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Learn about what Augmentative and Alternative Communication is and all the different forms it can take. See real example of people using AAC and understand how you can support someone.
<h3>Course aim:</h3>
To raise your awareness of different forms of AAC, how they maybe physically accessed and how you can provide support.
<h3>You will learn:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Who might benefit from AAC</li>
<li>To name different types of AAC, and understand when each type may be used</li>
<li>To name different ways of accessing electronic AAC</li>
<li>How to provide some basic support to someone who uses AAC</li>
</ul>
<h3>Course includes:</h3>
Online learning activities and resources.
<h3>Suitable for:</h3>
Anyone working with people who use AAC.
<h3>Special requirements:</h3>
Log in to Ace Centre Learning
Cost: £30

On-demand course

Our courses focus on the use of Assistive Technology to enable independence, access to education, learning and leisure activities, and communication.

Online

Exploring Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) that supports face-to-face communication.

Communication

What is AAC?

Learn about who might use Augmentative and Alternative Communication and how you can begin to identify someone who may benefit from AAC.
<h3>Course aim:</h3>
To raise your awareness of Speech, Language and Communication difficulties and how different people may benefit from AAC in different ways.
<h3>You will learn:</h3>
<ul>
<li>To describe different types of communication needs and recognise how AAC can be of benefit</li>
<li>To identify skills required to use different AAC solutions</li>
<li>To reflect on an individual&#8217;s learning requirements for AAC</li>
<li>To identify where and who to go to for support</li>
</ul>
<h3>Course includes:</h3>
Online learning activities and resources.
<h3>Suitable for:</h3>
Anyone working with people who use AAC.
<h3>IPAACKS competencies:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Level 1 : Identifying need</li>
<li>Level 1 : AAC Assessment</li>
</ul>
<h3>Special requirements:</h3>
Log in to Ace Centre Learning
Cost: £30

Who Needs AAC?

Learn about when to start with AAC and important approaches to take when you are getting started. Build your confidence to have a go and get answers to some of the common questions people have about AAC.
<h3>Course aim:</h3>
To introduce the concept of the ‘least dangerous’ assumption and consider some common misconceptions in the field of AAC. This course will also suggest practical ways of getting started with AAC and signpost to further resources to help you.
<h3>You will learn:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Define what is meant by the term &#8216;the least dangerous assumption&#8217;</li>
<li>Recognise how certain assumptions may impact on your interactions with individuals with communication difficulties</li>
<li>Clarify common misconceptions about introducing AAC</li>
<li>Be aware of tools and resources to support you in getting started with AAC</li>
</ul>
<h3>Course includes:</h3>
Online learning activities and resources.
<h3>Suitable for:</h3>
Anyone working with people who use AAC.
<h3>IPAACKS competencies:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Level 1 : Implementation</li>
</ul>
<h3>Special requirements:</h3>
Log in to Ace Centre Learning
Cost: £30

When to Start with AAC?

Reflect on your personal interaction style and develop communication partner skills to support communication for people with aphasia. You will have access to online activities to work through independently.
Course aim:
This course provides an introduction to supporting people with aphasia and identifies resources and strategies that be used.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>To understand why communication may be more difficult for someone with aphasia.</li>
<li>To know when someone with aphasia need support with their communication.</li>
<li>To describe different communication partner skills that can be used to support someone with aphasia.</li>
<li>To give examples of different resources that can be used by someone with aphasia</li>
</ul>
Course includes:
Free access to online learning activities.
Suitable for:
Individuals who are supporting someone who has aphasia and want to learn more about how to do this effectively. Suitable for families and professionals new to aphasia
IPAACKS competencies:
<ul>
<li>Recognise when someone has communication support needs</li>
<li>Aware of the time and effort involved in learning to communicate using AAC</li>
<li>Aware of different modes of communication , and how these may be used in conjunction with AAC</li>
<li>Aware of how to communicate with people who use AAC</li>
<li>Act as a positive role model for others in their interaction with people who use AAC</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
Log in to Ace Centre Learning
Cost: £30

An introduction to supporting people with aphasia. This self-directed online course provides tips and strategies that you can do to communicate effectively with someone with aphasia.

