Alphabet Charts & Books

ABC spelling charts

Alphabet communication book templates

Alphabets you can eye point to

Alphabets you can point to

Charts for Listener Mediated Scanning

Charts with the alphabet + some words and phrases to point to

Coded alphabet charts

Encoded alphabet charts

Frequency layout spelling charts

High contrast charts

Letter codes

QWERTY alphabet charts

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Customisable symbol charts for communication available in five layouts to support different access methods.

Symbol Charts

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Older Learners

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Younger Learners

There are a huge array of apps available on app stores and a wide range of solutions from commercial suppliers to help you communicate when you are literate and want to ‘type out a message’.
We’re often asked which resource is “best” but there is nothing that’s “best” for everyone! 
Instead, to help you find the right solution for you, it’s worthwhile to think about what features these AAC resources have and think about what features you need. Follow the link above for all the video and resources.

Understanding the Features of Electronic Text Based AAC

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-23843 aligncenter" src="https://acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TM-logo-002-300x64.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="47" srcset="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TM-logo-002-300x64.jpg 300w, https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TM-logo-002-1024x219.jpg 1024w, https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TM-logo-002-768x165.jpg 768w, https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TM-logo-002-640x137.jpg 640w, https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TM-logo-002-600x129.jpg 600w, https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TM-logo-002.jpg 1055w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px" />
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A free resource to support Teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, etc. to have a discussion about ‘Readiness for AAC’ with their clients. The resource was funded by Ace Centre and created collaboratively with <a href="http://www.talkingmats.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talking Mats</a>.  <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/project/talking-mats-for-aac/">Learn more about the project here </a>

Readiness for AAC (Talking Mats)

GridWiz is a simple app to make a custom <a href="https://thinksmartbox.com/product/grid-3/">Grid 3 Gridset</a> with images from Google images. After installing it, Double click on the app, Enter your search term and select 7 images. When done hit export and import the file into the <a href="https://thinksmartbox.com/product/grid-3/">Grid 3</a>.  The Gridset can then be modified as you wish &#8211; adding sounds etc if you need to.
<div class="responsive-embed widescreen"><iframe loading="lazy" title="GridWiz Demonstration" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Rl4R7MWNW8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

GridWiz

GridWiz is a small utility app to help people make Grid 3 gridsets with images from Google images.

Alphabet Chart Pack - charts you point to

Being a Communication Partner

Being a Communication Partner&#8217; is our quick guide to having conversations with people who use the alphabet to communicate.
Positive and effective communication involves two or more people interacting in a skilful way, so when someone is using an alphabet based communication tool, it’s not just down to them to make the conversation work. As a ‘Communication Partner’ (the person they are communicating with) you can help make the conversation more successful, inclusive and effective for everyone.

Please note. This document is now regarded as a little outdated but maybe still useful to some individuals. We are working on a new resource which hopes to update this.

Switch Assessment and Planning Framework

Switch Assessment and Planning Framework for Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Talk Together will work within a range of communication software including Tobii Communicator, Mind Express and The Grid 2 and Grid 3 software. There are minor differences in layout and appearance between the different versions, and the symbols used will depend upon the software it is used within.
The vocabulary complements our bestselling <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/developing-using-communication-book/">Guide to Developing and Using a Communication Book</a>, and the Sternberg award-winning <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/look2talk/">Look2Talk</a> guide to making a communication book for eye-pointing communicators.
Just like with the communication book resources, Talk Together promotes the use of a consistently located core vocabulary that grows over a number of stages, from just two items at the Introductory Stage through to a wealth of vocabulary at Stages 4/5.
<h2>How to get hold of Talk Together</h2>
Talk Together is free, provided you own one of the communication software options below.  It is available from the suppliers of the software:
<ul>
<li>Talk Together for Grid 3 can be downloaded from <a href="https://grids.thinksmartbox.com/en">Online Grids.</a>  If you’re using The Grid 2, contact <a href="https://thinksmartbox.com/">Smartbox</a></li>
<li>If you’re using Mind Express software, Talk Together can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.mindexpress.be/index.php">Techess.</a> Or you can contact them directly on 01476 512881</li>
<li>For Tobii Communicator software, contact <a href="http://www.tobiidynavox.com">Tobii Dynavox </a></li>
</ul>
<h2>The benefits</h2>
<ul>
<li>Gives easy access to a stable core vocabulary from every topic page.</li>
<li>Provides a structured approach to organising personalised vocabulary.</li>
<li>A page-by-page guide is integrated into the vocabulary to help with the big issues like how to introduce it, how to help young people to learn it, and how to support their developing skills.</li>
<li>The role of the communication partner and their skills is discussed throughout.</li>
<li>Emphasises the importance of play and having fun, particularly in the early stages.</li>
<li>Switch, eye gaze and keyguard-friendly page design.</li>
<li>Early literacy skills are encouraged and supported with phonic alphabets, storytelling and story reading pages.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Who is it for?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Talk Together is ideal for children and young people who need to use symbols to communicate.</li>
<li>Supports the vocabulary development of children and young people who have just begun to use a communication aid, through to more complex symbol use.</li>
<li>Children and young people using a wide range of access methods, from touchscreens to eye gaze to switches.</li>
</ul>
Licensed via <a href="https://choosealicense.com/licenses/gpl-3.0/">GPL v3</a>
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Talk Together

