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

Getting Started

Info & Apps

Digital Publications

E-Books

Software

Learning

Access

Seasonal resources

Christmas

Shop

Symbol Charts

Core

Creative

Daily Routines

Leisure

Older Learners

Play

Younger Learners

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The original Pragmatics Profile of Everyday Communication Skills in Children was written by Hazel Dewart and Susie Summers. This revised version has been created with the permission of NFER &#8211; Nelson. This Profile should be used with individuals who have used AAC in the past, are currently using AAC, or where you feel that an individual is using informal modes of AAC and you wish to introduce more formal methods.
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This resource is free to download. There is one version which can be used in two ways:
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<li>Print &amp; Fill  &#8211; download, print and fill in by hand</li>
<li>Auto Entry &#8211;  download and fill in electronically with Microsoft Word</li>
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To cite this work: 
Martin, S., Small, K., and Stevens, R. 2024. The Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC  &#8211; Second Edition (First Published 26 Sep 2017). Available at:<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/pragmatics-profile-people-use-aac/">https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/pragmatics-profile-people-use-aac/</a>.
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The Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC

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.
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>)
<h2>With thanks to:</h2>
English &#8211; With thanks to Suzanne Guerin and her colleagues for finding the mistake with the circles/triangles and cyan/green dots!
Turkish &#8211;  Ersin Sinay
German &#8211; Julius Deutsch, kommhelp e.V., Michael Ritson, Ace Centre, UK.
Afrikaans &#8211; Emma Emmerich, Inclusive Solutions.
Portuguese &#8211; Hélio Lourenço, Ace Centre UK
Maltese &#8211; Martina Zarb, Mariah Amber Busuttil, Jamie Said, Access to Communication and Technology Unit (ACTU), Malta
Bulgarian &#8211; Evgeniya Hristova
French &#8211; Michael Ritson, Ace Centre, UK.
Zulu &#8211; Sipho Sibanda, Inclusive Solutions
Arabic &#8211; Hossein Amin, Iraq.

SpeakBook

This communication book is designed to be used by someone who can point to fairly small messages. The template will need to be completed with personalised words and phrases that are communicated repeatedly and useful to deliver quickly.

A5 Communication Book you can point to

Communication Partners (I)

<h5>Reflect on your personal interaction style and develop communication partner skills to support AAC users.</h5>

This leaflet is derived from the information presented in the chapter &#8220;Augmentative and Alternative Communication” written by Ace Centre colleagues Lizzie Sadiku, Katherine Small and Suzanne Martin for a book by Dr. Sean Pert called “<a href="http://bit.ly/AACLang">Working with Children Experiencing Speech and Language Disorders in a Bilingual Context: A home Language Approach</a>”.

Appraising an AAC Resource in a Language You Do Not Speak

We have created this document pulling from our experience of supporting AAC users who want to communicate in more than one language. It is a compilation of questions you can and should be asking when appraising resources in a language you do not speak and considerations for you to keep in mind.

Bath

A symbol chart to support communication around taking bath.
It is available in five layouts (choose the option below) to support different access methods:
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<li>Finger pointing Stage 1 – 8 symbols</li>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 2 – 16 symbols</li>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 3 – 30 symbols</li>
<li>Eye pointing – 6 symbols</li>
<li>Hand (or other body part) pointing – 6 symbols</li>
</ol>
Learn more about the options for customisation offered and how they can help to meet needs your learners needs by <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/blog/customisable_symbol_charts">clicking here</a>.

Make Up

A symbol chart to support communication while putting on make up.
It is available in five layouts (choose the option below) to support different access methods:
<ol>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 1 – 8 symbols</li>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 2 – 16 symbols</li>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 3 – 30 symbols</li>
<li>Eye pointing – 6 symbols</li>
<li>Hand (or other body part) pointing – 6 symbols</li>
</ol>
Learn more about the options for customisation offered and how they can help to meet needs your learners needs by <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/blog/customisable_symbol_charts">clicking here</a>.

Listen To Music

A symbol chart to support communication while listening to music.
It is available in five layouts (choose the option below) to support different access methods:
<ol>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 1 – 8 symbols</li>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 2 – 16 symbols</li>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 3 – 30 symbols</li>
<li>Eye pointing – 6 symbols</li>
<li>Hand (or other body part) pointing – 6 symbols</li>
</ol>
Learn more about the options for customisation offered and how they can help to meet needs your learners needs by <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/blog/customisable_symbol_charts">clicking here</a>.

Core words are useful words that support communication in any settings, during any activities and with anyone. Core word communication charts are a great way to get started with paper based AAC! Simply print and use whilst chatting in whatever situation you find yourself.
It is available in five layouts (choose the option below) to support different access methods:
<ol>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 1 – 8 symbols</li>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 2 – 16 symbols</li>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 3 – 30 symbols</li>
<li>Eye pointing – 6 symbols</li>
<li>Hand (or other body part) pointing – 6 symbols</li>
</ol>
Learn more about the options for customisation offered and how they can help to meet needs your learners needs by <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/blog/customisable_symbol_charts">clicking here</a>.