Supporting Communication for People with Aphasia

<h3>Understanding The Benefits of Assistive Technology 
</h3>
This course has been developed through collaboration between University of Dundee, TechAbility &amp; Ace Centre.
This course guides you through the fundamentals of assistive technology in the first two of six easy lessons. The four remaining modules will be added later in the year. When this content becomes available, we will notify current enrolees. If you find your 30 day enrolment ends before you have had time to complete the full course, you can simply enrol again for free.
Course aim: 
Understand how technology can enable people with a range of physical, learning and sensory needs. Familiarise yourself with how various technologies can be adapted to meet individual needs. This self-directed online course will demonstrate solutions which organisations already own but may not be using. The course will also help you identify when to gather more information and to refer individuals on for further assessment and provision.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>To utilise some of the accessibility options on computers, tablets and phones to meet an individual’s abilities and needs</li>
<li>To identify when these settings are not sufficient for physical access need and alternative options to put in place.</li>
<li>Which needs can be met by technology already used, or which can be easily sourced</li>
</ul>
Suitable for: 
Practitioners who support learners who would benefit from adaptations to their current technology. These learners may have physical, sensory and learning needs, or simply require some support with their productivity.
This course will enable you to work towards the following Assistive Technology (AT) competencies:
<ul>
<li>Implementation</li>
<li>Aware of the fundamental skills required in order to use an AT solution</li>
<li>Knowledge of how to adapt AT solutions to meet the changing needs and abilities of an individual</li>
<li>Able to make adaptations to an existing AT system as required, and where possible, to meet changing needs and abilities</li>
</ul>
Course includes: 
One month enrolment to online learning with instructional videos and activities to introduce you to the benefits of assistive technology
Special requirements: 
The technology you use in your setting should be sufficient. This can be Windows desktop or laptop, Apple desktop or laptop, iPad, iPhone, Android tablet or phone.
Cost:  FREE

Exploring ways to support written communication and learning.

Education

Understanding The Benefits of AT – Taster Course

This online webinar will give you introduction to Computer Aided Design in Assistive Technology, CAD in AT. CAD software to develop assistive technologies is more accessible than ever with competitive pricing and feature-packed software able to run on mainstream computers.
Course aim:
We’ll review how CAD software tools can be used in AT development and how you can take advantage of some of the key benefits. Different approaches to CAD will be reviewed and we’ll explain how to use these tools, for example to be able to access local manufacturing such as 3D printing.
You’ll see how easy it is to get started and how our CAD in AT series of courses can help build your knowledge.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>An introduction to CAD and what it is</li>
<li>Benefits as they relate to assistive technology development</li>
<li>An overview of current software packages</li>
<li>2D or 3D CAD?</li>
<li>Understanding the differences between parametric and surface 3D modelling</li>
<li>Differences between types of CAD software</li>
<li>Using built-in and cloud file management approaches to manage design output</li>
<li>Managing design changes and version control.</li>
</ul>
Course includes:
A pre-recorded webinar supported by online materials and resources for follow up.
Suitable for:
Anyone who works in assistive technology who would like to understand how CAD can benefit their organisation and how to develop future learning. (Unlimited numbers)
IPAACKS competencies:
Management of Resources
<ul>
<li>Aware of legal and policy frameworks in reference to correct and safe use of AAC equipment (e.g. Medical Device Directives, Risk Assessments etc.)</li>
<li>Knowledge of how to create resources to support the safe use of AAC technology</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
Log in to Ace Centre Learning.
Cost: Free
Time:
Available from 1st April 2022

This online webinar will give you introduction to Computer Aided Design in Assistive Technology, CAD in AT. CAD software to develop assistive technologies is more accessible than ever with competitive pricing and feature-packed software able to run on mainstream computers.

