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

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Seasonal

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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

Getting Started with Core Words

Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources

Communication Partners

AAC in Action: Autumn Festivals

Getting Started with Yes/No

AAC in Action: Festive Season

Simon Says... Sing a Carol!

AAC in Action: Tasty Traditions

Easter Egg Hunt

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 Modelling

Modelling, aided language stimulation, point talking – are different ways of saying the same thing: that it is important to point to symbols while you talk to someone who is using symbols to communicate.
This leaflet is a starting point for introducing the concept and importance of modelling for communication partners who are supporting someone learning to use symbol based AAC systems.
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Pragmatic Auditory Scan Communication Book

Listener Mediated Scanning ABC Chart Pack

This pack includes eight alphabet chart options and a help sheet to support getting started with the resource. They are all designed to support face-to-face communication for someone who can spell but finds it difficult to point to letters. The letters on these charts are arranged in alphabetical order and are accessed using a method called listener mediated scanning or partner assisted scanning.

pasco is a development project by the <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">Ace Centre</a> to create a AAC app to support people who require auditory scanning only. This may be with one or several Text to Speech (TTS) languages or recorded speech. The app supports auditory cues in a headphone and main speech out of the main speaker of a device. Currently only these features are supported in iOS &#8211; other platforms are due to be supported in the future.
<h2>So what is pasco?</h2>
pasco is designed for a specific need and is a development project led by Ace Centre. Its primary purpose is an AAC solution for individuals who need an auditory scanning system and who possibly require multi-lingual support. We felt a system that would work on a range of platforms would be useful so the software is web-based, however it can be  specially created to work off-line on iOS, Windows or Android. In the first phase of this work, we focused on iOS mainly because the individual client we are working with has an iPhone.
What pasco will do:
<ul>
<li>Have an auditory cue and main voice, these can be different voices</li>
<li>The cue and main voices can be recorded messages rather than text-to-speech</li>
<li>The cue and main voices  can be split between a wired headphone and the internal speaker of the iPhone</li>
<li>Be able to spell using purely auditory scanning – speaking out each letter as it is written and then speaking out the whole word on a space or finish command</li>
<li>The language can be created and edited  using a simple text file – where each tree is just an indented list of words or phrases</li>
<li>Support one switch scanning</li>
<li>Support direct access, so that a communication partner can use it and/or so that clients who are able to make small movements are able to use it.</li>
</ul>
Try out the app on an <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pasco/id1317265884?ls=1&amp;mt=8">Apple iOS device (iPhone or iPad) by downloading the free app here</a>. The web version can be trialled at <a href="https://app.pasco.chat/">https://app.pasco.chat</a> . Please note that the different audio for a headphone and device speaker is only available in the iOS app.

