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

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Framework for Switch Assessment

<p>Hit your switch when you find two images that match. There are lots of themes to choose from as well as uploading your own images.</p>
<p><a href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Ace-Centre-Christmas-Snap-Instructions.pdf">Checkout this help sheet to learn how play Snap with your switch.</a></p>
<p>Why not try it out with our free EyeCommander eye blink switch app?  <a id="LPNoLPOWALinkPreview" title="https://acecentre.org.uk/blog/introducing-eyecommander" contenteditable="false" href="https://acecentre.org.uk/blog/introducing-eyecommander">Introducing EyeCommander | Ace Centre</a>.</p>


Snap!

<p>A fun and engaging switch accessible game made by Ace Centre.</p>


<p><a href="https://docs.acecentre.org.uk/eyecommander/">Check out the EyeCommander documentation, including the version history.</a></p>
<h2>System Requirements</h2>
<p><span data-slate-fragment="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">EyeCommander is compatible with all modern versions of Windows, its been tested on Windows 10 and up.</span></p>
<p>You <u><b>MUST</b></u> grant Administrator rights to EyeCommander when prompted.</p>
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<div class="r-1oszu61 r-1xc7w19 r-1phboty r-1yadl64 r-deolkf r-6koalj r-1ro0kt6 r-eqz5dr r-16y2uox r-1wbh5a2 r-crgep1 r-ifefl9 r-bcqeeo r-t60dpp r-bnwqim r-417010" data-block-content="4dbd287cf2d3463aaf2f2f46374e0168">
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<div class="r-1oszu61 r-1xc7w19 r-1phboty r-1yadl64 r-deolkf r-6koalj r-1ro0kt6 r-eqz5dr r-16y2uox r-1wbh5a2 r-crgep1 r-ifefl9 r-bcqeeo r-t60dpp r-bnwqim r-417010" data-block-content="4c75f2439b034bc9b4748f2a43d48e80">
<div class="css-901oao r-1nf4jbm r-gg6oyi r-ubezar r-16dba41 r-135wba7 r-fdjqy7 r-1xnzce8" dir="auto"><span data-key="149e9d1d36274569b10eae4dc66d646d">EyeCommander shows a &#8216;frames per second&#8217; counter in the top left hand corner of the video feed. The higher the number of frames per second the more responsive and accurate the blink detection will be. The highest you will get is 30 frames per second and anything lower than 5 frames per second will be too low to work at all. </span>You <em class="r-36ujnk" data-slate-leaf="true" data-offset-key="19b41fce462b4d65b728f54ea38b8e05:1">can</em> run EyeCommander on GridPad devices but we have found that they get fairly low frame rates. EyeCommander still works at a low frame rate, however it will be less accurate and responsive but you might find its still usable for your use case.</div>
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<div class="css-901oao r-1nf4jbm r-gg6oyi r-ubezar r-16dba41 r-135wba7 r-fdjqy7 r-1xnzce8" dir="auto"><span data-key="88099838d01a4642af9d986a5de662ac">From our experience we have had the best success with</span><a class="css-4rbku5 css-1dbjc4n r-1loqt21 r-1471scf r-1otgn73 r-1i6wzkk r-lrvibr" href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/configure/surface-pro-8/8qwcrtq8v8xg/20gj" data-rnw-int-class="link____"><span data-key="b83bfc1afbb44be883fba3eee0ae5212" data-rnw-int-class="nearest_265-1767_267-1768-243__"> Surface Pro</span></a><span data-key="c1d361f676d24ffb8387315e2d7bc5ab"> tablets. They have enough processing power to run EyeCommander easily at 30 frames per second and work for our clients needs.</span></div>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Feedback on any beta features is always welcome.</p>
<p>Checkout this video which outlines what EyeCommander is and includes a short demo:</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/VZ1k-D2hcIE" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2><strong>Getting started with EyeCommander</strong></h2>
<p>To install EyeCommander go to our <a href="https://github.com/AceCentre/EyeCommander/releases/latest">page of downloads here</a> and follow the instructions there.</p>
<p>Watch our help series on YouTube which shows you how to install EyeCommander and calibrate it:</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLWWQ5nlUD_tvVEM9Ch39GuyFAP_zYhAhW" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2><strong>Who would use EyeCommander?</strong></h2>
<p style="background: white;">To help explain EyeCommander we created two personas that are not based on specific individuals but a collection of people who could benefit from using this technology.</p>
<p>Our first persona is Alexis Anderson who had a brain stem stroke and cannot use body movement to trigger switches. She uses paper based AAC with a limited group of communication partners who understand how she indicates her selections by blinking. Alexis is frustrated that she can only communicate when one of these communication partners are available. Her current solution also means that she cannot access environment control.</p>
