Which is the right communication aid for me?
The problem is that there is no ‘one size fits all’ communication aid solution.
Which is the right communication aid for me?
Without doubt, AT such as communication aids can be life-changing! The problem is that there is no ‘one size fits all’ communication aid solution. It’s vital that an assessment is carried out before a communication aid is chosen, and we’re not just saying that to drum up business for ourselves!
Ace Centre offers an interdisciplinary assessment which enables us to consider variables such as seating, mobility, access, motivation, individual preference, educational / workplace needs and cognitive levels. It’s essential to build up an accurate picture of a person’s abilities before trying to identify a suitable communication aid.
Our assessment services
It also makes sense to try out a communication aid before making a decision about purchase or provision. We have an extensive loan library of equipment that we can call upon. Sometimes the people that we assess need to trial more than one option before we all feel in a position to make a decision on the best way forward.
Communication aids can most definitely improve quality of life, but using AT to help fulfil potential is a lifelong journey that requires teamwork throughout. Very few people manage to get the most from AT in isolation: individuals, families and professionals all need to work together from the first step of identifying a need, through to the ongoing support of the long-term goals of the individual.
Once a communication aid has been purchased or provided, everyone involved with the individual – family, carers, teachers, therapists etc. – will need to know how to operate and support use of the communication aid. Here we can offer help through our training service. Not only do we give technical skills training in the operation of the communication aid, but, perhaps more importantly, we consider how to support and develop its effective use.
Skills and abilities change over time, and so too does technology! With this in mind, ongoing review of the suitability of a communication aid is essential.
Ace Centre Learning
"I like my new machine because it is easy to use and has a button that sounds like a car horn that’s fun to press when I want mum and dad to get me things."
Glyn
Resources to get started
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Getting Started with Modelling
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Listener Mediated Scanning Frequency Alphabet Chart Pack
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Listener Mediated Scanning ABC Chart Pack
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Communication Pack for Adults who Benefit from Symbol Support
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AAC Based Scientific Calculator
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A Guide to Writing an Effective AAC Policy in Education Settings
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Clues Book
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Echo
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The Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC
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Appraising an AAC Resource in a Language You Do Not Speak
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TextAloud
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Listen To Music
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Manicure
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Gardening
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Bingo
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Getting Started with Core Words
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Halloween pumpkin carving
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Identifying Vocabulary to personalise AAC
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Eid al-Adha Snap!
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Supporting Communication for People with Aphasia
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Getting Started with AAC and Literacy
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Egg Hunt
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DUCB Easter
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Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources
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Spring Book Collection
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Spring Writing
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Pancake Day
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Morse Learn
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High Frequency Words & Phrases with QWERTY alphabet for Pointing
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Pasco
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Snap!
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Christmas Snap!
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Baubles
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Build a Snowman
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Night Before Christmas Shared Reading
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EyeCommander
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Paper-based resources to support Communication for Adults with Progressive Conditions
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Access to paper-based symbol resources when pointing is difficult
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Designing and using alphabet charts
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Ace Centre E-Tran Frame
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ABC with core words
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QWERTY with core words
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QWERTY chart with useful words for a child
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Understanding the Features of Electronic Text Based AAC
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Frequency layout charts - for Listener Mediated Scanning
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ABC charts - for Listener Mediated Scanning
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High contrast ABC & Frequency layout charts - for Listener Mediated Scanning
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Alphabet Chart Pack - charts you point to
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Number encoded ABC you can point to
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Colour encoded ABC you can point to
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Coded ABC chart you can point to
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Number encoded - UPPER case - for eye pointing
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Colour encoded - UPPER case - for eye pointing
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Colour encoded - lower case - for eye pointing
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Readiness for AAC (Talking Mats)
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A5 Communication Book you can point to
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SpeakBook
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GridWiz
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Being a Communication Partner
Seasonal resources
Core Word Classroom - 5 Minute Filler
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Make your own switch adapted Christmas Tree lights
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Simon Says... Sing a Carol!
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Make your own Biscuit Christmas Tree
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Christmas Place Mat
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Elf on the Shelf
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High contrast ABC flip book - for Listener Mediated Scanning
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Alphabet flip chart
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abc and core vocabulary
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Abbreviation expansions - blank template
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Abbreviation expansions
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Frequency layout (fitaly) you can point to
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A4 Whole word and QWERTY book you can point to
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Pragmatic-based Auditory Scan chart
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Pragmatic-based Auditory scan book
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Sing Old McDonald 8 Intro to encoding
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Train play 20 coded access - chart to give code
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Train play 20 coded access
Alphabet Charts & Books
A4 Category Based Listener Mediated Scan Book
- Switch Assessment and Planning Framework
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Switch Assessment and Planning Framework
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Talk Together
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Large Pointers
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Encoded chart with ABC and numbers you can point to
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Combination access ABC
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High contrast (black on yellow) AEIOU
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Encoded coloured borders E-Tran
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AEIOU layout for row column Listener Mediated Scanning
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Colours
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Art
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Make Up
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Bath
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Kerplunk
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Simon Says
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Read Dear Zoo
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Reading
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Look at Photos
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Watch Peppa
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Chat about TV
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Sing Wheels on the Bus
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Sing Old MacDonald
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Mr Potato Head
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Dolly
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Bubbles
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Blocks
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Balloons
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Turn Taking
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Tea Time
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Doctor
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Dressing up
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Snakes and Ladders
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Train Play
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Making Software Inclusive
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Switch Access to Technology
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Core
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You-Matter Education Edition – Resource Pack
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You-Matter - Education Edition
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You Matter - Family Edition
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You-Matter Family Edition – Participant Pack
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Look2Talk
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DUCB - Developing and Using a Communication Book
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ABC with Symbols