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.

Message Banking Resource

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

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.
Getting the Most out of your Video Appointment- Information for Parents/Carers

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.
Layout of eyelink communication board

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
Helen wearing PPE in a home

Visits During Covid 19

We are doing what we can to reduce the risks associated with Covid-19 when visiting by putting in place a number of measures.  We have published some Frequently Asked Questions that you may have about visits by our team - see the attached PDF. 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
ICU app home screen, showing a screen with text of 'why am I here', 'what will happen to me' and 'communicate'.

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 home screen, showing a screen with text of 'why am I here', 'what will happen to me' and 'communicate'.

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.