Communication Connections
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communi-con.bsky.social
Communication Connections
@communi-con.bsky.social
110 followers 260 following 60 posts
AAC Specialist Teacher with CALL Scotland.
Interests: AAC, AT, literacy, complex ASN & MFL (lots of acronyms!).
All views my own.
📷 communication_connections
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communi-con.bsky.social
Story readalongs for TD Snap, now on Pageset Central. Search 'Bookbug.'
@scottishbooktrust.bsky.social gifts books to primary 1 children each year. @callscotland.org.uk provide symbol resources.
Purchase the books and download symbol resources for free at:
https://f.mtr.cool/guxcirnrxp
November 24, 2025 at 12:53 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Fun lesson this week. Simple story and activities related to fireworks.
• PowerPoint story with Grid's See and Say gridset
• Props, signs, symbols, AAC boards & apps
• Boardmaker fireworks stamping
• Story made with Grid 'Read with Me' template
• Fizzing fireworks & art
• Grid interactive activities
November 9, 2025 at 8:19 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
A few years ago I shared links to free printable communication resources I compiled for families.

People kindly added to them. It later became a document with links & QR codes.

Now, it's a Wakelet of links, organised by symbol set.
wakelet.com/wake/v9jdOkO...

#AACaware
October 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Spreading awareness of alternative access methods and AAC.
I showed my mum, son, niece and nephew how you can use the free text-based AAC app, Vocable, on a mobile phone with head tracking.
Available for iOS & Android devices, touch & head tracking access, pre-stored phrases, keyboard.
#AACaware25
Collage of two photos, each showing a mobile phone displaying the Vocable AAC app on a mobile phone. On the left the button 'Please be quiet' is selected using head tracking access method and on the right the button 'I am hot' is highlighted, also with head tracking access method.
October 12, 2025 at 1:09 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
An AAC system isn't just one method, tool or strategy. Trying different access methods, we revisited eye gaze. In the past people asked why she would need to use eye gaze when she has an iPad. Short answer: the iPad isn't the only, or most efficient means of communication and access at all times.
A student with face blurred out, in a power wheelchair is sitting in front of an eye gaze device which is mounted on a floor stand. The eye gaze device shows a rating scale with the headings 'fast, ok, slow.' On the tray of the wheelchair there is an AAC device with a rating scale displayed on screen with the headings 'yes, maybe, no.' There is also a joystick on the tray.
October 1, 2025 at 4:18 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
As it's #MathsWeekScotland I did a counting story with my son. My son loved organising the printed images for each part of the story. We counted, added and subtracted as we went. He also constructed sentences with AAC apps.
September 28, 2025 at 3:28 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
As always, the Communication Matters Conference was fantastic! I learned so much from sessions & conversations. Loved meeting people from online in real life.
Had the best introduction from the person chairing our session on Communication Passports.
Lots to think about, lots to explore!
#cm2025conf
September 14, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Reposted by Communication Connections
callscotland.org.uk
Joanna, Ceanna & Claire had a fantastic couple of days at the Communication Matters International AAC Conference 2025. Thanks to everyone who came by our information board in the exhibition hall and to our workshops. So many great conversations and connections made! Until next year!
#cm2025conf #AAC
Collage of the Communication Matters Conference and AAC Awards 2025, featuring three members of CALL Scotland staff, attendees, exhibition hall, decorated tables, a busy dance floor and the Communication Matters logo in the centre.
September 12, 2025 at 6:01 AM
communi-con.bsky.social
Student speaks some words but can be misunderstood. He can agree or stop talking rather than repeat or explain. Using AAC we found words, topics and typed phrases he could use to advocate for himself.

He likes the Minecraft Movie. He copied quotes I modelled changing some words.

