One-day Courses

A unique range of training days for teachers, therapists, parents and enablers to help ensure that technology is used appropriately with the people they support. All of our trainers have many years of experience in their fields, and our training is focused on an effective and proven multi-disciplinary approach.

Our day courses are packed full of information, ideas and discussion about the latest equipment, policies and procedures. Perfect for teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs, advisory teachers, therapists and parents.

The Day Courses listed below are held at the ACE Centre and run from 10.00am to 3.30pm. The cost is £160 per participant (except where stated). A light buffet lunch is provided. To discuss all your training needs contact Ian Butterworth on 01865 759800 or email him at butterworth@ace-centre.org.uk

Discount for two courses!

Book and pay for two courses together and receive a 10% discount! See the booking form for details.

Current Day Courses for 2010:

Making sense of eye gaze technology
Thursday 6 May 2010

AAC - What is there to say?
Thursday 24 June 2010

Control communication and play
Thursday 14 Oct 2010

Developing and supporting low-tech communication systems
Thursday 18 November 2010

Making sense of eye gaze technology

Thursday 6 May 2010

Many new eye gaze systems have recently appeared on the market, all with the potential to provide an exciting new access method for communication, education and leisure. Identifying the most appropriate and cost effective system for an individual and ensuring the successful implementation of this expensive technology can be difficult and time consuming. We've been actively following the development of this technology, recognising the potential it can offer people with complex communication and physical difficulties. We've played a major part in the research of how individuals use eye gaze systems through our role in the European COGAIN project and you can tap into this expertise. The course also offers you an opportunity to share your own experiences with eye gaze.

This training day will focus on sharing our experience and lessons learned when introducing eye gaze technology to individuals. It will use case study material to highlight factors for success as well as the challenges posed. There will also be the opportunity to try a number of different eye gaze systems currently available within the UK, including the older and newer Tobii devices, the ECOpoint and the ALEA Intelligaze.

AAC - What is there to say?

Thursday 24 June 2010

The words chosen for a communication system are make or break – they’re one of the key reasons why a system succeeds or fails for an individual. This course takes a detailed look at the range of vocabulary packages available to support the development of an child’s communication. You’ll be examining a wide range of vocabulary packages, and discussing the importance of construction of personalised vocabularies.

The day will enable you to:

• Identify appropriate vocabulary for an individual
• Explore the benefits of using a commercially available vocabulary package
• Explore some of the commercially available vocabulary packages
• Support and customise vocabulary for an individual.

An appropriate vocabulary for an individual can be a commercially available vocabulary package, created from scratch or a combination of the two. The course will consider a range of strategies for vocabulary selection, covering a wide range of language functions including:

• Social exchange
• Attention direction
• Requesting
• Asking questions
• Transferring information
• Responding
• Self-expression/assertion
• Negation
• Communication repair following breakdown
• Negotiation

In short, you'll be looking at and discussing the issues involved in creating an individualised, functional and dynamic vocabulary that's both useful and motivating.

Control, communication and play

Thursday 14 October 2010

We’re all aware of the importance of early experience for the under-fives. But while the normally developing child learns through experience about controlling their world and communication with others, the young child with complex difficulties may be becoming passive or frustrated. This course looks at the importance of working with children as early as possible and introduces positive interventions based on case study materials. It examines the specialist support and equipment that’s needed if learning through play and a sense of achievement is to occur.

This course builds on current literature and documentation on which early years education is based. Recent government policy (such as the 2008 Bercow Report) confirm the need to be supporting young children with difficulties as soon as possible. During this time we cannot afford to get things wrong as the early years are critical in children’s development. Children develop rapidly during this time – physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially.

A child with complex difficulties needs tools to scaffold their development. These tools need to be pitched at the right level to support development. This course will use case studies and other materials to examine what these tools are and how we can scaffold the development of control and communication skills through motivating play activities.

Developing and supporting low tech communication systems

Thursday 18 November 2010

Low tech communication systems provide flexible, portable and robust support or alternatives to high tech systems. This course will look at the range of low tech systems available, as well as issues around their support and use. Video case studies will highlight the importance of the right vocabulary, as well as the vital role of the communication partner and the home environment.

This course will cover:

• What is low tech?
• Why use low tech?
• Accessing low tech systems
• Graphics and image generating software
• Where to begin and how to move on
• The role of core vocabulary and communication partners
• Ideas for fun and motivating activities

The course will consider the wide range of low tech options available and how these can be tailored to meet the needs of individuals with communication difficulties. Options such as methods for accessing low tech systems, the many symbol systems available, the format and layout of communication charts and books etc will be covered. You'll also learn more about the essential role played by the communication partner, and the importance of vocabulary, especially core vocabulary, in communication and language development.

Last updated: 17/03/10