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.
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.
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
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.
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
Additional Environmental Control Equipment Peripherals
This document provides information on peripherals that can be added to Environmental Control installations to provide control of additional equipment within the home. Apart from lighting and intercoms, the range of equipment listed in this document is not provided as part of the specialised Environmental Control (EC) service provision and will be required to be funded and installed by other parties. However this equipment can all be controlled by an
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
Voice & Message Banking
This handout describes approaches to voice and message banking. Voice and message banking is the process of recording and storing an individual’s voice that can then be used to support communication.
Unpicking Apps for AAC Resource
This resource was produced to accompany our ‘apps’ training package and gives an overview of a range of AAC apps.
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.
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.
Call Scotland
Call Scotland are a team funded by the Scottish government. They provide support to children and young people across Scotland. Call Scotland also have a variety of free resources that are available to download, and offer training including webinars.
SpecialEffect
SpecialEffect are a charity who can support people with physical disabilities to play video games. They have a range of accessible gaming equipment for people to try out at their base in Oxfordshire, and also carry out home visits for individuals that are unable to travel.
MND Association
The Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) is a charity which offers support and information for people with MND and their families and carers.
KPR Online
KPR online (Koester Performance Research) is a company which works to support computer access for people with disabilities. The website includes software and research findings on computer and tablet access.
iOS Accessibility
iOS accessibility is a website with information and tips about adapting access to Apple iOS devices.
Google Accessibility
Google accessibility is a website with information and tips about adapting access to android devices.
The Good Things Foundation
The Good Things Foundation is a charity “that supports digitally and socially excluded people to improve their lives through digital” technology. They work with the Online Centres Network and several other organisations to promote digital inclusion.
Online Centres Network
The Online Centres Network is a collection of 500 organisations that aim to increase people’s skills and confidence in working with computers and the internet, with the aim of tackling digital and social exclusion. You can search their website to find centres near you.
MyComputer MyWay
MyComputer MyWay is a resource provided by AbilityNet, which explains how the accessibility options built in to computers and tablets can be used to make them easier to use.
ITCanHelp
The ITCanHelp network is run by the charity AbilityNet. They have volunteers who can visit people with disabilities and older people at home, to help with problems with computers and also to advise on getting the most out of the computer
AbilityNet
AbilityNet is a charity that supports people with disabilities and older people to use computers and the internet at home, in education and in the workplace.
The ACE Centre
The ACE Centre is a hub for AAC in the North West, and a charitable organisation. The ACE Centre have some fantastic paper based resources which are available to download with no cost, including symbol charts, alphabet charts and communication books.
1Voice
1Voice is a charity that supports people who use AAC and their families and carers. They organise events such as themed days, picnics and activity weekends. Many of the trustees and volunteers are Role Models who use AAC.
Communication Matters
Communication Matters is a charitable organisation that supports people using all forms of communication. They organise an annual conference as well as study days and road shows across the UK throughout the year. Their website hosts useful publications on various aspects of AAC, which are particularly useful if you are new to AAC and wondering what it is all about.
William Merritt Disabled Living Centre
The William Merritt Disabled Living Centre is a charity based in Leeds. They offer advice and assessments for all sorts of equipment, and have opportunities to try before you buy. They cater for children and adults, and have lots of expertise in switch access and accessible gaming for example.