Talk Together is a unique new way for a young person and their communication partners to communicate together. From the very beginning, this innovative vocabulary package encourages involvement in modelling and supporting a developing vocabulary – all within a highly intuitive set of pages that enables young people say what they want. A wealth of on-screen support and ideas are available at the touch of a button on every page, so there’s no need to feel lost or to constantly refer to the manu

Over 80 additional pointers and cursors for those with visual or perceptual difficulties. Icon styles include animated, coloured, large, I-beams and circles.
The pointers have been designed here at the Ace Centre, so if you have a need or a suggestion for a particular pointer style, please let us know. (Note &#8211; some people are understandably concerned what this installer contains. You can see the entire source code &#8211; and <a href="https://github.com/AceCentre/AceCursors">build your own installer here</a>).
Instructions on how to download, install and change your cursor can be found in this video:
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<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/lite-youtube-embed@0.2.0/src/lite-yt-embed.css" />
<script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/lite-youtube-embed@0.2.0/src/lite-yt-embed.js"></script>
<lite-youtube videoid="YpddAhEiSjc" playlabel="Play: Keynote (Google I/O '18)"></lite-youtube>
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<h2>Other downloadable cursors</h2>
There&#8217;s more large cursors available for free download at <a href="http://athena.uoa.gr/eng/categories/view/5">Athena: Free Assistive Technology Software Inventory </a>  or <a href="http://rbx.de/big-cursors/">Rabe&#8217;s big cursors</a>

Large Pointers

Making Software Inclusive

When most of us use a computer we use the standard interface – a keyboard and mouse. However, what do you do if you can&#8217;t use these? A number of &#8216;alternative access&#8217; systems exist, for example alternative keyboards, trackerballs, touchscreens, headpointers etc. But for some people these devices are also an unuseable, and this is where switches step in.
The main subject of this freely downloadable pdf document is the switch user. The document aims to encourage developers to include switch access into their products, and standardise practice and terminology. It explains some of the issues involved for people with severe physical difficulties who access computers and other electronic devices with switches. It details the ways in which switch users interact with software and other technology that&#8217;s designed to be directly accessible to them. It also attempts to survey the whole range of issues associated with switch use.
It&#8217;s a publication that&#8217;s useful to professionals and software developers working or entering the field. Use it as a guide to promote standards and a common understanding and nomenclature for switch use. It&#8217;s hoped that the adoption of the terminology and approach detailed in this document should help improve the development of evidence on switch access.

