As 2024 concludes, Ace Centre reflects on a year marked by significant strides in promoting and expanding the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The year also saw a change in leadership, with Bob Birchall taking the helm as CEO, ushering in a new era for the organisation while upholding its unwavering commitment to supporting individuals with communication challenges.
Key highlights from the year include:
- Empowering Educators: Recognising the vital role educators play in supporting AAC users, Ace Centre colleagues May Ebbage-Taylor and Katy Leckenby authored the book “AAC and Aided Language In The Classroom“. This accessible guide seeks to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge, strategies, and resources to effectively integrate AAC into their classrooms and foster inclusive learning environments for all students. Click here to learn more.
- Fostering Partnerships and Expanding Resources: Ace Centre continued to collaborate with key organisations in the field of AAC, including Talking Mats. This partnership led to the development of the “Supporting Communication with AAC” resource and an accompanying AAC Advanced training module, aimed at enhancing communication for AAC users through the Talking Mats framework. Click here to learn more.
- Elevating Accessibility and User Experience: Ace Centre prioritised making its resources more accessible and user-friendly. The introduction of new features to the customisable symbol charts released in 2023 empowers users to tailor chart layouts to include eye and hand pointing as well as PCS High Contrast symbols. Helping to meet a wider range of physical and access needs, ensuring that these essential communication tools are optimised for a diverse population of learners. Click here to learn more.
- Sharing Knowledge and Expertise: Ace Centre’s dedication to knowledge sharing extended beyond the UK, reaching Cyprus with a specialised AAC training seminar presented by AAC Consultants Natasha Kay and Lizzie Sadiku. The seminar focused on AAC and Autism, providing valuable insights and practical strategies to Speech and Language therapists working with autistic clients. Click here to learn more.
- Embracing Innovation in AAC Technology: Ace Centre launched Echo, a next-generation auditory scanning app built upon the foundation of Pasco. Designed for individuals with visual impairments, Echo offers a reliable platform with multiple access methods, including switches, swipe gestures, game controllers, and arrow keys, ensuring that AAC remains accessible to a wider range of users. Click here to learn more. Click here to learn more.
- Improving the Future for AAC Users in Education Settings: Ace Centre released a comprehensive guide, “A Guide to Writing an Effective AAC Policy in Education Settings,” to support educational institutions in developing tailored AAC policies. This resource underscores Ace Centre’s commitment to advocating for systemic change and ensuring that AAC users have equitable access to communication support within educational settings. Click here to learn more.
Moving into 2025, Ace Centre will continue its work to empower individuals through AAC and AT. The organisation is excited to explore new ways to expand its reach and impact, potentially through the development of new resources and tools, expanded training and education opportunities, and advocacy for policies that promote communication inclusion. The entire team at Ace Centre wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