Pasco

At Ace Centre we meet a number of clients where traditional AAC solutions aren’t suitable. Here are some examples
Said is a 45-year-old man who lives at home with his wife. Said and his wife are Kurdish and have lived in the UK for 10 years..  Said speaks and understands English, his  wife has limited English and speaks to Said in Kurdish. He has Motor Neurone Disease which has now affected his speech to the point others can no longer understand him. His eyesight is poor. He still operates a TV remote by holding the remote between his thumb and forefinger – but can only operate the 4 way TV controls. He wants to spell out whole words and communicate his care needs with carers. He has tried eyegaze technology in the past but this has not been successful.
Fen is a 56-year-old woman who lives in the UK, she is a first-generation immigrant from China. She has had a brainstem stroke limiting her physical skills to a small thumb movement. It is not clear what Fen can see – her family and care staff feel she can hear better than she can see. Prior to her accident she spoke and understood verbal Chinese (Mandarin) well with her family members. Fen now lives in a care home where staff are English speaking. Fen would like to make her care needs known to staff and her family would like to communicate further with her. Fen has begun to use a partner assisted auditory scanning system using a paper-based book put together with her family. As this system is in Chinese  it is not accessible to care staff.
Joel is a 6-year-old boy who has a significant visual impairment and physical difficulties. He lives at home with his Mum, Dad, baby brother and dog. His family speak both Portuguese and English. He has trialled some AAC by auditory fishing (dragging his hand across a device and hearing a cue about what is underneath it) and selecting with a switch – but this has proven difficult. He can activate a switch well with his head. He has begun to use a partner assisted scanning book with his mother e.g to choose  activities to play with; to make comments  like telling his mum he loves her.
In these cases, there is a range of issues but in general, we need to identify solutions that:
<ul>
<li>Use one or four discrete (in close proximity) movements to operate a device.</li>
<li>Be able to support different languages</li>
<li>Support auditory cues. This  may be with the cue in one language and the main voice in a different language</li>
<li>Where a language cannot be supported with text to speech, it needs to be possible to have audio recordings for the  cue and main voice.</li>
<li>Really simple to edit the vocabulary items for support staff, with the ability to take something already in existence and import the language into a different system</li>
</ul>
Some auditory scanning solutions exist but these are all traditionally grid-based[KS1]  systems which are designed to do multiple things like support symbol systems and access methods such as eyegaze.  Often the language can be edited but it’s hard to import from something like a word document to the software. Few solutions can really support re-organising large blocks of language and “trees” (lists of words organised in categories or blocks) [KS2] of words quickly. If we imagine that, for someone who has a visual impairment, the words are not in a block but are in a list – then it makes more sense to have the words in a list. On paper based systems words and phrases are traditionally organised in lists rather than grids. This led to the question – can we replicate something similar on an electronic system to solve some of these issues?
<div>
<h2>Introducing Paul Pickford</h2>
Paul Pickford is a user of Assistive Technology and a past client of the Ace Centre. You can view more about Paul in the video below.
Paul now uses head controlled technology to operate his computer and has been keen to raise funds for Ace Centre. He contacted us to donate some money to help us fund a bespoke solution to one or two of our clients. We identified the need from the case studies above and sketched out what was required. We are hugely grateful to Paul for offering this and hope that his input helps the development of AAC solutions for many individuals. The result is pasco – Phrase Auditory Scanning Communicator.
</div>
 
<div class="responsive-embed widescreen"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Paul Pickford" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8lxpvI3lk8w?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>
 
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<h2>So what is pasco?</h2>
<div class="rounded-img aligncenter wp-image-6308 size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Screen-Shot-2018-04-20-at-12.58.48-144x300.png" alt="" width="144" height="300" /></div>
pasco is designed for a specific need and is a development project led by Ace Centre. Its primary purpose is an AAC solution for individuals who need an auditory scanning system and who possibly require multi-lingual support. We felt a system that would work on a range of platforms would be useful so the software is web-based, however it can be  specially created to work off-line on iOS, Windows or Android. In the first phase of this work, we focused on iOS mainly because the individual client we are working with has an iPhone.
What pasco will do:
<ul>
<li>Have an auditory cue and main voice, these can be different voices</li>
<li>The cue and main voices can be recorded messages rather than text-to-speech</li>
<li>The cue and main voices  can be split between a wired headphone and the internal speaker of the iPhone</li>
<li>Be able to spell using purely auditory scanning – speaking out each letter as it is written and then speaking out the whole word on a space or finish command</li>
<li>The language can be created and edited  using a simple text file – where each tree is just an indented list of words or phrases</li>
<li>Support one switch scanning</li>
<li>Support direct access, so that a communication partner can use it and/or so that clients who are able to make small movements are able to use it.</li>
</ul>
Try out the app on a <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pasco/id1317265884?ls=1&amp;mt=8">Apple iOS device (iPhone or iPad) by downloading the free app here</a>. The web version can be trialled at <a href="https://app.pasco.chat">https://app.pasco.chat</a> . Please note that the different audio for a headphone and device speaker is only available in the iOS app. For some support see: <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/page/pasco-support/">https://acecentre.org.uk/page/pasco-support/</a>
Warning: Please remember this is very much a development project. There is limited support. If you are looking at this app to see if it is something that may help you or someone you are supporting please contact your local AAC service for guidance on whether this is the correct solution for your needs. 
<h2>What do we expect to happen now?</h2>
pasco is an open source development project. We believe that to meet the wide range of needs of our clients a large number of solutions are required. As part of this mix of solutions, a broad number of individuals are best supported by a business model of good long-term support and maintenance. As well as providing a solution for a few niche use cases, we hope to inspire the development of future AAC software and solutions focused on this area of need. To do this we aim to share publicly case studies and data regarding the use of the app going forward on this page. <a href="http://github.com/acecentre/pasco/issues">Issues with our software will be publicly available here</a>.
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At Ace Centre we meet a number of clients where traditional AAC solutions aren’t suitable. Here are some examples Said is a 45-year-old man who lives at home with his wife. Said and his wife are Kurdish and have lived in the UK for 10 years..  Said speaks and understands English, his  wife has limited&hellip;
<a class="moretag" href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/project/pasco/">Read the full article</a>

pasco

⚠️ We are no longer actively developing Pasco as we have launched the next generation version, called <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/echo">Echo</a>! Check it out here!. Don&#8217;t worry, Pasco isn&#8217;t going to be removed, so you can continue to use it. ⚠️