<p>Our second persona is Ben Brown who has MND and currently uses eye gaze when he has the energy to do so. Typically, he has to move to a low-tech solution as he becomes tired throughout the day. Ben is very proficient with his high tech device and has learnt where all his vocabulary is stored. It is very problematic that his access depends on having enough energy to use eye gaze and Ben’s family is worried that he will be not able to access his eye gaze as time goes on.</p>
<p>Ben and Alexis are both examples of people who would benefit from using EyeCommander. Ben could use it when he is tired and he can continue to use the same vocabulary no matter his energy levels. Alexis can use EyeCommander to communicate independently and not be reliant on the presence of a specific communication partner.</p>
<h2>Previous Work</h2>
<p>Detecting an eye blink is something that has been done before, however the solutions don’t work in every scenario which is what lead us to create EyeCommander. Some of the problems we found with solutions that already exist are explained below.</p>
<p>Android recently added a <a href="https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/11150722?hl=en">new accessibility feature</a> to allow users to control their device using eye gestures. It is great and if an individual uses an Android app to communicate then this can be a great option.</p>
<p>Mac computers also have a similar solution built into their operating system, allowing users to trigger switches using blinks or other facial gestures. If you want to access your Mac this way it is a good option. However, we found that the Mac facial gestures don’t allow you to change and calibrate the detection enough for it to work for everyone.</p>
<p>Another similar software solution is <a href="https://smylemouse.com/">SmyleMouse</a>. Like EyeCommander it uses consumer grade hardware to detect facial gestures. However, SmyleMouse doesn’t detect blinks or eye gesture, which we plan on implementing in EyeCommander in the future. Other software solutions exist, include <a href="http://sviacam.sourceforge.net/">SViaCam</a> and <a href="https://github.com/danetomseth/Blink1.5">Blink1.5,</a> but we found they didn’t fully met our needs.</p>
<p><a href="https://getnous.app/">Nous is a hardware device</a> that users wear to detect their blinks. However, we wanted our solution to work on consumer grade hardware that was readily available. There are a variety of other hardware options on the market, such as <a href="http://www.techaccess4you.com/ist-switch/">IST Switch</a>, <a href="https://www.home.eyecontrol.co.il/product">EyeControl</a>, and <a href="https://key2enable.com/produtos/a-blinx/">a-blinx</a>.</p>
<p>The main difference between EyeCommander and these previous solutions is that it allows you to control Windows devices and will work with the computer you already have meaning you do not have to purchase and maintain new hardware.</p>
<h2>Background</h2>
<p>EyeCommander was initially developed by a group of students and graduates as part of the <a href="https://www.propelprojects.org/">Project Propel program</a> to give them real world experience. They were given the brief to create something that could detect eye gestures using consumer grade hardware.</p>
<p>The group created a machine learning model that could detect when someone looked up, down, left, or right. The machine learning model was trained using a varied set of videos of people doing these gestures. The model was then retrained to individual users so that it worked for them.</p>
<p>The work the group did proved that it is possible to create a very accurate eye gesture detection algorithm.</p>
<p>The current version of EyeCommander doesn’t use the eye gesture model but the plan is to include it in future versions.</p>
<h2><strong>Future of EyeCommander</strong></h2>
<p>EyeCommander will continue to be developed by Ace Centre and the wider AAC community. We have <a href="https://github.com/AceCentre/EyeCommander/projects/1">created a roadmap</a>, with things we want to add and future plans for the project. If you have ideas for us to add please let us know.</p>
<p>We are looking for people to contribute to EyeCommander and to help us add more features. <a href="https://github.com/AceCentre/EyeCommander">If you want to get involved, then check out the code on Github</a>. Have a read through the open issues and comment if you want to be a part of it and we can help you get up and running.</p>
<h2><strong>Feedback</strong></h2>
<p>If you have any feedback on EyeCommander then email me at <a href="mailto:ghenderson@acecentre.org.uk">ghenderson@acecentre.org.uk</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