Engineering

CAD in AT: Introduction

Learn about using voice as a method to control computers and electronic devices. This online course will consider the range of equipment available and the vocal, cognitive and visual skills that are required to use it reliably. This is a self-directed online study course. You can work through the activities in your own time, and it will be available for 3 months.
Course aim:
To summarise different ways that voice can be used to provide control of computers and electronic devices for typing and environmental controls. You will be introduced to the range of solutions available and how they can be used.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The latest technology available for using speech to control devices</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">A brief overview of the skills required to use voice efficiently</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">What speech can and can&#8217;t do across the most popular devices</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">How to use voice-controlled devices if you use augmentative &amp; alternative communication (AAC)</li>
</ul>
Course includes:
Interactive online activities, videos and signposting to further information.
Suitable for:
Anyone wanting to learn more about alternative access methods that may enable independent control of activities for people with physical disabilities. This online course will enable you to work towards the following:
IPAACKS competencies:
Identifying Needs
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Aware of the role that technology can play in supporting education and participation</li>
</ul>
Implementation
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Knowledge of a range of different access methods</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AT</li>
</ul>
Facilitating Learning
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Aware of what AT is and that it can help people who have access and learning support needs</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
You will be required to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari.
Cost: £30

Exploring access and control of technology using adaptations to standard equipment.

Access

Access Methods – Voice

Discover more about mouse control as an access method. This course will introduce solutions that can improve accuracy and control when using a mouse. This is a self-directed online study course. You can work through the activities in your own time and it will be available for 3 months.
Course aim:
To introduce Mouse control as an access method and adaptations that can enable the user to improve their control.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>What skills are needed for mouse use</li>
<li>Adaptations that can help to improve mouse skills</li>
<li>Hardware and software solutions that help with some difficulties using the mouse</li>
<li>To recognise mouse alternatives that are available</li>
</ul>
Course includes:
Interactive online activities, videos and signposting to further information.
Suitable for:
Anyone wanting to learn more about adaptations that can be made to mouse control to make it easier to use for people with physical difficulties. This online course will enable you to work towards the following:
IPAACKS competencies:
Identifying Needs
<ul>
<li>Aware of the role that technology can play in supporting education and participation</li>
</ul>
Implementation
<ul>
<li>Knowledge of a range of different access methods</li>
<li>Aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AT</li>
</ul>
Facilitating Learning
<ul>
<li>Aware of what AT is and that it can help people who have access and learning support needs</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
You will be required to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari.
Cost: £30

Access Methods – Mouse

Learn about switch control as an access method. This course will introduce you to the different types of switches available and how these can be used to independently control a range of activities. This is a self-directed online study course. You can work through the activities in your own time, and it will be available for 3 months.
Course aim:
To introduce switch control as an access method and consider what and how it can be used.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>To recognise a switch and what it can be used for</li>
<li>To identify different types of switches</li>
<li>To recognise different ways that switches can be used and activities they can control</li>
<li>The skills required to use a switch and how to teach them</li>
</ul>
Course includes:
Interactive online activities, videos and signposting to further information.
Suitable for:
Anyone wanting to learn more about alternative access methods that may enable independent control of activities for people with physical disabilities. This online course will enable you to work towards the following:
IPAACKS competencies:
Identifying Needs
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Aware of the role that technology can play in supporting education and participation</li>
</ul>
Implementation
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Knowledge of a range of different access methods</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AT</li>
</ul>
Facilitating Learning
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Aware of what AT is and that it can help people who have access and learning support needs</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
You will be required to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari.
Cost: £30

Access Methods – Switch

An introduction to using eyegaze as an access method. This course will introduce you to the types of eye tracking technology available and the skills required to use eyegaze as a control method. This is a self-directed online study course. You can work through the activities in your own time, and it will be available for 3 months.
Course aim:
To introduce switch control as an access method and consider what and how it can be used.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>Why eye tracking technology has become so popular in the past decade</li>
<li>A brief overview of the skills required to use eye gaze efficiently</li>
<li>The types of eye tracking technology that is currently available and the features of this tech</li>
<li>Examples of considerations you might want to make when seeing if eye tracking technology will work for you or someone you know</li>
<li>How we can develop our eye gaze skills to make the most out of eye tracking</li>
</ul>
Course includes:
Interactive online activities, videos and signposting to further information.
Suitable for:
Anyone wanting to learn more about alternative access methods that may enable independent control of activities for people with physical disabilities. This online course will enable you to work towards the following:
IPAACKS competencies:
Identifying Needs
<ul>
<li>Aware of the role that technology can play in supporting education and participation</li>
</ul>
Implementation
<ul>
<li>Knowledge of a range of different access methods</li>
<li>Aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AT</li>
</ul>
Facilitating Learning
<ul>
<li>Aware of what AT is and that it can help people who have access and learning support needs</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
You will be required to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari.
Cost: £30

