On this page you will find a range of resources that we publish with the aim of supporting local teams and those using assistive technology. You will also find some links to websites and external resources. If you have suggestions for a useful resource, please let us know.
Guide for Service Users
This leaflet is designed for individuals who use, or may use, the Assitive Technology Team service. The leaflet describes: What Assistive Technology (AT) Does The Team Work With? Who Are Barnsley Assistive Technology? What do we do? Who do we work with? Who do we provide equipment to? What else can we do? What happens during an assessment? How can you contact us?
Guide for Professionals
This leaflet is designed for professionals to describe the work of the Assistive Technology Team. The leaflet covers: What Assistive Technology (AT) Does The Team Work With? Who Are Barnsley Assistive Technology? What do we do? Who do we work with? Who do we provide equipment to? What else can we do? What happens during an assessment? How can you contact us? National guidelines.
Local Services Resource Pack
This pack is a handy go to guide for professionals working within the field of electronic Assistive Technology, containing one page profiles for AAC and Environmental Control products and resources. This includes; communications aids, switches, computer access peripherals, remote controls, mounting solutions, assessments, toolkits and software. The products and resources within the pack are those which would usually fall within the remit of local services to provide.
Equipment Loan Agreement
This loan agreement describes our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the person using the equipment. This loan agreement covers all situations in which we provide equipment. The loan agreement sets out the terms and conditions for a contract between the Client and the Assistive Technology team of Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (the Trust). This agreement allows the use of the Equipment in a Client's home free of charge. The
Remote Control of Home Equipment
This document provides information on ‘remote control’ or ‘home automation’ equipment that can be installed and potentially used with an Environmental Control (EC) system. This might be useful for those who are looking to: setup remote control equipment that can be used with standard remotes or apps - but that might need to be compatible with an EC system in the future (e.g. those with MND or other deteriorating conditions);
Getting the Most out of your Video Appointment- Information for Parents/Carers
This resource provides guidance for parents and carers about what to expect if offered a video consultation with a member of the Barnsley Assistive Technology team. Thanks to Rob Hall and Anna Chivers (Speech and Language Therapy Students from University of Sheffield) who developed these during a remote placement with the team.
EyeLink Communication Boards
EyeLink is a partner supported communication method that allows an individual to communicate just through eye gaze. EyeLink is a simple and effective method of eye gaze communication which requires just an acetate or acrylic/Perspex sheet which is printed or engraved. EyeLink can be used with letters or symbols for communication. An EyeLink consists of a transparent frame with letters or symbols on, positioned between the person with communication difficulties
PPE during Visits
We are doing what we can to reduce the risks of transmission of infection when visiting by putting in measures appropriate to the current situation and as advised by our Trust and Public Health England. If we have arranged to visit you, and you still have any concerns then please do contact us to discuss this. Protective Equipment (PPE) In this video Helen demonstrates some of the Personal Protective Equipment,
Communication Resources for Intensive Care and HDU
The following resources have been released in order to support those in Intensive Care and High Dependency Units who are temporarily unable to communicate because of 'intubation' - having a breathing tube or other medical reasons. In this video Kate explains how it feels to be in ICU and unable to communicate: ICU Communication App ICU Communication App is designed to support communication in Intensive Care and High Dependency Units.
ICU App
An App to Support Communication in ICU The ICU Communication App (ICU app for short) is designed for patients in Intensive Care (ICU), High Dependency Units (HDU) and other wards. ICU app is designed for patients who are intubated (have a breathing tube in their throat) - leaving them fully aware but temporarily unable to speak. This simple communication app was developed with individuals who have lived through this experience
Setting up single switch access on an iPad
In this video Gemma explains how to set up switch access on an iPad with one switch, and demonstrates the main switch scanning options. You might want to setup switch scanning on an IPad or IPhone if you are able to use a switch but struggle to use the touchscreen, mouse or have difficulty with other methods of controlling the device. Switch scanning can be setup on other devices such
Recording IR on a Grid Pad 13
In this video Jenny demonstrates how to record InfaRed (IR) codes onto a Grid Pad 13. This is something you might want to do if you want to be able to control equipment like Televisions from the device. This video demonstrates how to record these signals using a GridPad 13 device from Smartbox AT.
Using an Eye Link board with symbols
In this video Helen talks about how to make and use an EyeLink board with symbols. EyeLink boards are a way of using eye pointing for Communication. With EyeLink you move the board until your eyes, and the eyes of the communication partner 'link'. We have another video which demonstrates using EyeLink with text. Other non specialised paper and powered communication aids are listed in our Resource Pack.
AAC App Evaluation Table
This form is designed to give a framework to evaluate AAC apps and decide if they are suitable for individuals to use for AAC. It includes the aspects of apps that need to be considered and specific features to look for when assessing the quality and suitability of an app.
