Friday Announcements

1.  Important Update for Predictable Users
From Emily Gabrielle, Liberator Ltd:

Predictable 8 will be released soon, and there is an important change to be aware of before updating.

Once Predictable 8 is installed, all users will need to log back into their Predictable account. For many people this will be straightforward. However, for AAC users who rely on alternative access, logging in may not be possible without support, so planning ahead is essential.

Before updating, please make sure you have your login details ready. This includes your account email address and password. We recommend writing these down or saving a screenshot from your account settings so they are easy to find when needed. We advise you to have your details saved by 30.06.26 to be ready for the update.

If login details are not available, updating could prevent access to personalised vocabulary and settings. To avoid any disruption to communication, please do not update until you are prepared and have support in place if required.

This update brings exciting new features, and a little preparation will help ensure a smooth transition.

You can read full guidance and next steps in this blog.



2.  Introducing On-Device Version Control in Grid
From Olivia Withington, Smartbox:

Managing changes in Grid just got easier.

On-device version control allows you to restore deleted grid sets and revert to earlier versions directly on your device, with no need for cloud services or an internet connection. This feature has been shaped around real-world editing behaviours: experimenting, making incremental changes, collaborating with others, and sometimes changing your mind. By keeping recovery options close at hand and easy to understand, we aim to reduce anxiety and help you focus on communication, not file management. 

To access this feature, please make sure you’re updated to the latest version of Grid then go to Menu > Recover grid sets.  Available in Grid for iPad and Grid for Windows.

Go to our blog to watch our video tutorial and find out more about recovery options.   



3.  Using Makaton and Talking Mats Together: A Practical Introduction
From Natalie Applewhaite-Morgan, Makaton:

Date: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Time: 6.00PM – 7.00PM
Location: Online Zoom Webinar

Join The Makaton Charity and Talking Mats for a collaborative live webinar exploring how these two approaches can be used together as part of a Total Communication approach.

This session will showcase best practice in combining Makaton and Talking Mats to support people to understand, express themselves, and participate more fully in conversations and decision-making.

You’ll be introduced to the Talking Mats framework in a clear and accessible way, making this session suitable for both experienced Makaton users and those completely new to Talking Mats.

Members can find out more by clicking here.

Or sign up directly via the Zoom by clicking here.



4.  Online SLT & AAC Focus Group Invitation
From Amy Hanschell, University of Dundee:

Exploring Support for Adults with Acquired Communication Disability Using AAC

My name is Amy Hanschell, and I’m a Speech and Language Therapist currently undertaking a clinical academic fellowship at the University of Dundee. I am looking to recruit SLTs who work with adults with acquired communication disabilities to take part in a focus group. 

I am interested in the support that SLTs provide to adults with acquired communication disability after Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) provision. 

To explore and better understand our current scope of clinical actions, I am running online focus groups to discuss the clinical considerations, decision‑making, and knowledge that SLTs draw upon when supporting adults with acquired communication disability to use AAC effectively.

I am seeking SLTs from across the UK who:

• Have experience within the past 5 years of supporting adults with acquired communication disability to use AAC.
• Work in any setting (hospital, care setting, community or other)
• Represent a range of clinical experience, from newly qualified practitioners to experienced clinicians

Participation involves a 2‑hour online focus group, with discussion centred on your clinical practice and experiences.

If you would like further information or are considering taking part, please email me at:
[email protected]



5. Mentoring Project Summer Online Sessions
From Verity Elliot, Mentoring Project:

Save the date of the next online meetings, discussing topics to support in-person conversations, advocating for yourself and mentoring others.

Having a Good Conversation
Tuesday 14 July, 10:30AM – 12:00PM (Microsoft Teams)
This workshop will focus on how to be a good communicator and to be more aware of how we engage with others. We will share ‘tips and tricks’ along with understanding what helps us and what we need when having a good conversation.

This session is free to attend for any AAC users, practitioners, parents and carers.
Register your place here.

Level 1 Award in Mentoring Qualification
Thursday 6 August, 4:00PM – 5:30PM (Microsoft Teams)
Come along to this introduction to the Level 1 Award in Mentoring (NCFE) – our very popular qualification for AAC users. You can see the resources and have a go at an activity. All the support, guidance and resources for the qualification are fully funded by the National Lottery. This session is free to attend for any AAC users, practitioners, parents and carers.

Register your place here.

For any questions or for more information on the Summer Sessions, contact Verity Elliott at [email protected]



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.

Don’t miss this great deal – Book your place now!


7.  Communication Matters AAC Study Day – Book Your Place

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


8.  Relaxed Exhibition 2026

Date: Sunday 13 September
Time: 2:30PM – 5:00PM
Location: The Refectory, University of Leeds

The Relaxed Exhibition is a free, pre-conference event for people interested in learning more about Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in a quieter environment. With restricted numbers of exhibition delegates on Sunday 13 September, we aim to provide a more sensory-considerate space. The exhibitors will be the UK’s leading suppliers of communication aids, equipment, software and symbol systems.

This event is free of charge for all attendees and refreshments will be provided. Places are limited, so please book early to ensure you can enjoy learning more about AAC in a quieter, calmer pace.

We would also encourage you to spread the word about this event, as it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience a bit of Communication Matters in a more accessible setting. As well as offering a quieter, less busy environment, it’s a great way to introduce AAC and the exhibition to those who may benefit from a calmer pace.

To learn more, click here.



9.  Call for Book Draw Donations

Are you the author of a recently published (or about to be published) book that addresses any aspect of AAC, either fiction or non-fiction? Would you like to have an image and description of your book included in the CM2026 Conference Programme?

Why not donate a copy to the CM2026 Book Draw! Delegates will have the opportunity to sign up for the Book Draw, which will be held during the International AAC Conference at the University of Leeds on 13-15 September.

If you are interested, please email [email protected]


10.  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.