1. Talking Mats Face to Face Foundation Training
2. Introducing Start the Chat: The AAC Podcast from Smartbox
3. Acquired Apraxia and Progressive Apraxia of Speech CPD Event
4. Specialist Speech & Language Therapist Vacancy
News from Communication Matters
5. CM Conference 2026 – Save the Date!
6. Research Matters: Roles in Research
7. About Friday Announcements
1. Talking Mats Face to Face Foundation Training
From Paula Douglas, Talking Mats Ltd:
One-day Foundation Training, delivered by Talking Mats Associate, Jess Lane.
In this interactive session you will watch and reflect on videos, get a chance to practise and reflect on your Talking Mats use, and think about how you will use Talking Mats creatively in your own practice.
Lunch and refreshments provided.
The Robertson Trust, 152 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4TB
Glasgow – Tuesday 10 February 2026 9.30am – 4.30pm
2. Introducing Start the Chat: The AAC Podcast from Smartbox
From Olivia Withington, Smartbox Assistive Technology Ltd:
Join Smartbox Speech and Language Therapists, Chris Gibbons, Melanie Gylling, and Alicia Alverson, as they explore the world of AAC – sharing stories, insights, and lived experiences from people who use AAC, their families, and the professionals who support them.
Each episode offers meaningful conversations about communication, connection, and inclusion. The podcast looks beyond Smartbox to focus on the bigger picture – exploring what matters most in the AAC community, demystifying complex subject matter, and sparking conversations that lead to greater understanding and belonging.
The first episode dives into AI, Voice and Identity with Deanna, an AAC user living with ALS/MND, and Richard Cave, an SLT at the MND Association. Through these conversations, our hosts reflect on how AI voices have transformed what is possible for AAC users and, in many cases, helped them reclaim their identity.
Available to listen to now on Spotify.
3. Acquired Apraxia and Progressive Apraxia of Speech CPD Event
From Ruth Rowntree, Speech Apraxia UK:
Speech Apraxia UK are holding an event for information, support and advocacy for individuals effected by speech apraxia.
This session explores how to distinguish acquired speech apraxia from other speech and language disorders. It will cover key diagnostic markers, assessment tools, and common differential diagnoses including aphasia, dysarthria, and developmental language disorder.
Featuring:
• Jon Hunt (Cuespeak) – Differential Diagnosis of Speech Apraxia
• Appas Saha (Bharati Vidyapeeth) – Treatment of Acquired Apraxia of Speech in India
• SpeakUnique – Voice Banking for Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech
• Rare Dementia Support – Support for Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech
The cost is free, but participants are asked to give a £1 minimum donation.
4. Specialist Speech & Language Therapist Vacancy
From Rachel Thwaite, ACE Centre:
Specialist Speech & Language Therapist – AAC & Neurorehabilitation
Band 6: £38,682 – £46,580 (pro rata)
Ace Centre and Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust are partnering to offer a unique, permanent, and full-time opportunity for a skilled and motivated Speech and Language Therapist, passionate about Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) and Neurorehabilitation.
This exciting dual role is split equally between two specialist services:
• Ace Centre – you will join their North office, Oldham, as an AAC Consultant working across the Northwest.
• Salford Hospital – you will join their Hyperacute and Acute Neurorehabilitation units as a Specialist SLT.
The successful candidate will split their week equally between the two specialist services, collaborate with highly experienced professionals, develop expertise in complementary areas, and make a real impact for patients with complex communication needs.
Why apply?
• Exposure to two leading services
• Opportunities for clinical excellence and skill development
• A role that truly enhances patient care
For further information and to apply, please visit NHS Jobs using this link
Closing date: 21 January 2026 – apply now to avoid missing out!
5. CM Conference 2026 – Save The Date!
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.
Submissions for papers for the conference will be opening soon. Further details will be shared once announced.
In the meantime, visit our website to learn more about plans for this year’s event.
6. Research Matters: Roles in Research
The next Research Matters online meeting will be on Wednesday 28 January 2026, 4-5pm.
We’ll be looking at ‘Roles in research’ and will share a video that the Research Matters group recorded.
AAC users will share their research experiences in different roles, and there will be an open discussion about getting involved and next steps. If you’ve been involved in research as a research participant, co-researcher, or part of an engagement/discussion group, please come along and share your experience.
Go to the Research Matters page of the CM website to receive an invitation to the meeting, to sign up for the Research Matters newsletter and to find out more about what we do.
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).