Setting up wifi on an iPad
In this video Danni demonstrates how to setup WiFi on an iPad. You can often find your WiFi password on your WiFi 'Router' (the box that connects to your phone line which provides your internet). As well as allowing you to connect to the internet, this will allow the AT team to support you remotely in using the device.
Using a Communication Aid To Keep In Touch With Others
This leaflet outlines considerations for AAC users during the Covid-19 pandemic and highlights resources that may be useful during this period. This leaflet has been made for people using AAC and also the team supporting AAC users. This leaflet highlights how someone can use their communication to keep in touch with others in ways other than face to face communication. Please also see our related leaflets “Support for people who
Enable access to one app only on an iPad or iPhone
In this video Danni demonstrates how to lock an iPad using iOS Guided Access so that only one app can be accessed on an IPad or IPhone.
Using the TouchChat HD Communication App
These videos demonstrate how to use the TouchChat HD communication app, starting with an introduction to the app and how to find your way around it. This next video demonstrates how to copy a 'vocabulary file' in TouchChat HD communication app - something you need to do in order to be able to edit it with your own personalised vocabulary: And the next two videos demonstrate how to edit a
Setting Up EyeGaze on a GridPad with Grid3
This video demonstrates the basics of setting up an eyegaze device with a GridPad communication aid running TheGrid3 software.
Using the Possum Freeway Controller
The following videos demonstrate different aspects of how to use the Possum Freeway environmental controller. These videos were made by our colleagues at Possum Ltd. Plugging in Power and Switches to the Freeway Switching the Freeway on Changing the Volume and Other settings on the Freeway Controlling the Freeway with a Switch
Setting up a Daessy DeskMount for a Communication Aid
Setting up a Daessy DeskMount This video demonstrates how to setup a Daessy Desk Mount to hold a communication aid. Setting up a Desk Stand with a Tall Vertical Mount Attaching a Mounting Plate This video demonstrates how to attach a Daessy Quick Release Mounting Plate to a Vertical Desk Stand.
Using a Symbol Chart with Row Column Partner Assisted Scanning
This video demonstrates using a symbol chart with Row Column Partner Assisted Scanning - where the communication partner moves through each row of the chart and then each column item to get to the desired selection.
Using a symbol chart to communicate (partner assisted)
This video demonstrates using a symbol chart to communicate where a partner scans the symbol options (partner assisted scanning) because the user finds it difficult to point (direct access).
Assessing for AAC and referring on to a Specialised Service: A guide for Speech & Language Therapists
Knowing who might benefit from AAC, how to assess, and where to look for support can be tricky. This guide aims to: Outline the key areas to consider as part of an AAC assessment. Suggest resources that may support an AAC assessment. Identify when it would be appropriate to refer to a Specialised AAC service (in Yorkshire and Humber, this is the Barnsley Assistive Technology Team) Identify what the goals
Using a Megabee for Communication with Eye Pointing
This video demonstrates the use of the use of Eye Pointing (Eye Gaze) with a simple electronic communication aid called Megabee. Other non specialised paper and powered communication aids are listed in our Resource Pack: https://www.barnsleyhospital.nhs.uk/assistive-technology/resource/local-services-resource-pack/
Using Eye Pointing for Communication using an E-Tran frame
A video demonstrating using Eye Pointing for Communication using an E-Tran frame (E-Tran stands for eye-transmission). Other non specialised paper and powered communication aids are listed in our Resource Pack: https://www.barnsleyhospital.nhs.uk/assistive-technology/resource/local-services-resource-pack/
Using Partner Assisted Scanning on a Letterboard for Communication
This video demonstrates a technique called partner assisted scanning to facilitate communication with someone who can indicate 'yes'. The communication partner goes though each option turn by turn until the person communicating indicates 'yes' to select that letter.
Using Eye Pointing for Communication using EyeLink
In this video Gemma and Faye demonstrate using Eye Pointing for Communication using an Eye Link board - an eye pointing method for communication where you move the board until your eyes, and the eyes of the communication partner 'link'. Other non specialised paper and powered communication aids are listed in our Resource Pack.
Using a Communication Book by Pointing
A video demonstrating how to use a communication book by pointing (called 'direct access').
Communicating Yes and No
A video demonstrating how to communicate choices with the assistance of a communication partner.
Communicating Choices
A video demonstrating how to communicate choices with the assistance of a communication partner.
Setting up a CallEasy pager with Grid3
In this video we demonstrate setting up a Call Easy Pager to be triggered from a cell within The Grid3.
Assembling a Varifloat Floor Stand
This video shows a demonstration of setting up a Rehadapt Varifloat floor stand for mounting a communication aid or environmental control. These mounts will be pre-setup to the weight of the mounting device, so must be provided from the team for the specific device.