Yum! Yum! Christmas for some is all about the food! We all need a way of saying when we want more Turkey or we want to play a game.  Find here a communication placemat which you can use to chat whilst eating your Christmas Dinner. Print it out at A3 or A4 for your perfect dinner plate size. We recommend laminating to avoid Gravy problems.
Made with the excellent open source <a href="http://arasaac.org">ARASAAC</a> symbols and with some special help from Elf Ben.

Christmas Place Mat

Listener Mediated Scanning Frequency Alphabet Chart Pack

This pack includes eight alphabet chart options and a help sheet to support getting started with the resource. They are all designed to support face-to-face communication for someone who can spell but finds it difficult to point to letters. The letters on these charts are arranged by their frequency of use in English words. These charts are accessed using a method called listener mediated scanning or partner assisted scanning.

A symbol chart to support communication while doing arts and crafts.
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>.

40 - PCS

40 - Widgit

DUCB - Developing and Using a Communication Book

Make Up

Colours

Manicure

A symbol chart to support communication while doing or having a manicure.
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>.

15 - PCS

15 - Widgit

Access to paper-based symbol resources when pointing is difficult

Most people communicate yes or no—by speaking, nodding, or using gestures. But for those with complex needs, it’s not always that easy.
This resource explores ways to teach yes/no responses, including alternatives for those with limited movement. It outlines practical methods such as head movements, eye pointing, switches, and verbal/physical cues, with tips for consistency and modeling across communication partners.
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<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)

Throughout our work there are many many unanswered questions; Whats the best way? Whats the fastest? What works for a client and why?
The problem is many of these questions are either hard to answer – or require a long detailed research study. Well we have one such question to do with our ongoing work supporting people who we assess to use morse code; Whats the fastest way of learning it? If you speak to traditional Morse users they largely say “Auditory” “You can’t use it fast unless you have heard it”. What they traditionally mean is the dot and dash sounds – because a lot of people use it for amateur radio operating where this is the medium. But – if you are using it to write – without hearing the sound – is it really auditory?
<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/030802269405700405">A study looked at this</a> – and concluded a mixed approach was probably best – and interestingly that auditory alone wasn’t useful.  But the sample was small and the cues not that engaging. So how can we easily fix this?
Well we have taken the morse-learn game that Google made – and further developed it. Mainly:
<ul>
<li>Adding Auditory cues</li>
<li>Adding Visual cues that match the auditory cues (Download posters and cards if you need them in different colours: <a href="https://morse-learn.acecentre.net/HelloMorse-Poster-Cards-AllColors/HelloMorseAce-Poster-Cards-Blue.pdf">Blue</a>, <a href="https://morse-learn.acecentre.net/HelloMorse-Poster-Cards-AllColors/HelloMorseAce-Poster-Cards-Green.pdf">Green</a>, <a href="https://morse-learn.acecentre.net/HelloMorse-Poster-Cards-AllColors/HelloMorseAce-Poster-Cards-Orange.pdf">Orange</a> or <a href="https://morse-learn.acecentre.net/HelloMorse-Poster-Cards-AllColors/HelloMorseAce-Poster-Cards-Peach.pdf">Peach</a>)</li>
<li>Provide the ability to turn on/off these cues – along side the dot/dah sound</li>
<li>And we can keep track of your learning – anonmously – to see how fast users take to get through the game. We honestly can’t track anything more – not your location, not your hobbies or dogs name. Just how fast it takes you to learn – and with what settings you are using. (If this means something to you  – take a look at the code <a href="https://github.com/AceCentre/morse-learn">https://github.com/AceCentre/morse-learn</a> )</li>
</ul>
By having no authentication and making this truly open to anyone (and most important of all – FUN!) we hope to gain a greater understanding of how fast it takes people to learn morse.
Tips:
<ul>
<li>Use chrome if you can. Its slightly less buggy (backstory: It was a chrome only experiment. We’ve done some work to make it as work as well as we can on safari/iOS but its not without some issues still)</li>
<li>Stick to one device. As we have no login system we can’t migrate you from one device to another.</li>
<li>Please try and stick with the settings you are given. These are randomised to make sure a random sample of people are provided different options</li>
</ul>
Check it out at<a href="https://morse-learn.acecentre.net/"> https://morse-learn.acecentre.net </a>