Access Methods – Eyegaze

Discover more about touch control as an access method. This course will introduce solutions that can improve accuracy and control when using a touchscreen. This is a self-directed online study course. You can work through the activities in your own time, and it will be available for 3 months.
Course aim:
To introduce Touch as an access method and adaptations that can enable the user to improve their control.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>How touch as an access method fits in with other approaches used by people with disabilities</li>
<li>To recognise the different skills needed for touch, and how you can improve them</li>
<li>To identify useful equipment that can support people with disabilities to access touch computers</li>
<li>To name free features that are built in to devices that make it easier to use touch to interact</li>
</ul>
Course includes:
Interactive online activities, videos and signposting to further information.
Suitable for: Anyone wanting to learn more about adaptations that can be made to touch control to make it easier to use for people with physical difficulties. This online course will enable you to work towards the following:
IPAACKS competencies:
Identifying Needs
<ul>
<li>Aware of the role that technology can play in supporting education and participation</li>
</ul>
Implementation
<ul>
<li>Knowledge of a range of different access methods</li>
<li>Aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AT</li>
</ul>
Facilitating Learning
<ul>
<li>Aware of what AT is and that it can help people who have access and learning support needs</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
You will be required to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari.
Cost: £30

Access Methods – Touch

Reflect on your personal interaction style and develop communication partner skills to support people using aided language and symbols to communicate. You will have access to online activities to work through independently.
Course aim:
To raise your awareness of the fundamental skills required when interacting with a person who uses AAC
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>To describe typical characteristics of AAC interactions</li>
<li>To identify 4 things that you can do to support an interaction with an AAC user</li>
<li>To use point talking with a communication chart to interact with an AAC user</li>
</ul>
Course includes:
Free access to online learning activities.
Suitable for:
Anyone working with people who use AAC. This course will enable you to work towards the following:
IPAACKS competencies:
<ul>
<li>AAC Leadership</li>
<li>Aware of how to communicate with people who use AAC</li>
<li>Act as a positive role model for others in their interaction with people who use AAC</li>
<li>Facilitating AAC Learning</li>
<li>Able to model positive interaction in relation to communicating with someone who uses AAC</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
Log in to Ace Centre Learning
Cost: FREE

Communication Partners

Splash! is a unique Maths and Shapes software programme. It has been designed to support pupils who have difficulties with access and are unable to manipulate tools for measurement and drawing. It contains activities and worksheets that cover: number, geometry and shapes, measurement and graphs. Splash! can be controlled using a mouse and/or keyboard and has features that support pupils with low vision.
This course provides videos and guidance for support staff to learn how to use the software. Splash! is available for purchase or as a 30 day trial from <a href="http://www.splash-city.com/">http://www.splash-city.com/</a>

Course aim:
Learn how to use Splash! software. Splash! is an accessible Maths software program that enables students to manipulate shape and measurement tools and record their maths activities using alternative access methods.
You will learn:
To setup a new user in Splash! with appropriate accessibility options to meet individual requirements 
To use the tools in Splash! and create number, geometry, shapes, measures and graphs activities for a student.
Suitable for:
Staff supporting pupils to access the Maths curriculum. This course will enable you to work towards the following:
Assistive Technology (AT) competencies:
Technology: Preparation, Adaptation &amp; Integration
Knowledge of how to create learning activities using appropriate software packages
Course includes:
8 Months access to online learning with instructional videos, handouts and activities to enable you to learn about the software.
Special requirements:
You will need access to Splash! software.
Cost: £30

Splash!

