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. Resource TypeAllHowTo Video (20)Useful Link (16)Information (9)Resource (7)Assessment And Implementation (6)Service Leaflets And Forms (5)AAC Resource TypeAllPowered (14)Partner (17)Paper (13) EyeLink Communication BoardsEyeLink 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 Visits During Covid 19We 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 Communication Resources for Intensive Care and HDUThe 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: ICUapp ICU app is designed to support communication in Intensive Care and High Dependency Units. This app is ICU AppAn 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 iPadIn 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 13In 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 symbolsIn 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 TableThis 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 iPadIn 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 OthersThis 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 Support for people who communicate using symbols during the Coronavirus PandemicThis 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 is specifically aimed at those who use symbol based AAC systems. Please also see our related leaflets “Support for people who communicate through spelling during the Coronavirus Pandemic” and “Using a Support for people who communicate through spelling during the Coronavirus PandemicThis 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 is specifically aimed at those who use text based communication aids. Please also see our related leaflets "Support for people who communicate using symbols during the Coronavirus Pandemic" and "Using a Enable access to one app only on an iPad or iPhoneIn 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 AppThese 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 Grid3This video demonstrates the basics of setting up an eyegaze device with a GridPad communication aid running TheGrid3 software. Using the Possum Freeway ControllerThe 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 AidSetting 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 ScanningThis 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 TherapistsKnowing 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 PointingThis 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 frameA 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 CommunicationThis 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 EyeLinkIn 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 PointingA video demonstrating how to use a communication book by pointing (called 'direct access'). Communicating Yes and NoA video demonstrating how to communicate choices with the assistance of a communication partner. AEIOU paper based communication chartA paper based communication chart, set out in the AEIOU format. This is designed for access via partner assisted scanning. Communicating ChoicesA video demonstrating how to communicate choices with the assistance of a communication partner. Setting up a CallEasy pager with Grid3In this video we demonstrate setting up a Call Easy Pager to be triggered from a cell within The Grid3. Assembling a Varifloat Floor StandThis 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 useThis resource is designed to support those who are considering toys and activities for developing access to technology using switches. Guide for ProfessionalsThis 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. Guide for Service UsersThis 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? Equipment Loan AgreementThis 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 Widgit HealthWidgit Health includes a range of downloadable resources for individuals and medical professionals. Their paper based resources use widgit symbols and aim to support a person's understanding and/or expressive communication within a medical environment or around specific health care procedures. ABC chart with some phrasesAn ABC chart developed by ACE Centre with some phrases. AEIOU communication chart for row column scanningA 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. Call ScotlandCall 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. Paper based yes/no question promptA prompt sheet for a partner to use in order to help an AAC user get a quick message across with yes/no responses. SpecialEffectSpecialEffect 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 AssociationThe Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) is a charity which offers support and information for people with MND and their families and carers. KPR OnlineKPR 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 AccessibilityiOS accessibility is a website with information and tips about adapting access to Apple iOS devices. Google AccessibilityGoogle accessibility is a website with information and tips about adapting access to android devices. The Good Things FoundationThe 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 NetworkThe 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 MyWayMyComputer 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. ITCanHelpThe 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 AbilityNetAbilityNet 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 CentreThe 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. 1Voice1Voice 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 MattersCommunication 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 CentreThe 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. Computer Access in Schools – Starter ResourceSome 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 Remote Control of Home EquipmentThis 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); EC Service Specification and Contract SummaryThis 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 CliniciansThis 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 BankingVoice 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 voice – ‘Voice Banking’ Both types of banking can be used as an effective communication tool. Individuals can record and store their own voice or may use a Means, Reasons and Opportunities for AACThese 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 Unpicking Apps for AAC ResourceThis 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 stepsThis 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 SuggestionsThis 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. Local Services Resource PackThis 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.