Morse Learn

Morse Learn is a game to enable everyone to learn morse code by attaching mnemonic cues to letters. It has auditory and visual cues so is accessible to both blink and deaf users.mnemonic

Designing and using alphabet charts

Being a Communication Partner

High Frequency Words & Phrases with QWERTY alphabet for Pointing

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

A5 Communication Book you can point to

Clues Book

Alphabet Chart Pack - charts you point to

<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
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>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

upper case

lower case

Doctor

A symbol chart to with medical and doctor related words that could be used in real life or imaginary play.
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>.

30 - Widgit

30 - SS

30 - PCS

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>.

28 - Widgit

28 - SS

28 - PCS

15 - SS

8 - Widgit

8 - SS

8 - PCS

2 - Widgit

2 - SS

2 - PCS

Want to make your own switch adapted toys for Christmas? Watch Elf Paul literally eat his way through making some switch adapted Christmas Tree lights.
You will need:
<ul>
<li>A battery operated toy or set of Christmas tree lights that are battery operated (i.e. a simple switch turns them on or off)</li>
<li>A 3.5mm switch (available from any good AT supplier! e.g. <a href="https://www.liberator.co.uk/products/switches/switches">Liberator</a>, <a href="http://www.inclusive.co.uk/hardware/switches-and-switch-mountings">Inclusive Technology</a> )</li>
<li>A <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/kenable-3-5mm-Socket-Extension-Cable/dp/B011SSAUM0/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1545132846&amp;sr=1-5&amp;keywords=3.5mm%2Bjack%2Bmono%2Bextension&amp;th=1">mono 3.5mm extension lead</a> that you are ready to cut down to size</li>
<li>Some double sided sticky pads or <a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5mm-15mm-VHB-5952-Heavy-Duty-Double-Sided-Acrylic-Foam-Adhesive-Tape-Mounting/192736207208?hash=item2cdff92168:m:mJU0lJ-OmP_gFsq-vCwsvzQ:rk:6:pf:0">VHB tape </a></li>
<li>Some snips or wire cutters</li>
<li>A paper towel</li>
<li>&#8230;and a mince pie case!</li>
</ul>