<h1>Postponed until April 2023. New dates outlined below: &#8211;</h1>
This enhanced level learning module is accredited through the University of Dundee – 30 credits (SCQF). It can be combined with an additional 30 credits from one of two further modules (The Access Unit or the AAC Unit) to gain the PGCert Specialist Assistive Technology. It is also possible to progress on to the <a href="https://www.dundee.ac.uk/postgraduate/educational-assistive-technology">MSc in Educational Assistive Technology</a>.
<div class="topics-extended-section-header-title">
<h2 class="sectionname topics-extended-section-header-title-text">Learning Outcomes</h2>
</div>
<div class="topics-extended-section-summary ">
The Assistive Technology Unit will support you to:
<ul>
<li>demonstrate an understanding of AT assessment models and how they relate to practise in the workplace</li>
<li>critically analyse key principles of assessment for Assistive Technology</li>
<li>identify parameters in the decision-making process when finding AT solutions for people</li>
<li>be aware of solutions and ways to access further information to maintain professional development and develop critical thinking and evaluation skills</li>
<li>analyse the cyclical process of Assistive Technology and measure the impact it has</li>
<li>critically evaluate issues around the use of Assistive Technology to support communication and learning</li>
<li>utilise theory for understanding good practise in the field of Assistive Technology to support communication and learning</li>
</ul>
It will also enable you to develop and apply problem-solving, communication, team-working, time management, self assessment and independent study skills.
</div>
<div class="topics-extended-section-header-title">
<h2 class="sectionname topics-extended-section-header-title-text">The Accreditation Process</h2>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1661869632571_55" class="topics-extended-section-summary ">
<div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1661869632571_54" class="no-overflow">
The Assistive Technology Unit is 100% course work. There are no written exams.
The Learning Outcomes outlined above will be assessed by: &#8211;
60% &#8211; essay based on the critical analysis of an Assistive Technology assessment &amp; recommendations
40% &#8211; digital presentation of training/support materials to enable the implementation of identified Assistive Technology recommendations for an individual
Ongoing feedback will be available through online tutorial sessions as well as reporting back on tasks completed during online lectures. This support will be provided by Ace Centre clinicians, University of Dundee academic staff and guest speakers as appropriate.
</div>
<h2>Session Times</h2>
The Assistive Technology Unit provides a combination of teacher supported and self directed learning experiences.
This unit consists of 15 2-hour online sessions led by members of our Ace Centre clinical team. These sessions will be Thursday afternoons 3:00-5:00pm on the following dates: &#8211;
<ul>
<li>20th April 2023</li>
<li>27th April 2023</li>
<li>4th May 2023</li>
<li>11th May 2023</li>
<li>18th May 2023</li>
<li>25th May 2023</li>
<li>1st June 2023</li>
<li>8th June 2023</li>
<li>15th June 2023</li>
<li>22nd June 2023</li>
<li>29th June 2023</li>
<li>6th July 2023</li>
<li>13th July 2023</li>
<li>20th July 2023</li>
<li>27th July 2023</li>
</ul>
There will be 2 additional Face-to-Face Workshops (at the Ace Centre, North Office), as follows: &#8211;
</div>
<ul>
<li>Thursday 25th may 2023</li>
<li>Thursday 13th July 2023</li>
</ul>
These will run 9:30-1:30pm. The Workshops are optional, but will provide valuable opportunities for hands-on exploration of equipment &amp; resources.
<div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1661869632571_55" class="topics-extended-section-summary ">
Additional online learning content will be available through the University&#8217;s online learning platform. Course participants will need to allocate time for their own self-directed learning over and above the online taught sessions.
1:1 tutorials can be booked with the course tutors on Thursday mornings.
Through registration, learners will become an Associate Student of the University of Dundee. This provides access to the University of Dundee online learning platform, library and other student services.
<h2>University of Dundee</h2>
In order to enrol you on the course we will share your details with The University of Dundee, who will in turn contact you regarding the course. <a href="https://www.dundee.ac.uk/corporate-information/data-protection-policy">You can view their privacy policy here.</a>
</div>
You must reply to any email we send asking for more details in order for us to enrol you on the course.
<div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1661869632571_55" class="topics-extended-section-summary ">
Cost: £1500
</div>

Runs on specific date

This accredited unit aims to support professionals who specialise in Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology for Complex Communication, Physical & Learning Needs

