The ability to communicate is fundamental to a basic quality of life, yet for many people effective communication is difficult because of a physical impairment, language disorder or learning disability. We work with people of all ages who face just such challenges. We provide help and expertise in the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT). Our team of therapists, teachers and technicians provide a range of core specialist services including assessments, equipment loans, training and information, as well as undertaking project and consultancy work for local and central statutory services.
NEWS
ACE Centre North Staff Vacancies: Read more
National scholarship fund for teachers and support staff
The Department for Education has announced a new round of scholarships for teachers and a new scholarship for SEN support. Click here for full details: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/traininganddevelopment/funding/
This funding will provide 50% of the course fee that you apply for. ACE Centre North are pleased to be able to offer the following programmes that meet the criteria for this funding:
Level 5 Certificate in Professional Studies Stage 1 Inclusive Education (Assistive Technology)
Level 6 Certificate in Professional Studies (Assistive Technology)
Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in SEN (Assistive Technology)
TV DOCUMENTARY – FINDING MY VOICE
We have been approached by the CEO of an independent TV productions company who want to make a programme for CBBC and are looking for a family who would be willing to be involved. Ideally, they would like to include a sibling in this too and understand that due to the age range they are specifying, this may be a child who has been using AAC but is starting with a new device.
'We are looking for families with a child aged 8 – 13 who is about to find their own voice, as they receive and learn how to use an augmentative and alternative communication system. CBBC (Children’s BBC) are interested in featuring a fantastic family in their My Life strand, telling the story of a child or young person as they embark on this new journey.' If you think you might be interested, please call for a chat, with no obligation. Michele , Epiphany Productions, 0203 195 1914.
ACE Centre North statement on the closure of the ACE Centre Advisory Trust, based in Oxford
We would like to express our great sadness at the news of the closure of the Oxford ACE Centre. Our two organisations have worked closely together for many years, sharing expertise, learning and vision for the development of our services to support children and young people with complex communication needs, their families and professionals in the field of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology.
The loss of the Oxford ACE Centre will impact ultimately on those individuals and families who have benefited from their services for many years and upon those who will be unable to do so in the future. The principles of health and education collaboration on which the ACE Centres’ services are based are just as relevant today as when the Oxford ACE Centre was first established in 1984. Our hope is that there will be a legacy from their many achievements for which they should be rightly proud. ACE Centre North will make every effort to support them over the next few difficult months and endeavour to ensure their legacy lives on. Read press release 4th April 2012
Anna Reeves
ACE Centre North Manager
School support for pupils with complex physical and communication difficulties
Find out how we are helping schools get value for money out of limited budgets, and the best educational outcomes for pupils. Our cost-effective advice, training and assessment services enable you to provide across-the-board assistive and communication technology support to your staff and students.
Nasen Live 2012 iPod and iPad apps for AAC taster sessions
ACE Centre North will provide an introduction to different apps for iPods and iPads that can support face to face communication. This is a taster session for a full day course that the Centre offers. The session will demonstrate a sample of apps suitable for different communication abilities and to assist both receptive and expressive communication skills. Particular consideration will be given to the organisation of vocabulary and the accessibility options available within the different apps. For further information, or to book a place at this session please contact Sara: sdale@ace-north.org.uk or tel: 01613580151
For further information about Nasen Live 2012: http://www.nasenlive.org.uk/reg/index.php
December Network Day
Our recent Network Day at the the ACE Centre North was held on Thursday December 1st and was attended by over 50 delegates including professionals and parents. The programme was packed with presentations, workshops and updates covering a range of AAC related topics. Download Presentations from the day.
Watch out for the next Network Day on Thursday 21st June 2012.
Case Studies The ACE Centres have produced a series of short films which demonstrate how Assistive Technology can help individuals achieve their potential. Each case study is less than five minutes long and focuses on one individual’s use of assistive technology and what this enables that person to achieve as independently as possible. Please use these short films to help promote the use of assistive technology, we would like them to be seen by as many people as possible. Download here
FC United Minithon 2011 
ACE Centre North partnered FC United on Sunday 16th October in Chorlton for a fundraising 'Minithon', a 5k 'Run, Walk or Crawl' challenge in Chorlton Meadows, Manchester. The day was a great success and saw a fantastic turnout of over 160 participants from FC United, ACE Centre North and Stockport County Supporters Co-operative. The event will help us to raise funds to buy the latest eye-gaze system for assessment and training for people with complex communication needs. If you would like to support our team from the ACE Centre North please visit www.justgiving.com/minithon2011 View the full picture gallery
Know your AAC - Anna Reeves examines the state of specialist services and equipment provision for children with complex communication needs. Published in SEN Magazine http://www.senmagazine.co.uk
Other Ways of Speaking - A new booklet from The Communication Trust
Previous News Stories
FC United teams up with ACE Centre North
Mayor of Oldham raises funds for ACE Centre North
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Find out how to access our services in the most cost effective way. |
Loan Bank of AT & AAC Resources Look at our range of Voice Output Communication Aids and Access devices available for loan. Price List |
Free Resources Downloadable and open source software as well as a few useful website links. |
Now available to download in pdf and PowerPoint format:- A series of seven introductory topics related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), written in a clear and easy-to-understand style by Communication Matters. |
Proloquo2Go ver 2.0 Free Training Find out more
Information Days We offer free one hour information appointments here at the Centre.
Find details of over 100 communication aids
2011 is the national year of communication
Other ways of speaking This booklet provides information about children and young people who use a variety of different ways to communicate, how you can help support them and where to go for further information.
APPS for AAC Software for the iPod, iPhone and iPad to assist with speech and language difficulties.