If you use TD Snap and want to tell some festive jokes over the holidays, I've added these pagesets to Pageset Central, search 'Christmas Cracker Jokes.' The jokes come from the National Geographic for Kids website. My son and nephew had a great time trying them out! #AAC #AugComm #TdSnap

Story readalongs for TD Snap, now on Pageset Central. Search 'Bookbug.' @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social gifts books to primary 1 children each year. @callscotland.org.uk provide symbol resources. Purchase the books and download symbol resources for free at: https://f.mtr.cool/guxcirnrxp

Fun lesson this week. Simple story and activities related to fireworks. • PowerPoint story with Grid's See and Say gridset • Props, signs, symbols, AAC boards & apps • Boardmaker fireworks stamping • Story made with Grid 'Read with Me' template • Fizzing fireworks & art • Grid interactive activities

A few years ago I shared links to free printable communication resources I compiled for families. People kindly added to them. It later became a document with links & QR codes. Now, it's a Wakelet of links, organised by symbol set. wakelet.com/wake/v9jdOkO... #AACaware

Spreading awareness of alternative access methods and AAC. I showed my mum, son, niece and nephew how you can use the free text-based AAC app, Vocable, on a mobile phone with head tracking. Available for iOS & Android devices, touch & head tracking access, pre-stored phrases, keyboard. #AACaware25

An AAC system isn't just one method, tool or strategy. Trying different access methods, we revisited eye gaze. In the past people asked why she would need to use eye gaze when she has an iPad. Short answer: the iPad isn't the only, or most efficient means of communication and access at all times.

As it's #MathsWeekScotland I did a counting story with my son. My son loved organising the printed images for each part of the story. We counted, added and subtracted as we went. He also constructed sentences with AAC apps.

As always, the Communication Matters Conference was fantastic! I learned so much from sessions & conversations. Loved meeting people from online in real life. Had the best introduction from the person chairing our session on Communication Passports. Lots to think about, lots to explore! #cm2025conf

Joanna, Ceanna & Claire had a fantastic couple of days at the Communication Matters International AAC Conference 2025. Thanks to everyone who came by our information board in the exhibition hall and to our workshops. So many great conversations and connections made! Until next year! #cm2025conf #AAC

Student speaks some words but can be misunderstood. He can agree or stop talking rather than repeat or explain. Using AAC we found words, topics and typed phrases he could use to advocate for himself. He likes the Minecraft Movie. He copied quotes I modelled changing some words. 1/2

Are you familiar with SQA Digital Assessment Arrangements? No matter if you are newly qualified or would like a refresh of requirements and implementation procedures. Register via the link or QR code below to join us from next Thursday.  Bit.ly/course21825 #CallLearn

I first saw this idea shared by aacforall on Insta a few years ago. I made a few variations. The ones I've used the most are the core and fringe strip flip tops. I love them as I can model core and fringe for different activities and a wider range of language functions. #AugComm #AAC

I visited my sister's classroom as she was doing some prep for the new term. We added to labels and visual supports to support instructions & routines, communication supports for activities and for any reason. Video shows signage, AAC boards and posters, activity-specific visuals, visual sequences.

Does your child use communication apps? Struggle working out what is best? 🤔 We want to hear from families/carers who have children with speech, language and communication needs and are planning to introduce an AAC app on a touch device such as an iPad. Find out more below👇 buff.ly/vvOqP9h

Can't wait to read this! Pre-ordering my copy right now!

Working with a student who has unclear speech at times. Tried some AAC apps. He used symbols to tell me what he was having for lunch and verbally added it was a packed lunch. We explored communication repair phrases to hopefully build confidence and give ways he can advocate for himself. 1/2

Visited a pupil who has Smartbox Touch Pad with Grid but isn't using it. We tried some of Grid's communication and curricular gridsets. She likes using her phone to send emojis so we tried out WeaveChat AAC on a mobile phone as well. Looking forward to exploring ways to personalise her AAC! #AAC

Love this - each year S1 pupils are asked to set up their iPads. They change accessibility settings to suit them best. It is made clear that all iPads will likely look different. #ASLTechnology25 @callscotland.org.uk

Last chance to book tickets for our annual ASL & Technology Conference! Tomorrow, 11th June. Just £10 for 18 presentations and the chance to win prizes! Attend in person, live online or register to receive the recordings! Book now at: bit.ly/asl-tech25 @callscotland.org.uk #ASLTechnology25

I wanted to make visual supports and communication boards to use with light tables at my last school. I experimented and printed on transparency film. My son tested one out. The second photo shows a comparison of paper and transparency film printed versions. #AAC #AugComm

Thanks to come.with.me.aac on Insta for sharing the idea. I've added some to my collection. Toy devices are cute but that's not the only reason I like them. We know how important play is for development. Including toy AAC devices in play promotes inclusivity, representation and exploration. #AAC

Would you like to work at CALL Scotland? We're looking for a new team member to come and join us! bit.ly/3SbLpC8

I made a Widgit version of the tabbed lanyard symbols with Makaton signs on the back. I don't have the permissions to share, however, you can add photos/ signs on the reverse whichever symbol creation software you use by adding or duplicating a page after each one with symbols.

