8.  Help Us Showcase AAC SIGs and CENs

Communication Matters is creating a directory of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Clinical Excellence Networks (CENs) to help raise awareness, strengthen connections, and improve access to information across the AAC community.

If you’re involved in a SIG or CEN that focuses on AAC or related areas, we’d love to hear from you. Your group’s information will be featured on the Communication Matters website, making it easier for people to find and connect with relevant communities, networks, and expertise.

Interested in being included? Please complete this short form and tell us about your SIG or CEN. It only takes a few minutes and will help us build a valuable resource for the AAC community.

9.  CM Small Grants Applications are Now Open

Communication Matters is pleased to announce our Small Grants fund is now open for applications.

Our members can apply for up to £500 towards community-focused projects that align with Communication Matters’ vision to:

• increase awareness of AAC
• improve AAC service standards
• advance AAC research
• empower AAC users.

Read details of how to apply and criteria for successful applications on our website: www.communicationmatters.org.uk/small-grants

Once the fund is allocated, no further applications will be accepted.

10.  CM Journal – Call for Articles

The CM Journal is a valuable platform for sharing your work, research, experiences, and insights with the wider AAC community. We welcome article submissions from anyone with a connection to AAC, provided the content is relevant to the field.

We particularly encourage contributions from AAC users and their parents, families, and supporters. Wherever possible, we enhance articles with photographs, tables, graphs, symbols, and other visual elements to make content engaging and accessible.

For further information about the journal, submission guidelines, and previous issues, please visit the CM Journal page.

Articles can be submitted by emailing [email protected]

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).

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.