Switch Access to Technology

Look2Talk is the award-winning guide for carers, parents and professionals who need to make and use a communication book for people who communicate using their eyes.
When speech can not be understood, and using hands or fingers to point is difficult, eye pointing to symbols or text can be a fast and effective way of communicating a wide range of messages. The Look2Talk guide is a step-by-step system that introduces symbols at a speed that suits both the learner and their communication partner(s). It emphasises the importance of learning together in fun, relaxed activities where the learner can take control.
<h2>Look2Talk Package</h2>
Look2Talk guidebook is the main element of a complete package containing several elements which include:
<ul>
<li>Guidebook: Free online eBook or download as PDF ​</li>
<li>Demonstration Pages: Free to view electronically or download and print​</li>
<li>Templates: Free to download as Boardmaker7 or InPrint 3 (coming soon) file</li>
<li>Communication Easel: A4 and A3 options available from Ability World</li>
<li>Training: Introductory and Developing levels from Ace Centre Learning ​</li>
</ul>
<h2>Look2Talk Guidebook </h2>
The original Look2Talk guide was based upon experience gained from the Look2Talk Project, a two year project run by Ace Centre to support and learn from six children and their families who either used or were learning to use their eyes to access symbol communication. The guide was awarded the Sternberg Award for Clinical Innovation in 2008.
This edition of the Look2Talk guide has been fully revised and updated, drawing upon the clinical experience of the full Ace Centre team.
Available as a free online eBook, which can also be printed as a PDF, and supported by video tutorials and real-life example clips throughout. The guidebook covers all of the essential questions that need to be answered when creating an eye pointing communication book, such as:
<ul>
<li>What vocabulary do I put in the book?</li>
<li>How many pictures or symbols do I use on a page?</li>
<li>Where and when do I start to use the book?</li>
<li>How do I develop the book over time?</li>
</ul>
Look2Talk Guidebook complements Ace Centre’s popular Developing and Using a Communication Book manual for people who can finger-point, and both books have similar key concepts:
<ul>
<li>A stable core vocabulary, that is always available and develops through five stages. The suggested core vocabulary, ranging from two symbols at Stage One to forty-one symbols at Stage Five, is drawn from a developmental model of spoken language acquisition, but does not stick rigidly to it.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Guidance on choosing personalised topic vocabulary designed to meet an individual’s interests, needs and varied environments.</li>
<li>An emphasis on the role of the communication partner who is shown, throughout the process, how to use and model the symbols during communication and to support and scaffold the learner’s own communication attempts.</li>
</ul>
We know of no other resource that provides such specific and comprehensive guidance to help this small but important group of people who struggle to communicate.
<a class="link-button" href="https://docs.acecentre.org.uk/look2talk/">View the Look2Talk Guidebook by clicking here</a> 
<h2>Look2Talk Demonstration Pages</h2>
The Look2Talk Demonstration Pages contains example communication book pages that aim to bring to life the practices and principles described in the Look2Talk guide. It is designed to be used alongside the guide which provides detailed information about each stage, ideas around readiness, and aims for both the communication partner and the learner.
Interactive versions are available to view online or to download and use in PowerPoint. A PDF version for printing is coming soon!
<a class="link-button" href="https://acecentreuk.sharepoint.com/:p:/s/AnonymousShares/EWN9rlMoAJtNr3PAjRtAolIB8IhyPYVD5H65qOI2iNpJUQ">Click here to view online interactive Demonstration Pages</a>
<a class="link-button" href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Look2Talk-Demonstration-Book-6.23-v2.ppsx">Click here to download interactive Demonstration Pages</a>
<h2>Look2Talk Communication Book Templates</h2>
Free downloadable files for creating, personalising and printing pages for an eye pointing communication book.
<a class="link-button" href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Look2Talk-Communication-Book-Templates-Ace-Centre-June23.zip">Boardmaker 7 users click here to download templates</a>
InPrint3 templates coming soon!
Please note: these files download as a .zip files. Please extract the individual template files before opening in your symbol software. 
<h2>Look2Talk Communication Easel</h2>
An eye pointing communication book is best viewed by the communication book user and their partner when it is displayed on an easel file. As the book can get quite big (and heavy!) it is best that a sturdy easel file is used. We recommend the Communication Easel by Ability World which is available in an A4 as well as A3 version should larger pages be needed.
<a href="https://www.ability-world.com/a4-communication-easel-5395-p.asp">Click here to view the Ability World A4 Communication Easel</a>
<a href="https://www.ability-world.com/a3-communication-easel-5397-p.asp">Click here to view the Ability World A3 Communication Easel</a>
<h2>Look2Talk Introductory Stage Symbols</h2>
Download and print loose &#8220;more&#8221; and &#8220;stop&#8221; symbols to use while helping the learner to understand that they can use their eyes to communicate.
<a class="link-button" href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Look2Talk-Introductory-Stage-More-Stop-6.23.zip">Click here to download symbols</a>

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