1. New Accessible Apps Now Available in Grid Software
2. Pretorian Technologies – New Product Announcement
News from Communication Matters
3. Research Matters: Roles in Research
4. Save the Date: Sharing Best Practice Day 2026
5. Farewell to Emily!
6. CM Office Christmas Closure
7. About Friday Announcements
1. New Accessible Apps Now Available in Grid Software
From Hannah Craven, Smartbox Assistive Technology Ltd:
We are delighted to introduce three new Accessible Apps to Grid for Windows: TikTok, Audible and Kindle. Accessible Apps in Grid help you access popular social media, entertainment and streaming services using any type of alternative access. To explore these apps in Grid, go to Menu – Add grid sets – Accessible Apps. Learn more about TikTok here and Audible and Kindle here.
2. Pretorian Technologies – New Product Announcement
From Bob Sagoo, Pretorian Technologies Ltd:
ToFFEE is a wired proximity switch that detects any opaque object, regardless of colour or texture.
Designed for people with limited mobility, ToFFEE offers dependable, contact-free switch activation for a variety of assistive technology applications, including:
- AAC
- Computer Access
- Toy & Appliance Control
- Environmental Control
ToFFEE is available now. Learn more at https://www.pretorianuk.com/toffee-wired-switch/
3. Research Matters: Roles in Research
The next Research Matters online meeting will be on Wednesday 28th January 2026, 4-5pm.
We’ll be looking at ‘Roles in research’ and will share a video that the Research Matters group recorded.
AAC users will share their research experiences in different roles, and there will be an open discussion about getting involved and next steps.
If you’ve been involved in research as a research participant, co-researcher, or part of an engagement/discussion group, please come along and share your experience.
Go to the Research Matters page of the CM website to receive an invitation to the meeting, to sign up for the Research Matters newsletter and to find out more about what we do.
4. Save the Date: Sharing Best Practice Day 2026
Tuesday 31st March 2026 10.00am-3.00pm
Following the successful and enjoyable day in April this year, Communication Matters are pleased to announce that we will be hosting another Peer Support & Mentoring Project ‘sharing best practice day’ at the University of Leeds.
This event is open to all AAC users and others interested in peer support and mentoring along with finding out more about other opportunities.
More information including how to book and the programme for the day will be available soon.
In the meantime, put the date in your diary. For more information about the project, visit our website or contact Verity Elliott [email protected].
5. Farewell to Emily!
Our Charity Manager, Emily Campbell is moving on to a new post. CM would like to thank her for the 11 years she has spent with us, and wish her every success in her new role. Her last day at CM is today, Friday 12th December.
Our part-time Administrator, Helen Copeland, will be taking over the role of Operations Manager from January. Conference planning for 2026 is well underway and Helen will be working with the Trustees on our exciting plans for next year. We have begun the process of hiring a new full-time Administrator who will be in place in Jan/Feb.
Helen’s working days from January will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday and therefore the Communication Matters Office will be closed on Thursdays from 15th December until our new Administrator is in post.
Please send any enquiries to [email protected]. We will keep you updated on our office opening hours in the new year.
6. CM Office Christmas Closure
The Communication Matters Office will be closed over the Christmas period from Friday 19th December to Friday 2nd January. This means that next week will be the final Friday Announcements of the year. Please send in your announcements to [email protected] before close on Thursday – thank you!
7. 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).