Developing Level (Teacher-supported online study)
<h3>Course aims:</h3>
Introducing Ace Centre&#8217;s award winning Look2Talk resource (L2T), exploring who a colour-encoded eye pointing communication book would be suitable for.
This course is provided through 2 online webinars. It provides an introduction to the Look2Talk resource, and how you might begin to implement this with people who communicate by eye pointing. It will provide information for parents and professionals who need to make and use a communication book for people who communicate using their eyes alone.
<h3>You will learn:</h3>
<ul>
<li>To understand the principles, organisation, and progression within Look2Talk.</li>
<li>State which level of Look2Talk would be suitable for an individual and why.</li>
<li>Consider appropriate vocabulary selection for an individual.</li>
<li>Identify important communication partner skills to support the learner.</li>
<li>Manipulate Look2Talk templates in chosen communication software to create a communication book</li>
</ul>
<h3>Suitable for:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Parents and practitioners who work with people who use AAC and are responsible for developing communication resources.</li>
</ul>
<h3>IPAACKS Competencies:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Level 2: Implementation
<ul>
<li>Awareness of the eye pointing access method</li>
<li>Awareness of individual vocabulary needs based on language level, age, culture etc., as well as environmental and participation demands</li>
<li>Able to select and expand vocabulary appropriate to the person using AAC, with guidance as appropriate</li>
<li>Awareness of the communication partner skills and learner</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Level 3: Knowledge of how to develop resource, using evidence base to inform activity</li>
</ul>
<h3>Course includes:</h3>
3 months access to online materials, 2 live webinars and free trial of Boardmaker 7/ InPrint3
<ul>
<li>Session 1: 16th January 2024 (13:30-16:30 UTC): Provides a comprehensive overview of the rationale for the Look2Talk resource. It explores the principles of eye pointing as a means of access to communication and supports the decision-making process for vocabulary/message selection. This session will also provide guidance for developing the functional use of Look2Talk.</li>
<li>Session 2: 23rd January 2024 (13:30-16:30 UTC): This session provides participants the opportunity to create a personalised Look2Talk resource using commonly used symbol software.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Special requirements:</h3>
<ul>
<li>A Windows computer to install and trial Boardmaker 7/ InPrint3</li>
<li>You will be required to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox</li>
</ul>
Time: 13:30-16:30 UTC (for each session)
Cost: £120

Webinar

Look2Talk

&#8216;How can we prioritise communication without losing our focus on 
curriculum needs? What can teaching staff do to embed the use of AAC into the learning environment?&#8217;
Our AAC in the Classroom webinar forms part of a full day training offered to schools. It aims to highlight useful strategies for teaching staff to support the implementation of AAC systems throughout the school day.
<h3>Course aim:</h3>
This course provides an overview of ways in which we can best support our AAC users in the classroom. We will explore the principles of a total communication environment and promote ways in which we can facilitate use of an AAC system – paper-based or electronic – for functional communication.
<h3>You will learn:</h3>
<ul>
<li>To support an individual in their use of a personal AAC system</li>
<li>To understand the principles of a ‘total communication environment’</li>
<li>Ways to promote the functional use of an AAC system to support learning</li>
<li>To understand the importance of your role as a communication partner in teaching and implementation of AAC</li>
<li>To identify useful strategies to support the implementation of AAC in the classroom</li>
<li>To identify potential challenges for implementation of AAC</li>
</ul>
<h3>Suitable for:</h3>
Teaching staff and therapists supporting pupils to use their AAC system in the classroom
<h3>IPAACKS Competencies:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Level 2: Implementation</li>
<li>Level 3: Knowledge of how to develop resource, using evidence base to inform activity</li>
</ul>
<h3>Course includes:</h3>
A full day face-to-face session, plus 3 months&#8217; access to associated online learning materials.
<h3>When:</h3>
17th January, 2023, 10:00am-16:00pm UTC
<h3>Where:</h3>
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/contact/oldham">Ace Centre North, Oldham</a>
<h3>Cost:</h3>
£120.00 per person

