Alphabet Charts & Books

ABC spelling charts

Alphabet communication book templates

Alphabets you can eye point to

Alphabets you can point to

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

Listener Mediated Scanning

QWERTY alphabet charts

Education resources

Developing Access Methods

Implementation

Literacy

Seasonal

Info & Apps

Access

Digital Publications

E-Books

Getting Started

Language(s)

Partner Skills

Software

Learning

Communication

Developing

Education

Engineering

Introductory

Shop

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

Symbol Charts

Communication Books

Core

Creative

Daily Routines

Leisure

Older Learners

Play

Younger Learners

Designing and using alphabet charts

Access to paper-based symbol resources when pointing is difficult

Paper-based resources to support Communication for Adults with Progressive Conditions

Ace Centre E-Tran Frame

Printed

Blank

Combination access ABC

Look2Talk

Pragmatic Auditory Scan Communication Book

Dolly

Simon Says

Sing Old McDonald 8 Intro to encoding

Bubbles

Train Play

Turn Taking

Chat about TV

Check out <a href="https://youtu.be/fCgGy8dFIFE">this video</a> to learn about the eBook features
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.

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.

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

Alphabet Chart Pack - charts you point to

A5 Communication Book you can point to

As provided as an example at <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/ebooks/designing-and-using-alphabet-charts/index.html#/reader/chapter/59">Designing and Using Alphabet Charts (acecentre.org.uk)</a>

High Frequency Words & Phrases with QWERTY alphabet for Pointing

Read Dear Zoo

Getting Started with Core Words

Express Yourself!

Too 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 information
<a href="https://www.monarchreader.com/">Monarch Reader (formerly 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=leisure">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-a-z-books">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/healthsciences/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.

Kerplunk

Blocks

Dressing up

Balloons

Tea Time

Mr Potato Head

Check out <a href="https://youtu.be/fCgGy8dFIFE">this video</a> to learn about the eBook features
There is a lot of emphasis on communication partner skills in this resource. That is because communication does not happen in isolation – it is a social act involving two or more people. The person who is communicating with someone who cannot rely on speech needs to develop a range of skills that will enable them to support that person to fulfil their potential.
Please note that this resource is not suggesting that paper-based AAC is ‘best’, or that using paper-based communication resources is a prerequisite to using an electronic 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

Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources

The aim of this resource is to introduce you to paper-based AAC involving symbols to enable you to support those who can’t rely on speech to communicate. Communication enables us to express ourselves, learn, have fun and be active members of society. Supporting communication with symbols can unlock so many opportunities for those unable to rely upon speech to communicate.

Colour encoded - UPPER case - for eye pointing

Laminator essential

Laminator optional

Colour encoded - lower case - for eye pointing

Clues Book

Supporting Communication for People with Aphasia

This resource is designed to facilitate the creation of a pack of paper-based AAC resources for adults with acquired communication needs or learning disabilities, who have limited literacy, benefit from and can point to symbols. It includes guidance, demonstration materials and customisable templates (using Microsoft PowerPoint) to allow for creation of personalised resources supported with symbols and images including:  
 
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Communication Book </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">About Me Book </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Memories Book </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">My News </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">Pain Scale </li>
</ul>
 
A fictious profile called &#8220;Sue Sample&#8221; is also provided illustrating how these resources are intended to be used and have been personalised to support her communication following a stroke.

Communication Pack for Adults who Benefit from Symbol Support

Getting Started with Modelling

Cooking

AAC in the Classroom

A Guide to Writing an Effective AAC Policy in Education Settings

AAC in Action: Tasty Traditions

<div>A practical resource showing how food‑based activities linked to cultural celebrations from around the British Isles (Burns Night, Pancake Day, St. David&#8217;s Day and St. Patrick&#8217;s Day) can support richer AAC use, including descriptive, comparative, preference and maths‑related language. It offers simple ideas to help learners share opinions, make comparisons and take part in meaningful, curriculum‑linked communication at home and in the classroom.</div>
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https://acecentre.arlo.co/w/events/37-supporting-literacy-with-aac-free-webinar

Supporting Literacy with AAC

PODD 2-Day Introductory Course

Access Methods: Eye Gaze

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

<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)

Find here a Powerpoint that will show you how to make your own Christmas Biscuit Tree. Follow the instructions from Jen. If you need to support to bake then you might prefer to direct other bakers! To do this we have identified some keywords for you to use in your AAC resource. If you are getting started with your AAC then we suggest that your communication partner models the words to you. <a href="http://aacbooks.net/books/UsingLowTechSymbolSystemsChildren/#_point_talking_modelling">See here for some ideas on how to do this</a>.
(A note for communication partners: Can&#8217;t find the right symbols for the words? Find an alternative! For example, you may not have &#8220;sprinkle&#8220;. Don&#8217;t feel pressured to add the word sprinkled. Would &#8220;put&#8221; be ok instead? It gets the same meaning across)
If you are a person who uses a switch you can easily turn the pages of the powerpoint by mapping your switches to the space bar. <a href="https://www.setbc.org/Download/LearningCentre/Access/Reading_Accessible_Books_with_Switch.pdf">Read here for some more information</a> (thanks to SETBC for that information!)
A big thanks to News2You/<a href="https://www.n2y.com/symbolstix-prime/">SymbolStix</a> for allowing us to use their symbols in this resource.

Make your own Biscuit Christmas Tree

This guide is designed to support educational settings through the process of creating an AAC policy that is unique to them and the needs of their students and staff. The document outlines practical steps for integrating AAC into daily classroom activities, ensuring that AAC users can participate fully and learn effectively. It also highlights the importance of fostering a supportive culture that values diverse communication methods and promotes understanding and inclusion. 
We created this free online guide, directed by the original Developing AAC Policies in Schools document created in 2001, whilst working alongside and within several education settings. The aim is to pull from and share our recent joined up experience to assist education teams through the process of creating an AAC policy that is unique to them and the needs of their students and staff. The guide addresses key points for effective AAC policies to include:
<ul>
<li>Introduction</li>
<li>Defining AAC</li>
<li>The need for an AAC policy statement</li>
<li>The educational context</li>
<li>Legal considerations in the use of AAC</li>
<li>Roles and responsibilities</li>
<li>Ongoing training and development</li>
<li>Transition</li>
<li>Funding options</li>
<li>Conclusion</li>
</ul>
Each section in this guide has been designed to promote discussion and planning throughout the process of creating your AAC policy whilst providing examples from existing school policies and considerations to explore within your setting.

Free online eBook or download as PDF

Language Questionnaire

Practical Tips when working with AAC Users who communicate in Languages Other than English

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.

When to Start with AAC?

A brush strokeResources

Resources