EyeCommander

<p>EyeCommander is a desktop application that uses the front facing camera of any Windows device to detect when you blink. EyeCommander then uses that blink as a switch input for communication software.</p>


Ace Centre E-Tran Frame

Coded ABC chart you can point to

Number encoded ABC you can point to

Colour encoded ABC you can point to

Combination access ABC

Alphabet Chart Pack - charts you point to

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<p dir="ltr" data-test-bidi="">Check out <a href="https://youtu.be/fCgGy8dFIFE">this video</a> to learn about the eBook features</p>
<p dir="ltr" data-test-bidi="">Find videos and support materials if you or are a family member requires solutions to help communicate due to a progressive condition such as MND/ALS, PSP, MS, Parkinson&#8217;s disease.</p>
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Paper-based resources to support Communication for Adults with Progressive Conditions

<p>This guide provides information about paper-based tools and strategies that can support communication if speech is becoming or has become difficult due to an acquired progressive condition. It is written for people living with such a condition and also for family, carers and relevant professionals.</p>


Look2Talk

Pragmatic Auditory Scan Communication Book

Dolly

Simon Says

Sing Old McDonald 8 Intro to encoding

Bubbles

Train Play

Turn Taking

Chat about TV

<p dir="ltr" data-test-bidi="">Check out <a href="https://youtu.be/fCgGy8dFIFE">this video</a> to learn about the eBook features</p>
<p dir="ltr" data-test-bidi="">For a more general all round introduction to low tech symbol based AAC, you could see another resource in this AAC Information Series, Getting Started with AAC: Using low tech symbol based systems with children.</p>


Access to paper-based symbol resources when pointing is difficult

<p>The aim of this resource is explore access to low tech symbol based AAC when accessing standard resources is difficult physically or visually. It is aimed at people who are familiar with low tech AAC, but want to find out more about how to adjust and adapt the resources to meet individual needs.</p>


ABC with Symbols

Colour encoded - UPPER case - for eye pointing

Encoded chart with ABC and numbers you can point to

Number encoded - UPPER case - for eye pointing

Alphabet flip chart

Frequency layout (fitaly) you can point to

<p>Check out <a href="https://youtu.be/fCgGy8dFIFE">this video</a> to learn about the eBook features</p>
<p>Please note that this resource is not suggesting that low tech is ‘best’, or that low tech is a prerequisite to a more high tech communication aid. It is simply about valuing the role of paper based communication systems, and sharing lots of ideas and strategies to help develop and support them. You may well find that many of the ideas and strategies are useful when it comes to other forms of communication too.</p>


Designing and using alphabet charts

<p>The aim of this resource is help you design and use alphabet charts with people who can’t rely on speech, enabling them to communicate to the best of their ability. Through communication we can express ourselves, learn, have fun, and be active members of society</p>


<p align="center"><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/SsYAjiFRta8" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span></iframe></p>
<p>The design of our Ace Centre E-Tran frame has been carefully considered to give the best experience for both user and communication partner.</p>
<p>This ergonomic and lightweight board allows for holding with elbows locked making it more comfortable to use for longer periods than other E-Tran frames. Extensive testing was applied by Ace Centre to find the best font and colours for ease of use and identification of letters.</p>
<p>The text has been printed directly onto the plastic to make it easier to wipe down. It’s manufactured from PET-G, a thermoplastic polyester, which means the Ace Centre E-Tran is longer lasting with improved chemical resistance during decontamination procedures.</p>
<p><b>Features and benefits:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Ergonomic design for comfort</li>
<li>Lightweight and easy to use</li>
<li>Improved chemical resistance for cleaning</li>
<li>Wide central opening for eye contact</li>
<li>Printed and blank options available</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Specification:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Weight: 400g</li>
<li>Dimensions: 377mm wide x 334m high. 3mm thick, 9mm thick at handles</li>
<li>Material: PET-G (thermoplastic polyester)</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Costs: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>
<div>Price exclusive of VAT</div>
</li>
<li>Free shipping</li>
</ul>


Printed

Blank

<p>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’.</p>
<p>We’re often asked which resource is “best” but there is nothing that’s “best” for everyone!<br />
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. <b>Follow the link above for all the video and resources. </b></p>


Understanding the Features of Electronic Text Based AAC

<p><span data-contrast="auto"><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" /></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">A free resource to support </span><span data-contrast="auto">Teachers, </span><span data-contrast="auto">Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists,</span> <span data-contrast="auto">etc. to have a discussion about ‘Readiness for AAC’ with their clients. </span><span data-contrast="auto">Th</span><span data-contrast="auto">e </span><span data-contrast="auto">resource was funded by Ace Centre and </span><span data-contrast="auto">created collaboratively with <a href="http://www.talkingmats.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talking Mats</a></span><span data-contrast="auto">.  </span><a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/project/talking-mats-for-aac/">Learn more about the project here </a></p>


Readiness for AAC (Talking Mats)

