1. ACM Europe Summer School on Accessible and Inclusive Technologies
News from Communication Matters
2. Glasgow AAC Information Day – Register Now!
3. Voices Without Limits – Communication Club Scotland
4. CM 2026 Abstract Submissions Now Open!
5. Last Chance to Register for Sharing Best Practice Day!
6. CM Conference 2026 – Save the Date!
7. About Friday Announcements
1. ACM Europe Summer School on Accessible and Inclusive Technologies
From Dr Arthur Theil, Birmingham City University:
I would like to invite you to join the 3rd ACM Europe Summer School on Accessible and Inclusive Technologies, which will take place in Milan 15-18 June 2026.
The summer school invites PhD students, early-career researchers, and industry professionals interested in research related to accessible computing, inclusive design, assistive technologies, and disability-led innovation.
Each day will feature outstanding speakers and sessions on research related to accessibility, participatory and inclusive design, responsible AI, assistive robots and human-computer interaction. Participants should expect 4 full days of research-intensive talks, interactive sessions, and networking events. This year, the summer school will also include a visit to Google’s Accessibility Discovery Centre in Milan.
Early-bird registration ends 27 April. Travel scholarships are available to PhD students. Apply before 10 April to be considered.
More information, and to book your place, visit:
europe.acm.org/seasonal-schools/accessible-inclusive-technologies/2026
2. 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]
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Last Chance to Register for 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.
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR IN-PERSON TICKETS.
Learn more and register for the event here.
6. 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.
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).