Make your own switch adapted Christmas Tree lights

You Matter is a remarkable training course for teachers, teaching assistants and therapists that brings together parents of children with significant speech difficulties and their supporting professionals.
<blockquote>A brilliant course! Should be available to all parents, carers and teaching assistants involved with AAC
<footer class="citation"><cite>Course participant</cite></footer>
</blockquote>
You Matter has now been been fully updated with new case study material.
For children with significant speech difficulties, it’s the parents who can hold the key to developing effective communication for their child, if they are provided with the appropriate support.
The You Matter course brings together families and professionals on an equal footing in order to provide practical and positive ways forward for the children’s AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) needs. It gives families the tools and the support needed to set their own goals, solve their own difficulties and become active decision-makers in supporting their own child’s communication.
Developed by therapists across three counties, You Matter provides an opportunity for professionals to learn from other disciplines, and gives families the platform to share practical experiences for the benefit of all involved.
<a href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/resources/you-matter/you-matter-course-summary/">Download course summary</a>
The course requires the minimum of preparation. All of the materials and handouts are provided, including Powerpoint presentations, feedback forms and video resources.
Why the course matters:
<ul>
<li>Empowers parents 
You Matter gives parents the skills and the understanding to effectively take ownership of aspects of their child’s communication, to be an equal and informed partner in the care of their child and to be able to set realistic short term and long term goals for their child</li>
<li>Supports the important SEND reform principle of family and child-centred working (Children and Families Bill 2014), where the aspirations of the family and child are clearly heard and reflected in the long and short term goals within Education, Health and Care Plans. You Matter helps parents and professionals to set realistic goals based on knowledge of their child’s aided communication stage, the specific strategies that are required to support their child and planning how this support can be delivered in partnership with professionals. Co-production is at the heart of planning and parents are able to contribute confidently with the knowledge and skills they gain from this course</li>
</ul>
<h2>What&#8217;s in the course?</h2>
You Matter is divided into eight short sessions to be run flexibly, for example, over two full days or four morning, afternoon or evening sessions.
<h3>Session One</h3>
The first session aims to introduce participants, draw out their hopes and concerns, recognise the pressures they may be under and explore their expectations of the course. Overall aims for the course will be agreed during this session, matching what the participants want to gain with the information provided within the course content.
<h3>Sessions Two and Three</h3>
These sessions look at facilitating communication through aided systems. This is done by considering:
<ul>
<li>What is meant by communication</li>
<li>The five stages of communication development using aided systems</li>
<li>How to select vocabulary at the right level for a child</li>
<li>How participants’ communication affects the child’s progress</li>
<li>How participants’ communication will change as the child gains skills.</li>
</ul>
After the first three sessions, participants can be offered the opportunity to be videoed at home or in school with their child. The aim is to help participants to review their own style of interaction as well as express privately any concerns they may have about their child using aided communication.
<h3>Session Four</h3>
Session Four reviews the video experience and looks at involving others in the child’s communication system. It includes:
<ul>
<li>The difficulties faced by children using aided communication when learning to communicate through their system.</li>
<li>The different types of communication we all use.</li>
<li>How the participants’ role changes as the child gains skill.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Sessions Five, Six and Seven</h3>
These sessions bring in feedback from the video sessions, looking at where perceived communication problems lie, and address areas the participants choose to focus on. Session Seven finishes by discovering participants’ longer term aims for their child’s communication and looks at setting achievable goals for the future.
<h3>Session Eight</h3>
The final session is an additional half day which looks at each child’s personal aided communication system. Participants need to bring in their child’s system and either the appropriate communication aid supplier or someone who is familiar with the different systems needs to be available. It’s a session for participants to gain confidence with the programming of the systems, and/or the creation of pages or other low tech materials. A variety of activities are included during the course for participants to investigate some of the issues through working together in small groups.
<h2>How the course was developed</h2>
The course is the outcome of the You Matter project which was carried out as part of the Becta Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Innovative Projects funding stream.
The project aimed to highlight the importance of providing training for parents and closely-involved professionals in supporting a child using aided communication. There were two very different models of training courses, each offering contrasting perspectives on how parent-directed training could be successfully delivered.
As a result, the project has developed a range of ideas for putting training into practice leading to the same desired outcomes for parents, professionals and ultimately the child. During the training, all those taking part were asked to provide extensive feedback to inform this structure of the course. In addition, opportunites for in-depth discussion were provided during workshops which followed the delivery of the courses. These workshops included managers of services as well several lead/highly specialist speech and language therapists who had been delivering.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/matter-education-edition">See the Education Edition of You Matter here</a></li>
<li><a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/you-matter-education-pack">See the Education Edition Participant Pack of You Matter here</a></li>
<li><a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/you-matter">See the Family Edition of You Matter here</a></li>
<li><a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/you-matter-pack">See the Family Edition Participant Pack of You Matter here</a></li>
</ul>

You Matter - Family Edition

Full You Matter Bundle &#8211; this includes:
<ul>
<li>1x Tutor Guide, resource pack &amp; digital delivery of course content</li>
<li>10 x Your Guide &amp; resource pack for participants</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/you-matter-pack/">Additional packs available here</a>

Framework for Switch Assessment

Introducing Echo: The AAC app for easier communication. Auditory scanning, dual voices, and multiple access options. Accessible and inclusive.
Echo is an AAC app designed for those with a visual difficulty and physical difficulty to access communication.
Echo is based around the concept of auditory scanning. Auditory scanning is a communication method using sound cues or auditory feedback rather than visual cues. This method is especially valuable for those with a visual impairment who cant access visual based AAC.
Echo provides you with two different voices, one for your auditory cues and the another to represent your voice.
You can access Echo using the following methods.
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">Any external switch (or combination of switches)</li>
<li class="li1">Swipe Gestures</li>
<li class="li1">Arrow Keys</li>
</ul>
We have plans to extend this in the future to allow for more access methods.

Echo

Echo is an AAC app designed for those with a visual difficulty and physical difficulty to access communication.

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:
<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>
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

Look2Talk

Balloons

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>

Templates

Guide 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

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

Reasonably priced medications https://simplemedrx.top

A brush strokeResources

Resources