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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!

Introducing Ace Centre&#8217;s Look2Talk resource: an award-winning guide to making a communication book for children and adults who communicate using eye pointing.
Course aim:
To introduce Ace Centre&#8217;s award winning Look2Talk resource and explore who a colour-encoded eye pointing communication book would be suitable for. This session will provide an introduction to the materials and how you might begin to implement them with an individual learning to communicate by eye pointing.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>To identify who Look2Talk would be suitable for and why</li>
<li>How to use Look2Talk to teach encoded eye pointing as an access method for communication</li>
</ul>
IPAACKS competencies:
<ul>
<li>Identifying Needs: Recognize when someone has communication support needs</li>
<li>Implementation: Be aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AAC</li>
</ul>
Course includes:
A live webinar providing an overview of the Look2Talk materials and signposting to further guidance.
Suitable for:
Practitioners who work with people who use AAC and are responsible for developing communication resources.
Special requirements:
You will be required to use Microsoft Teams, or one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari
Time: 12:30 &#8211; 13:00pm UTC (a link will be emailed to you)
Cost: FREE

Runs on specific date

Webinar

Look2Talk + Live Q&A

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

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