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<h1><b>Postponed until April 2023. New dates outlined below: &#8211;</b></h1>
<p>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>.</p>
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<h2 class="sectionname topics-extended-section-header-title-text">Learning Outcomes</h2>
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<p>The <strong>Assistive Technology Unit</strong> will support you to:</p>
<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>
<p>It will also enable you to develop and apply problem-solving, communication, team-working, time management, self assessment and independent study skills.</p>
</div>
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<h2 class="sectionname topics-extended-section-header-title-text">The Accreditation Process</h2>
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<p dir="ltr">The <strong>Assistive Technology Unit</strong> is 100% course work. There are no written exams.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Learning Outcomes outlined above will be assessed by: &#8211;</p>
<p dir="ltr">60% &#8211; essay based on the critical analysis of an Assistive Technology assessment &amp; recommendations</p>
<p id="yui_3_17_2_1_1661869632571_53" dir="ltr">40% &#8211; digital presentation of training/support materials to enable the implementation of identified Assistive Technology recommendations for an individual</p>
<p dir="ltr">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.</p>
</div>
<h2>Session Times</h2>
<p>The Assistive Technology Unit provides a combination of teacher supported and self directed learning experiences.</p>
<p>This unit consists of 15 2-hour online sessions led by members of our Ace Centre clinical team. These sessions will be <strong>Thursday afternoons 3:00-5:00pm</strong> on the following dates: &#8211;</p>
<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>
<p>There will be 2 additional Face-to-Face Workshops (at the Ace Centre, North Office), as follows: &#8211;</p>
</div>
<ul>
<li>Thursday 25th may 2023</li>
<li>Thursday 13th July 2023</li>
</ul>
<p>These will run 9:30-1:30pm. The Workshops are optional, but will provide valuable opportunities for hands-on exploration of equipment &amp; resources.</p>
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<p id="yui_3_17_2_1_1661869958452_487">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.</p>
<p>1:1 tutorials can be booked with the course tutors on Thursday mornings.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>University of Dundee</h2>
<p>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></p>
</div>
<p>You must reply to any email we send asking for more details in order for us to enrol you on the course.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><b>Cost:</b> £1500</p>
</div>


Runs on specific date

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

Online

Exploring ways to support written communication and learning.

Education

Assistive Technology for Complex Communication, Physical & Learning Needs

<p>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.</p>
<p><b>Course aim:</b></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><b>You will learn:</b></p>
<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>
<p><b>IPAACKS competencies:</b></p>
<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>
<p><b>Course includes</b>:</p>
<p>A live webinar providing an overview of the Look2Talk materials and signposting to further guidance.</p>
<p><b>Suitable for:</b></p>
<p>Practitioners who work with people who use AAC and are responsible for developing communication resources.</p>
<p><b>Special requirements:</b></p>
<p>You will be required to use Microsoft Teams, or one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari</p>
<p><b>Time:</b> 12:30 &#8211; 13:00pm UTC (a link will be emailed to you)</p>
<p><b>Cost:</b> FREE</p>


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

Webinar

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

Access

Look2Talk + Live Q&A

<p>Developing Level (Teacher-supported online study)</p>
<h3>Course aims:</h3>
<p>Introducing Ace Centre&#8217;s award winning Look2Talk resource (L2T), exploring who a colour-encoded eye pointing communication book would be suitable for.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<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><b>Level 2</b>: 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><b>Level 3:</b> Knowledge of how to develop resource, using evidence base to inform activity</li>
</ul>
<h3>Course includes:</h3>
<p>3 months access to online materials, 2 live webinars and free trial of Boardmaker 7/ InPrint3</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Session 1: 16th January 2024 (13:30-16:30 UTC):</b> 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><b>Session 2: 23rd January 2024 (13:30-16:30 UTC)</b>: 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>
<p><b>Time:</b> 13:30-16:30 UTC (for each session)</p>
<p><b>Cost:</b> £120</p>


Look2Talk

<p><b><i>&#8216;How can we prioritise communication without losing our focus on</i></b><br />
<b><i>curriculum needs? What can teaching staff do to embed the use of AAC into the </i></b><b><i>learning environment?&#8217;</i></b></p>
<p>Our <b>AAC in the Classroom</b> 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.</p>
<h3>Course aim:</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<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>
<p>Teaching staff and therapists supporting pupils to use their AAC system in the classroom</p>
<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>
<p>A full day face-to-face session, plus 3 months&#8217; access to associated online learning materials.</p>
<h3>When:</h3>
<p>17th January, 2023, 10:00am-16:00pm UTC</p>
<h3>Where:</h3>
<p><a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/contact/oldham">Ace Centre North, Oldham</a></p>
<h3>Cost:</h3>
<p>£120.00 per person</p>


Oldham

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

Communication

AAC in the Classroom

<h3><strong>Developing Level (teacher-supported online study)</strong></h3>
<p>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.</p>
<h3><b>Course aim:</b></h3>
<p>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.</p>
<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>
<p>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:</p>
<p><b>IPAACKS competencies:</b></p>
<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>
<p>Webinar and self-directed online learning materials including videos and activities.</p>
<h3>Special requirements:</h3>
<p>You will be required to use MS Teams, and one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari</p>
<p><b>Time:</b> 12pm &#8211; 1pm UTC. An MS Teams link will be available in the course when you log in.</p>
<p><strong>Cost: </strong>£30</p>


Coaching Communication Partners

<p><strong>Developing Level (Teacher-supported online study)</strong></p>
<h5>This course is in two sessions:</h5>
<h5><strong>Part 1: Thursday 8th February 2024,</strong> 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><strong>Part 2: Thursday 7th March 2024, 09:30-12:30 UTC: </strong>Discover how to use the profile to identify appropriate vocabulary for AAC and create communication targets to support personal development.</h5>
<p><b>Course aim: </b></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><b>You will learn:</b></p>
<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>
<p><b>Suitable for:</b></p>
<p>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 :</p>
<p><b>IPAACKS competencies:</b></p>
<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>
<p><b>Course Includes:</b></p>
<p>This is a teacher-supported online course and includes 3 months&#8217; access to online learning materials and 2 live webinars.</p>
<p><b>Special requirements:</b></p>
<p>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></p>
<p>You will be required to use MS Teams, and one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari</p>
<p><b>Cost:</b> £120</p>


Implementing the Pragmatics Profile

<p>This taster webinar aims to provide an overview of ways in which we can enable children to use their AAC systems within play activities.</p>
<p>We recognise the importance of developing communication skills through fun, motivating activities.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><b>Date: </b>9th February 2024</p>
<p><b>Time:</b> 12:30 &#8211; 13:00 UTC</p>
<p><b>Cost: </b>Free</p>


Using AAC to Play

<p><strong>Introductory Level  (Face-to-face)</strong></p>
<p>This two day introductory workshop is hosted and delivered at Ace Centre in Oldham by our certified PODD trainer, Suzanne Martin.</p>
<p>The course aims to discuss the teaching and learning strategies for implementing PODD communication systems and is taught as a <b>face -to-face</b> course. Because of the nature of the content, there will be no remote attendance.</p>
<p><b>Learning Outcomes: </b></p>
<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>
<p><strong>Schedule: </strong></p>
<p>Wednesday 14th February 2023: 09:00 &#8211; 17:00 UTC</p>
<p>Thursday 15th February 2023: 09:00 &#8211; 17:00 UTC</p>
<p><strong>Cost: </strong>£225</p>
<p>Directions to Ace Centre can be found here: <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/contact/oldham">https://acecentre.org.uk/contact/oldham</a></p>



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