1. The Talking Speech Apraxia Podcast
2. AAC Exams Access Group Meeting
3. Call for Presentations – TechAbility26
4. 1Voice National Circus Weekend
News from Communication Matters
5. Glasgow AAC Information Day – Register Now!
6. Voices Without Limits – Communication Club Scotland
7. CM 2026 Abstract Submissions Now Open!
8. Register for Peer Support Sharing Best Practice Day
9. CM Conference 2026 – Save the Date!
10. About Friday Announcements
1. The Talking Speech Apraxia Podcast
From Ruth Rowntree, Speech Apraxia UK:
The Talking speech Apraxia Podcast, hosted by Ruth Rowntree of Speech Apraxia UK, is a heartfelt and empowering show dedicated to illuminating the challenges and triumphs that come with speech apraxia (also known as verbal dyspraxia) through interviews with experts and inspiring personal accounts. We cover childhood apraxia of speech, acquired apraxia of speech, and primary progressive apraxia of speech.
With each episode, we connect families, speech and language therapists, researchers, and other professionals, sharing stories, wisdom, and evidence-based strategies that truly make a difference.
You can listen to the latest episodes on all major podcast platforms.
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
Click here to listen on Spotify.
2. AAC Exams Access Group Meeting
From Katy Leckenby, Ace Centre:
The next virtual AAC Exams Access meeting is Monday 9 March at 1pm.
The agenda will include:
- Docs Plus – Discussion around how this software could be utilised in Exams.
- SEND White Paper: What does this mean for AAC users?
- Concerns about conflicting viewpoints within education around entitlement to literacy and its long-term impact on exam access.
- Awareness raising – There are some NHS trusts which seem to block the AAC Exams Access.
Please contact Katy Leckenby ([email protected]) for the link to the online meeting.
3. Call for Presentations – TechAbility26
From Fil McIntyre, TechAbility:
Would you like to showcase interesting and exciting Assistive Technology practice? Have you undertaken impactful research to share with other AT professionals? Take the opportunity to present your practice or research at TechAbility26, a leading UK Assistive Technology conference.
To have your presentation considered, please complete the expression of interest to present form. Deadline for submissions is 24 April.
TechAbility26 takes place on Thursday 19 November at Coventry Building Society Arena.
If you would like to discuss suitability before submitting, get in touch with [email protected].
4. 1Voice National Circus Weekend
From Jo Cope, 1Voice:
This year we are inviting you to run away with us and join the 1Voice Circus!
National Weekend Details
When: 4pm Friday 21 August to 1pm Sunday 23 August
Where: Treloar College, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 4GL
Bookings are open until 12pm on Monday 23 March. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis. Once places are filled you will be put on a waiting list. To be better able to support families, the weekend is open to school-aged children only, although there will be some older role models joining us for the weekend.
More information about the weekend’s itinerary, the accommodation and venue, draft timings for the weekend, and details of the cost can be found on our website.
We also still have space for two more volunteers for the weekend. More information is available here.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at [email protected].
5. Glasgow AAC Information Day – Register Now!
We’re delighted to be heading to Glasgow once more for the CM AAC Information Day 2026. This AAC Information Day is a product demonstration day supported and presented by our Commercial Members from the UK’s leading suppliers of communication aids, equipment, software and symbol systems.
The day consists of five sessions which provide information and offer up-to-date knowledge on the range of AAC products available in the UK. There will also be an exhibition period where you can try out products.
Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026.
Venue: Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel, Beardmore Street, Clydebank, Glasgow, G81 4SA.
Cost: FREE to attend! Lunch & refreshments are provided.
We are still finalising the list of suppliers attending, and more details will shortly be available on our website:
Places are limited, so do register now to secure your attendance! If you have any questions, please contact the CM office at [email protected]
6. Voices Without Limits – Communication Club Scotland
We invite AAC users in Scotland to come along to our first communication club, ‘Voices without Limits’. This is an opportunity for you to meet other AAC users, take part in some fun activities and share tips and tricks on how you use your communication device. The club is suitable for young people and adults who use AAC (aged 14+ years).
The first club session will take place on Thursday 16 April, at 10.30am-12.30pm at Corseford College in Inchinnan. There is plenty of free parking. Light refreshments will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own lunch.
10.30am – 12.30pm, Thursday 16 April 2026,
Corseford College, India of Inchinnan, Inchinnan PA4 9LH
To register for this event, please click here.
7. CM 2026 Abstract Submissions Now Open
We invite you to submit abstracts for our 40th anniversary conference!
As we celebrate four decades of advocacy and innovation in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), we’re seeking presentations, workshops, and poster submissions that push boundaries and champion limitless communication for all.
Abstracts will be reviewed by the Abstracts Committee who will meet after the deadline. Submitting authors chosen will be informed by mid-May 2026.
The deadline for abstract submission is Midnight (BST), Friday 27 March, 2026.
Submit your abstracts here.
8. Register for Peer Support Sharing Best Practice Day
Tuesday 31 March, 10am – 3.15pm, University of Leeds.
The next workshop for Sharing Best Practice for Peer Support & Mentoring is for AAC users, families and professionals who are interested in attending, supporting or setting up an AAC Communication Club and enabling AAC users to achieve Mentoring qualifications.
Our itinerary for the day will be mailed to all Peer Support subscribers.
Please click here to subscribe to receive details direct to your inbox.
Learn more and register for the event here.
9. CM Conference 2026 – Save The Date!
Join us in Leeds on 13-15 September 2026 for an exciting event packed full of informative presentations, inspiring stories and insight into the advancing world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Our conference offers a diverse programme of events that brings AAC users, their families and carers together with researchers, professionals and suppliers to learn, network, socialise and celebrate.
Further details will be shared once announced.
In the meantime, visit our website to learn more about plans for this year’s event.
10. About Friday Announcements
These ‘Friday Announcements’ comprise weekly product updates, upcoming courses, and supplier news. Please email [email protected] with the item you want to be included by Thursday at 5pm – no more than 200 words (one entry per organisation per week) – and include contact email and/or link so readers can find out further information (no file attachments please).
