Training

In partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University.

Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Assistive Technology.

Purpose: To enhance individual practice and extend knowledge and thinking in the field of Assistive Technology for communication and learning.

Participants: Professionals working with people with complex physical and communication disabilities

Learning: Two units completed over two years.

For the full award, students complete both units.

1. Assistive Technology to support communication and learning for people with physical and/or communication difficulties (30 credits)

   This unit explores the use of Assistive Technology (AT) to support communication and learning. It considers an individual’s need for AT and critically reviews some of the available hardware and software solutions, and their implementation, with consideration of such issues as access, control, recording and retrieving information.

2. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (30 credits)

   This unit explores the needs of people with complex communication difficulties and critically evaluates the available range of Assistive Technology resources and strategies, examining the issues of assessment, implementation, support and training.

   Students will create and critically evaluate a communication resource for an individual, group of individuals, or for a service.

Learning: Each course comprises:

• 4 direct teaching days at ACE Centre
• Independent study
• Written assignments
• 5000 word case study (assessed)

Dates: The training is provided on a rolling basis, with courses starting in October of each year.

Cost: £2,000 per person

• Learn more about this qualification
• To apply for this course, contact us: training@acecentre.org.uk

We host dedicated training sessions from suppliers throughout the year.

Additionally, each of our Network Days features a ‘What’s new?’ session, with presentations from manufacturers and suppliers, and ample opportunity for you to get your hands on the latest devices and software.

Purpose: To enhance your working knowledge of how to get the most out of AAC or AT software and hardware you already have, and to share information and learning about the latest devices and software on the market.

Participants: Family, carers and professionals supporting individuals who use AT/AAC; professionals and students new to the field of AT/AAC.

Learning: What AT/AAC software and hardware is available; building your technical knowledge to ensure you get the most out of the resources you have.

Dates: Check our training calendar for what’s coming up.

Cost:  Variable – please enquire.

Purpose: to support the development, implementation and use of Augmentative & Alternative Communication within the framework of the NHS Specialised AAC Service.

Participants: Practitioners within the North West and Wessex & Thames Valley Specialised AAC Service regions who:

• Work with individuals who have been/may be referred to the Service

and/or

• Are involved in the set up and/or development of a local AAC Service

Learning: Various opportunities are available – please see our calendar for events

Dates: Rolling calendar of events – check out current dates here

Cost: Free

• Our training and open events are hugely popular – book early to ensure a place.
• Owing to limited capacity, a maximum of 2 places will be allocated to a single organisation (e.g. Speech and Language Therapy Department, school etc.)

Individually tailored training for work or other environments; for example, increase your understanding of access skill development (e.g. mouse, keyboard, switch or eye gaze) or improve your knowledge and skills with implementing AAC or AT.

Costs vary from approximately £600 for a 3-hour session to £1000 for a full day’s training. Please enquire for further details and a quote.

• Where training is requested off-site, Ace Centre will also charge:
  • Travel at 45p per mile
  • Overnight accommodation and subsistence where travel exceeds 100 miles.

Please fill in our training request form and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Assistive Technology (AT) Unit

The AT Unit will provide you with an overview of Assistive Technology to support communication and learning, and considers the assessment process for identifying an individual’s AT requirements.

Learning outcomes:

• Explain the Assistive Technology solutions to meet the needs of individuals with complex physical communication and learning disabilities
• Analyse an individual’s need for Assistive Technology and evidence the need
• Identify and select appropriate resources to meet the needs of individuals with complex needs whilst working as part of a team
• Reflect on and evaluate the implementation of Assistive Technology solutions in a given setting

In summary:

• 4 taught days at Ace Centre in Oldham
• Suitable for practitioners working with individuals with complex communication and learning needs
• No entry requirements
• Cost £800

For information about future dates, contact us: training@acecentre.org.uk

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Unit

The AAC Unit explores the needs of individuals with complex communication difficulties, critically evaluating the available range of AAC resources and strategies, and examining the issues of assessment, implementation, support and training.

Learning outcomes:

• Recognise who can benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and understand the importance of a collaborative approach to identify the need and potential solutions
• Identify an individual who may benefit from AAC and describe their requirements of a communication system
• Critically evaluate a communication resource and the way it has been implemented
• Analyse and measure the current and potential impact of using an AAC system

In summary:

• 4 taught days at Ace Centre in Oldham
• Suitable for practitioners working with individuals with complex communication and learning needs
• No entry requirements
• Cost £800

Download our booking form