Friday Announcements

1. Spotlight on Predictable + ElevenLabs Language Options

From Annie Galvin, Therapy Box Ltd:

Predictable + ElevenLabs supports a wide variety of languages, giving AAC users natural and expressive voices that reflect their identity.

This multilingual support helps make communication more personal, more inclusive, and more accessible for users around the world.

Explore the full list of supported languages here.


2. Introducing Printable Super Core Books from Smartbox 

From Olivia Withington, Smartbox Assistive Technology Ltd:

The latest version of Grid 3 includes new printable grid sets that can be made into paper-based communication books. Based on the Super Core child vocabulary, the grid sets include a combination of everyday core words and topic-specific fringe words tailored to different activities and situations. Plus, there are different options for printing and cell counts – making it easy to create a communication book that suits the AAC user. 

Printable Super Core grid sets are available now in Grid for Windows. To get started, update Grid to version 100, go to ‘Add grid set’, then choose ‘Printables’. 

Click here to find out more.


3. Disabled Children’s Partnership and the Speech, Language and Communication Alliance Economic Report Released Today!

From Lucy Lee, Speech, Language and Communication Alliance:

Please join the campaign to make sure AAC users have their voices and influence the SEND reforms. Follow this link to find out how to join the campaign.


4. Vacancy – Assistive Technology Consultant

From Mike Thrussell, Access:Technology Ltd:

We have a new role available at access:technology and are searching for someone exceptional to join us as an Assistive Technology Consultant, preferably in the South of England.

If you thrive on people, problem solving and technology, we want to hear from you. You’ll help disabled children and adults communicate, learn, work and live with greater independence through interventions and thoughtful solutions. It’s varied, meaningful and genuinely rewarding.

We’re keen to hear from people with backgrounds in education, IT or clinical practice (SaLT, OT, Physio, Psychology) who can write clearly, stay organised and bring genuine warmth to the role. We can teach the tech. What matters is how you think and what you value.

Salary is £34k to £38k with a flexible bonus scheme, 55p mileage, strong CPD, real autonomy and a supportive team.

Apply by 5 January 2026, and we’ll also need you to be available for an in-person interview day: 29 January in Newark.

Please send CV + PDF cover letter to [email protected]. Full details here.


5. We’re Hiring! Join Communication Matters as an Administrator

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with excellent IT skills and administrative experience to support Communication Matters in achieving the charity’s mission of empowering people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

What you’ll do:

• Organise events and meetings
• Manage memberships and newsletters
• Support social media and website updates
• Help deliver our Annual International Conference

Why join us?

• Permanent, full-time role (35 hrs/week)
• Salary: £23,881 + 6% pension
• 28 days holiday + office closure at Christmas
• Based at University of Leeds (with some remote flexibility)

Joining Communication Matters means being part of something truly meaningful. As a charity, our work directly impacts lives – and so can yours.

Learn more and apply here: https://doinggoodleeds.org.uk/job/communication-matters-administrator/

Closing date: 4 December 2025


6. Achieving the Level 1 in Mentoring Qualification 

Online event for AAC users and others interested in finding out more.

Tuesday 2^nd December 2025, 2.00pm-3.30pm

Becky Tyler (AAC user) and Verity Elliott (CM Mentoring Project Co-ordinator)

This is an opportunity to find out more about this fully accredited and fully funded opportunity. Verity will present how this qualification can be delivered and completed in a flexible and adaptable way, the benefits and next steps. Becky will tell you more about her recent experience of completing the qualification.

The qualification can be completed in small groups or individually.

To book onto this online session, please register here. For more information, contact Verity Elliott at [email protected].


7. Save the Date: Sharing Best Practice Day 2026

Tuesday 31^st 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].


8. CM AAC Forum Guidelines Updated

The Communication Matters AAC Forum guidelines have been updated. Forum members are reminded that using group emails for marketing/solicitation is prohibited. Offenders will be removed. GDPR compliance is required, and personal data should only be used with consent and for intended purposes. Members are asked to familiarise themselves with the guidelines regularly.


9. 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).