Friday Announcements – 5 September 2025
1. AI in AAC Survey
2. FREE Colourful Semantics Training & App Drop-In Session
3. Introducing Access Navigator 1.0
4. Cerebral Palsy Scotland Conference – Register Now!
5. Join the CENMAC Team – Advisory SaLT (AAC Specialist)
News from Communication Matters
6. CM2025 International AAC Conference – Welcome!
7. CM Office Closed 10-17 September
8. About Friday Announcements
1. AI in AAC Survey
From Hannah Craven, Smartbox Assistive Technology:
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the new AI features in Grid, and in AAC more generally. What’s working well, what could be improved, and what you want to see in the future. Your feedback will help us make sure AI continues to add value and support people who use AAC in the best ways possible.
The survey is also available in an accessible grid set for Grid 3 users. To access it, go to: Menu > Add grid sets > Accessible Apps > Smartbox Surveys.
2. FREE Colourful Semantics Training & App Drop-In Session
From Annie Galvin, Therapy Box Ltd:
Monday 15th September | 08:00–09:00 BST | Online
Integrated Treatment Services Ltd and Therapy Box invite you to a free interactive drop-in exploring Colourful Semantics.
Join us to:
- Learn the background and theory behind Colourful Semantics
- Understand the colour-coding system
- Explore baseline assessments and resources
- See a walkthrough of Therapy Box Colourful Semantics apps
- Discover practical ways to use the apps in real settings
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about Colourful Semantics, introductory training options, and how the Therapy Box Apps can be used to enhance your practice.
Sign up here.
3. Introducing Access Navigator 1.0
From Heidi Koester, Koester Performance Research:
We’re excited to announce the release of Access Navigator: a free tool to support decision-making for alternative access!
It’s here and ready for you to try, at accessnavigator.org.
The idea of Access Navigator is to help teams and individuals with physical disabilities identify efficient, accurate, and desired access methods, for devices like laptops, tablets, smartphones, and SGDs.
It supports a structured assessment process, including 4 main sections:
- Gather information
- Evaluate abilities
- Test-drive solutions
- Make informed decisions
And it includes all types of access methods, such as typing, speech, eye tracking, head-controlled mice, switches, even no-tech methods.
Access Navigator is an app that runs in any browser, on any device, such as a laptop or tablet. It’s free and available at accessnavigator.org. Access Navigator also includes helpful resources, as well as printable forms for the assessment process.
We’d love for you to give it a try! We think everything is ready, but this is a ‘soft launch.’ If you try it and love it, please share this with others. If you try it, and something doesn’t work right, please let us know by emailing [email protected].
4. Cerebral Palsy Scotland Conference – Register Now!
From Rachael Webb, Cerebral Palsy Scotland:
The 12th annual Cerebral Palsy Scotland conference and exhibition is taking place on Wednesday 8 October at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Glasgow.
The Cerebral Palsy Scotland conference is for everyone with experience of cerebral palsy – directly, through family, or professionally.
The conference is Scotland’s only annual event focussing on cerebral palsy. It’s a fantastic opportunity for everyone in the cerebral palsy community to get together, learn and share experience.
Thanks to our event supporter Digby Brown Solicitors, delegate places are free of charge. Book your free delegate place here.
5. Join the CENMAC Team – Advisory SaLT (AAC Specialist)
From Annabel Dent, CENMAC:
CENMAC is looking for a dynamic and experienced SaLT with particular expertise and interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and the use of related technology.
We are looking for someone who would be interested in working as part of a multi-disciplinary team across a wide range of educational settings as part of the Academy and outreach services.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a growing service in which we assess, support and loan equipment to ensure young people are accessing education to their full potential. We aim to grow the service as a leader in AAC and assistive technology (AT), using some of the latest technologies and reflective practice.
This position can be held in a full-time or part-time capacity.
If you would like to join a fantastic team making a real difference, then please visit our website for the full Job Description. To apply complete the Application Form and the Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form: https://cenmac.com/about/join-us/
6. CM2025 International AAC Conference – Welcome!
The Communication Matters International AAC Conference will take place at the University of Leeds from Monday 8th to Tuesday 9th September, following the Relaxed Exhibition this Sunday 7th September, and including the AAC Awards ceremony on Monday evening! The Research Study Day will then take place on Wednesday 10th September.
All delegates should have already received a joining information email about how to register at the venue and a campus map. Don’t forget to check out the timetable and book of abstracts if you haven’t done so already. A printed timetable will be given to you at registration.
We look forward to welcoming all delegates to Leeds!
7. CM Office Closed 10-17 September
The Communication Matters Office will be closed from Wednesday 10th to Wednesday 17th September due to staff leave following our annual conference. We will re-open on Thursday 18th September. Unfortunately, this means there will be no Friday Announcements next week. Please send any enquiries during this time to [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible on re-opening. Thank you for your understanding.
8. 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).