Oldham

AAC in the Classroom

<h3>Developing Level (teacher-supported online study)</h3>
This webinar and self-directed online learning course encourages a more detailed look at communication partner skills. Explore skills to practice yourself and ways to support others to develop their skills.
<h3>Course aim:</h3>
To recognise the skills required to use AAC and how to positively support AAC interactions. This is a self-directed online course encouraging you to reflect on your behaviours as a communication partner and support the development of skills in others.
<h3>You will learn:</h3>
<ul>
<li>To describe the skills required to use an AAC system;</li>
<li>To discriminate between directive and non-directive language;</li>
<li>To identify communication partners skills to develop;</li>
<li>To embed effective communication partner skills in a setting.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Suitable for:</h3>
Practitioners supporting AAC users to develop their communication skills and learn how to use their AAC system effectively. This course will enable you to work towards the following:
IPAACKS competencies:
<ul>
<li>Implementation:
<ul>
<li>Knowledge of the role of skilled communication partners in enhancing communication for the person using AAC</li>
<li>Able to independently promote effective use of the AAC system to the team around the person using AAC</li>
<li>Able to identify the barriers for an individual and provide practical solutions to overcome them, seeking support if required</li>
<li>Aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AAC</li>
<li>Support the person using AAC to develop the required knowledge and skills</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>AAC Leadership:
<ul>
<li>Act as a positive role model for others in their interaction with people who use AAC</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Facilitating AAC Learning:
<ul>
<li>Able to model positive interaction in relation to their communicating with someone who uses AAC</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Course includes:</h3>
Webinar and self-directed online learning materials including videos and activities.
<h3>Special requirements:</h3>
You will be required to use MS Teams, and one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari
Time: 12pm &#8211; 1pm UTC. An MS Teams link will be available in the course when you log in.
Cost: £30

Coaching Communication Partners

Developing Level (Teacher-supported online study)
<h5>This course is in two sessions:</h5>
<h5>Part 1: Thursday 8th February 2024, 09:30-12:30 UTC: Learn about the development of the Pragmatics Profile for people who use AAC and how to administer it.</h5>
<h5>Part 2: Thursday 7th March 2024, 09:30-12:30 UTC: Discover how to use the profile to identify appropriate vocabulary for AAC and create communication targets to support personal development.</h5>
Course aim: 
Explore the Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC and receive guidance and supervision to complete the profile and utilise information gathered to plan further interventions.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>To describe a person’s functional communication skills</li>
<li>To use the Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC to identify communication targets</li>
<li>To plan targeted activities to enable communication development and measure progress.</li>
</ul>
Suitable for:
Practitioners working with people who use AAC who are responsible for identifying AAC requirements and enabling use of AAC across different environments. This course will enable you to work towards the following :
IPAACKS competencies:
<ul>
<li>Assessment
<ul>
<li>Able to carry out an informal AAC assessment with guidance and/or using an existing proforma</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Implementation
<ul>
<li>Able to select and format vocabulary appropriate to the person using AAC, with guidance as appropriate</li>
<li>Able to independently set personalised goals and monitor change against these goals</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Review
<ul>
<li>Aware of the need to monitor whether or not an individual’s current AAC system continues to meet their needs</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Course Includes:
This is a teacher-supported online course and includes 3 months&#8217; access to online learning materials and 2 live webinars.
Special requirements:
A copy of the Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC available from: <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/pragmatics-profile-people-use-aac/">https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/pragmatics-profile-people-use-aac/</a>
You will be required to use MS Teams, and one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari
Cost: £120

Implementing the Pragmatics Profile

This taster webinar aims to provide an overview of ways in which we can enable children to use their AAC systems within play activities.
We recognise the importance of developing communication skills through fun, motivating activities.
This taster session is an introductory level course suitable for anyone supporting a child/young person using AAC. It will explore different types of play, and share some suggested ways in which we can promote the functional use of AAC during play.
Date: 9th February 2024
Time: 12:30 &#8211; 13:00 UTC
Cost: Free

Using AAC to Play

Introductory Level  (Face-to-face)
This two day introductory workshop is hosted and delivered at Ace Centre in Oldham by our certified PODD trainer, Suzanne Martin.
The course aims to discuss the teaching and learning strategies for implementing PODD communication systems and is taught as a face -to-face course. Because of the nature of the content, there will be no remote attendance.
Learning Outcomes: 
<ul>
<li>The challenges faced when creating communication systems in relation to vocabulary organisation, layout, design and range of access strategies and when customising systems to meet individual requirements;</li>
<li>The importance of receptive language input and of creating a language learning environment;</li>
<li>The features of a PODD communication system, including vocabulary organisation, layout, design, range of access strategies, and how these can be customised to meet individual requirements;</li>
<li>How to use PODD generic template resources to produce customised communication books.</li>
</ul>
Schedule: 
Wednesday 14th February 2023: 09:00 &#8211; 17:00 UTC
Thursday 15th February 2023: 09:00 &#8211; 17:00 UTC
Cost: £225
Directions to Ace Centre can be found here: <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/contact/oldham">https://acecentre.org.uk/contact/oldham</a>

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Ace Centre Learning