Mr Potato Head

A symbol chart to support communication while playing with Mr Potato Head.
It is available in five layouts (choose the option below) to support different access methods:
<ol>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 1 – 8 symbols</li>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 2 – 16 symbols</li>
<li>Finger pointing Stage 3 – 30 symbols</li>
<li>Eye pointing – 6 symbols</li>
<li>Hand (or other body part) pointing – 6 symbols</li>
</ol>
Learn more about the options for customisation offered and how they can help to meet needs your learners needs by <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/blog/customisable_symbol_charts">clicking here</a>.

For more information about creating symbol based materials click <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/getting-started-with-paper-based-symbol-resources">here to access our Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources eBook</a>
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=symbol-charts">Click here to download free symbol based AAC charts featuring core words.</a>
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/search?category=communication">Visit Ace Centre Learning for live and on demand training courses on introducing symbol based AAC here</a>

Getting Started with Core Words

This leaflet is a starting point for introducing the concept and importance of core words to people who are creating symbol based AAC materials.
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Use this worksheet to generate ideas about words and pages relevant to an individual which can be used to personalise or expand their communication book or system.
This resource was created as part of the Developing and Using a Communication Book (DUCB) manual. <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/developing-using-communication-book">To find out more about the DUCB visit this webpage</a> or go to <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/search">Ace Centre Learning here where courses on the DUCB are regularly offered</a>.

Identifying Vocabulary to personalise AAC

This leaflet provides information about simple things you can do to support the communication of someone with aphasia. It has been designed to be used by family, friends and professionals working with someone who has aphasia.
Want to learn more? Try Ace Centre Learning’s self-directed module <a title="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/supporting-communication-for-people-with-aphasia-i" contenteditable="false" href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/supporting-communication-for-people-with-aphasia-i">Supporting Communication for People with Aphasia</a>

Supporting Communication for People with Aphasia

Read Dear Zoo

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A symbol chart to support conversation while reading the book Dear Zoo. To learn more about how to support people using communication charts check out our free on-demand learning module from Ace Centre Learning by clicking here for <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/communication-partners-i">Communication Partners</a> training
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To learn more about literacy instruction for people who use AAC or who have complex needs we suggest the following sources:
General literacy: 
<a href="https://literacyforallinstruction.ca/">Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities </a> website with information and guidance
<a href="http://www.project-core.com/">Project Core </a> website with information and free professional development modules
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/46177933-comprehensive-literacy-for-all">Comprehensive Literacy for All</a> book with information and guidance
<a href="http://www.teachustoo.org.uk/">Teach Us Too</a> UK based charity promoting literacy education for all
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Self Directed Reading: 
<a href="https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/5-ways-to-make-page-fluffers-and-spacers">PrAACtical AAC </a>blog with tips on making books accessible
<a href="https://www.janefarrall.com/self-selected-reading-books-for-every-reader/">Jane Farrall</a> presentation handout with tips and informations
<a href="https://tarheelreader.org/">Tar Heel Reader </a>large bank of free online books
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Shared Reading: 
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=symbol-charts&amp;page=1&amp;subcategory=symbol-charts-for-reading-looking-at-photos-telling-stories">Ace Centre Symbol Chart</a> free printable symbol charts to support reading books
<a href="https://www.sharedreader.org/">Tar Heel Shared Reader</a> website with information and free professional development modules
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Letter and Sounds 
<a href="https://www.janefarrall.com/teaching-and-learning-the-alphabet-playing-with-letter-shapes-and-sounds/">Jane Farrall</a> blog post on teaching the alphabet
<a href="https://sites.google.com/view/emergingreaders/home?s=09">Reading &amp; Writing 4 All</a> website with free resources for teaching the alphabet
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Writing: 
<a href="https://www.med.unc.edu/ahs/clds/alternative-pencils/">Centre for Literacy and Disability Studies Alternative Pencils </a>information and resources
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=alphabet-charts">Ace Centre Alphabet Charts </a> free printable alphabet charts to use for writing

Getting Started with AAC and Literacy

This leaflet is a starting point for introducing literacy instruction to people who use AAC and why it is important.

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

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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)

Alphabet Chart Pack - charts you point to

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This pack contains ten alphabet charts designed to support face-to-face communication for someone who is able to spell but cannot rely upon speech to communicate.
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/blog/customisable-alphabet-charts">Click here to find read about things to consider when customising this chart. </a>
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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

There are now more young people using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems in both mainstream and special schools than ever before. Successful inclusion of these pupils requires a substantial resource commitment, including the planning and implementation of appropriate supportive communication programmes, training of staff, and the involvement of a wide range of professionals working together. So how can schools maximise the effectiveness this commitment?
This freely-downloadable 50-page document offers information and guidelines to local education authorities, schools and health professionals. Contributions from 25 professionals working in the field of AAC have been brought together to summarise the current situation and point the way forward through the promotion of AAC policies.

Developing AAC Policies in Schools

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.

A brush strokeResources

Resources