Examples of activities for developing switch use
This resource is designed to support those who are considering toys and activities for developing access to technology using switches.
ABC chart with some phrases
An ABC chart developed by ACE Centre with some phrases.
AEIOU communication chart for row column scanning
A communication chart produced by ACE Centre. This chart has an AEIOU layout and is designed for access by row column, listener mediated/partner assisted scanning.
Paper based yes/no question prompt
A prompt sheet for a partner to use in order to help an AAC user get a quick message across with yes/no responses.
Computer Access in Schools – Starter Resource
Some students may find it difficult to access the standard computer keyboard and mouse because of a physical disability or learning difficulty. This brief document is designed as a starter resource to give you ideas about the sorts of equipment that may help, and also sources of support and advice. The Barnsley Assistive Technology team provides specialised computer access equipment for people with severe physical disabilities at home, but we
EC Service Specification and Contract Summary
This resource describes what a service user should expect from our servicing and maintenance contractors. This document provides a summary of the NHS England Environmental Control Service Specification and the Electronic Assistive Technology Servicing Contract. The document includes the Key Performance Indicators that Environmental Control companies (contractors) are contracted to meet. The document also summarises the process from the point at which the Barnsley AT Team receive a referral for
Competency Framework for Specialist AAC and EC Clinicians
This document is intended to describe a framework of competencies that relate to the assistive technology specialist role within a specialised Augmentative Communication Aids (AAC) and specialised Environmental control (EC) service. This role is ‘cross-profession’ – i.e. can apply to either an Speech and Language or Occupational Therapist or Clinical Scientist. This documentation is published under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. and feedback and revisions are welcome. This work was
Means, Reasons and Opportunities for AAC
These resources can be used to look in detail at the means, reasons and opportunities to identify potential reasons for use of a communication aid. In 2010 Barnsley Assistive Technology Team in conjunction with Devices for Dignity undertook research to look at communication aid users views of communication aids and their priorities (report | paper ). As part of this work a symbol based questionnaire and symbol based resources for
Start your AAC journey in 12 simple steps
This resource has been developed to support clinicians working in local services who are new or less familiar with Augmentative Communication (AAC). This may also be useful to more experienced clinicians who would like suggestions on ways to increase their skills and knowledge in AAC.
Basic Assessment Kit Suggestions
This resource is a suggestion (shopping list) of equipment items local teams may wish to purchase to setup an initial/basic assessment kit. This is a basic list – the resource pack and AAC apps resource provide more comprehensive information.
Developing a Communication Scrapbook
A communication scrapbook can be a useful paper-based tool for individuals who need something to support their other methods of communication. A communication scrapbook differs from a communication book because it generally includes fewer core words and more personal vocabulary. This resource explains how to develop a communication scrapbook, including general tips and ideas about how to choose appropriate vocabulary.
Assessing for AAC- what why and how (Links to recommended resources)
This resource is an accompaniment to the webinar: Assessing for AAC- What Why and How? The document provides links to other resources that are mentioned throughout the webinar so that they can be explored independently.
Text Based AAC App Evaluations
This resource is designed to give an overview of some text-based AAC apps using our app evaluation table These apps range from free to medium cost and may be useful to trial with a person who is literate. If you regularly use or recommend a text based AAC app that you think should be included here, please let us know.
Symbol Based AAC app evaluation
This resource is designed to give an overview of some symbol based AAC apps using our app evaluation table These apps range from free to high cost and may be useful to trial with a person who requires symbols for communication. They could be beneficial for someone who is new to AAC or requires a less complex AAC system. If you regularly use or recommend a symbol based AAC app
Paper-based AAC: A Guide
This resource aims to provide information on a wide variety of mainly paper-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools. Environmental supports which facilitate successful AAC implementation are described, followed by suggestions of paper-based and some partner-based AAC tools. This guide does not cover every possible AAC tool or strategy, but we hope that key elements of a paper-based AAC Toolkit are included and that the links to further resources prove
Voice & Message Banking
This resource provides information about voice and message banking and has been updated in September 2020 to include some of the newer voice banking (personalised synthetic speech) options. Voice and message banking is the process of recording and storing an individual’s voice that can then be used to support communication. There are two main types of voice banking: Message (Word and Phrase) recordings – ‘Message Banking’ Creating a personalised synthesised
Getting the Most out of your Video Appointment- Information for Clients
This resource provides guidance for clients about what to expect if offered a video consultation with a member of the Barnsley Assistive Technology team. Thanks to Rob Hall and Anna Chivers (Speech and Language Therapy Students from University of Sheffield) who developed these during a remote placement with the team.