Happy Bookbug Week! There's still time to sign up for free and join Joanna and Bookbug on Thursday 15th May at 10am for our next Accessible Readalong!

I had a great time presenting and learning at a @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social Sensory Story Sharing Practice Event.

Our hybrid ASL & Technology conference is not to be missed! Find out more in Kirsteen's blog.

Wish I'd recorded this conversation. My son found my old work lanyard, asked my niece if she knew what the symbols were for. She said 'to help.' He said yes, wanted to show her how, said we're leaving in '3, 2, 1' (there's a countdown strip on the lanyard). Then had a chat pointing to symbols: 1/2

Fantastic opportunity to see our Guided Hands in action before the Easter holidays. The team shared how they incorporated it in lessons. The student showed off how she can show understanding and also accuracy by colouring in her teacher's nail. (Photo 4)

Starting this afternoon! This course is jam-packed with strategies, resources and tools to support the development of literacy skills for learners with complex support needs. #LiteracyForAll

Playing with a Minecraft creeper toy (green thing, first photo), my son said it needed an 'eye computer.' I had 3D printed toy AAC devices shared by AAC for All. Added screenshots of CALL Scotland Bookbug books and writing grids. My son's toys had fun reading, writing & chatting with devices!

Do you want to build your knowledge and skills in supporting literacy for all students? Sign up for our 8-week 'Technology to Support Literacy for Learners with Complex Needs' course starting this Thursday!

The presenter line up for this conference looks awesome (yes it may include me too 😄). Please have a look and sign up. It is both in person and online. I'm sharing all about the accessibility features in Lumio.

Have you seen this yet? Our ASL & Technology conference is hybrid this year! Meaning you can attend in-person or online! Practitioner presentations, AT suppliers, an exhibition and plenty of opportunities for questions and discussions. Read more on Kirsteen's blog below. #AssistiveTech #AAC

Same idea as my last post, different app. I've uploaded these rating scales to Smartbox Online Grids. First part of the clip shows Grid for iPad with 6 different 3-point rating scales. Second part of the clip shows Grid 3, same rating scales but with an additional rest cell. Links below. #AAC

Forgot to upload to Pageset Central (TD Snap) it's there now. Six 3-point rating scales - details in thread. I've used to discuss opinions, access methods, topics & AAC options.  Here's the link or search 'Ratings - 3 point scales' on Pageset Central: www.mytobiidynavox.com/psc/TDSnap/7...

Are you looking for practical advice to support learners in using technology for assessment arrangements? Join Paul and Texthelp for a free exams masterclass on Wednesday 26th March at 12pm. For more information and to register to watch live or receive the recording, visit: bit.ly/3DVbMsm

SURPRISE! Check out the first annual April Autism Acceptance AAC Resource Sale! Thanks, Rachel Madel, Vicki Clarke (Dynamic Therapy Associates Inc), & Nicole Casey (The Child Led SLP). Download a PDF of this graphic with links at bit.ly/April2025AAC... #AAC #augcomm #SpecialEducation #SpecialEd

It's HERE! It's that magical time of year when select robust AAC apps go on sale in honor of #AutismAcceptanceMonth! Screen-reader-friendly version coming soon. For clickable links use bit.ly/2025AACAppSale #AAC #AugComm #SpecialEd #ATPeeps #ATchat #SLPeeps #AllMeansAll #ConnectionOverCompliance

I had fun introducing AAC apps on a student visit. He likes to watch a specific video at snack time. As he watched, I narrated with one iPad while having another available for him to explore. He engaged fleetingly and occasionally glanced at my modelling. 1/2

Are you confident in raising attainment in literacy for learners with complex needs? We have a course that can support you to support your learners! All sessions are recorded. Sign up now for our 8 week course or find out more here bit.ly/complexneeds25

I used different resources to get a student's opinion on the tools we were trying out to enhance access to curriculum & communication through her iPad. A combination of symbols, rating scales and her AAC app. Referring to the board at the end to summarise was very helpful! #AAC

New on the CALL blog, Claire writes up our newly refreshed and updated Bookbug Digital Bookshelf poster. Scan the QR code or click on the link below to read. Happy World Book Day! bit.ly/4kwm3fl #CallBlog #WorldBookDay

Reading one of the books from last year's Bookbug Primary 1 Family bag with my son. One of the free resources @callscotland.org.uk provides is Writing Grids for the Grid software/app. There are 3 levels of writing support, a book review & an activity. I've shown an example of each in the video. 1/2

With world book day coming up, here are some excellent free resources. I've been a fan of @bookbug_sbt and @callscotland's Bookbug resources long before I joined the CALL Scotland team. The books and symbol resources are great to support 1:1, group or whole class shared reading. 1/3

Playing with balloons while modelling paper & power-based AAC options. Between an app, this board, Makaton, speech & gestures, I was told he wanted a different colour of balloon, I had to blow it up, let go then he had to find where it landed (I had to stay on the seat & not move 😂).

Combination of printed resources, objects & AAC to sing 5 Little Frogs. The student wanted to use the little plastic jumping frogs and as an added bonus, worked on his fine motor skills to make them jump in the pool. Using symbols and device he instructed me to sing at different volumes and speeds.