<p>Speakbook is a simple communication tool that was developed by Patrick Joyce who had Motor Neurone Disease (MND / ALS). Understanding the progression of his condition and the needs of others, Patrick realised that there was a need for a cheap and easy-to-use way of communicating for people who are able to read and spell and can move their eyes, but struggle to point with their finger or hand.</p>
<p>Speakbook is a template for a communication book which you populate with your own messages.  It also provides access to an alphabet chart. While originally developed with MND in mind, Speakbook can be useful for anyone who is literate and requires a communication tool that they can access with their eyes. (<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/project/speakbook/">For more information &#8211; see here</a>)</p>
<h2>With thanks to:</h2>
<p>English &#8211; With thanks to Suzanne Guerin and her colleagues for finding the mistake with the circles/triangles and cyan/green dots!</p>
<p>Turkish &#8211;  Ersin Sinay</p>
<p>German &#8211; Julius Deutsch, kommhelp e.V., Michael Ritson, Ace Centre, UK.</p>
<p>Afrikaans &#8211; Emma Emmerich, Inclusive Solutions.</p>
<p>Portuguese &#8211; Hélio Lourenço, Ace Centre UK</p>
<p>Maltese &#8211; Martina Zarb, Mariah Amber Busuttil, Jamie Said, Access to Communication and Technology Unit (ACTU), Malta</p>
<p>Bulgarian &#8211; Evgeniya Hristova</p>
<p>French &#8211; Michael Ritson, Ace Centre, UK.</p>
<p>Zulu &#8211; Sipho Sibanda, Inclusive Solutions</p>
<p>Arabic &#8211; Hossein Amin, Iraq.</p>


SpeakBook

Bulgarian

Serbian

German/Deutsch

Afrikkans

Turkish

Portuguese

Maltese

Zulu

English

French/Francais

Spanish/Espanol

Swedish

<p>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.</p>
<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

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


Being a Communication Partner

<p>Being a Communication Partner&#8217; is our quick guide to having conversations with people who use the alphabet to communicate.</p>
<p>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 ‘<strong>Communication Partner</strong>’ (the person they are communicating with) you can help make the conversation more successful, inclusive and effective for everyone.</p>


<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>How to get hold of Talk Together</h2>
<p>Talk Together is free, provided you own one of the communication software options below.  It is available from the suppliers of the software:</p>
<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>
<p>Licensed via <a href="https://choosealicense.com/licenses/gpl-3.0/">GPL v3</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Talk Together

<p>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</p>


<p>Over 80 additional pointers and cursors for those with visual or perceptual difficulties. Icon styles include animated, coloured, large, I-beams and circles.</p>
<p>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>).</p>
<p>Instructions on how to download, install and change your cursor can be found in this video:</p>
<div>
<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>
</div>
<h2>Other downloadable cursors</h2>
<p>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></p>


Large Pointers

Making Software Inclusive

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>


Switch Access to Technology

<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Look2Talk Package</h2>
<p>Look2Talk guidebook is the main element of a complete package containing several elements which include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Guidebook</strong><strong>: </strong>Free online eBook or download as PDF ​</li>
<li><strong>Demonstration Pages: </strong>Free to view electronically or download and print​</li>
<li><strong>Templates: </strong>Free to download as Boardmaker7 or InPrint 3 (coming soon) file</li>
<li><strong>Communication Easel: </strong>A4 and A3 options available from Ability World</li>
<li><strong>Training:</strong> Introductory and Developing levels from Ace Centre Learning ​</li>
</ul>
<h2><b>Look2Talk Guidebook </b></h2>
<p>The original Look2Talk guide was based upon experience gained from the <em>Look2Talk Project</em>, 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.</p>
<p>This edition of the Look2Talk guide has been fully revised and updated, drawing upon the clinical experience of the full Ace Centre team.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: normal !msorm;">Available as </span>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:</p>
<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>
<p>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:</p>
<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>
<p>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.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: normal !msorm;"><a class="link-button" href="https://docs.acecentre.org.uk/look2talk/">View the Look2Talk Guidebook by clicking here</a> </span></p>
<h2>Look2Talk Demonstration Pages</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Interactive versions are available to view online or to download and use in PowerPoint. A PDF version for printing is coming soon!</p>
<p><a class="link-button" href="https://acecentreuk.sharepoint.com/:p:/s/AnonymousShares/EWN9rlMoAJtNr3PAjRtAolIB8IhyPYVD5H65qOI2iNpJUQ">Click here to view online interactive Demonstration Pages</a></p>
<p><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></p>
<h2>Look2Talk <b>Communication B</b><b>ook </b>Templates</h2>
<p>Free downloadable files for creating, personalising and printing pages for an eye pointing communication book.</p>
<p><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></p>
<p>InPrint3 templates coming soon!</p>
<p><span class="ui-provider gt b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">Please note: these files download as a .zip files. Please extract the individual template files before opening in your symbol software. </span></p>
<h2>Look2Talk Communication Easel</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ability-world.com/a4-communication-easel-5395-p.asp">Click here to view the Ability World A4 Communication Easel</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.ability-world.com/a3-communication-easel-5397-p.asp">Click here to view the Ability World A3 Communication Easel</a></p>
<h2>Look2Talk Introductory Stage Symbols</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p><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></p>


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