1/2
Collage of two photos. Top photo shows child's hand typing on the keyboard on an iPad with the Grid for iPad app. Bottom photo shows a child's hand tapping buttons on a an iPad on a topic page with conversation repair vocabulary on TD Snap for iPad. Photo of child holding an iPad displaying a keyboard of the Grid for iPad communication app. The message window reads 'Steve lava dogs' Collage of three photos showing a child holding an iPad and editing a button on a communication app, using the keyboard to input text. A large photo at the bottom shows a child selecting the new button with the text repeated several times in the message window.
August 24, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Reposted by Communication Connections
callscotland.org.uk
Are you familiar with SQA Digital Assessment Arrangements? No matter if you are newly qualified or would like a refresh of requirements and implementation procedures.

Register via the link or QR code below to join us from next Thursday. 

Bit.ly/course21825
#CallLearn
Burnt orange background with white text advertising #CallLearn course titled Technology to Support SQA Digital Assessment Arrangements course starts 21st August 2025. Find out more and book by scanning the QR code or go to bit.ly/course21825. This is a 4 week course with weekly 1 hour workshops (4-5pm) www.callscotland.org.uk
July 29, 2025 at 9:30 AM
communi-con.bsky.social
I first saw this idea shared by aacforall on Insta a few years ago. I made a few variations. The ones I've used the most are the core and fringe strip flip tops.

I love them as I can model core and fringe for different activities and a wider range of language functions.

#AugComm #AAC
Photo of a Go Talk 4+ and Go Talk 9+ communication devices each with overlays with symbols and words. There are laminated symbol strips attached to the top in the style of a tabbed booklet Photo of a Go Talk 9+ communication device lying on the grass. There is an overlay with symbols and words related to a story. Attached to the top is a laminated symbol tabbed booklet. Photo of a desk with Go Talk 4+ a Go Talk 9+ communication device. There are overlays in each with symbols and words. Attached to the top of each is a laminated symbol tabbed booklet. Some other colourful and tactile materials are also on the table. Photo of a child holding a Go Talk 9+ communication device. There is a shared reading overlay with symbols and words. Attached to the top is a laminated symbol tabbed booklet.
July 20, 2025 at 10:02 AM
communi-con.bsky.social
I visited my sister's classroom as she was doing some prep for the new term.
We added to labels and visual supports to support instructions & routines, communication supports for activities and for any reason.
Video shows signage, AAC boards and posters, activity-specific visuals, visual sequences.
July 13, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Reposted by Communication Connections
acecentreuk.bsky.social
Does your child use communication apps? Struggle working out what is best? 🤔

We want to hear from families/carers who have children with speech, language and communication needs and are planning to introduce an AAC app on a touch device such as an iPad.

Find out more below👇

buff.ly/vvOqP9h
July 3, 2025 at 5:02 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Can't wait to read this! Pre-ordering my copy right now!
workingwithaac.bsky.social Helen Robinson @workingwithaac.bsky.social · Jul 4
After three years of hard work, I’m pleased to announce that my book is available for pre-order from www.routledge.com/Working-with...

Thanks to all who have contributed, I value your experiences so greatly.
July 4, 2025 at 6:45 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Working with a student who has unclear speech at times.
Tried some AAC apps. He used symbols to tell me what he was having for lunch and verbally added it was a packed lunch. We explored communication repair phrases to hopefully build confidence and give ways he can advocate for himself.
1/2
Photo shows a child holding an iPad with the TD Snap communication app displayed on screen. The page has vocabulary related to communication repairs. The child is pointing to a symbol and the message window is full of vocabulary and shows various buttons have been pressed. Collage of two photos, both with Smartbox Grid Super Core 50 communication app on an iPad. The first photo shows the words and symbols 'sandwich, tuna, ham' in the message window. The second photo shows the words and symbols 'chocolate, crisps' in the message window. Photo of an iPad with the TD Snap communication app's keyboard displayed. A child's hands can be seen holding the iPad and one hand is typing a message on the keyboard. The message window reads 'I go out to play with my friend or.' Photo of an iPad with the TD Snap communication app's keyboard displayed. The message window reads 'I have a good time.'
June 30, 2025 at 6:29 AM
communi-con.bsky.social
Visited a pupil who has Smartbox Touch Pad with Grid but isn't using it. We tried some of Grid's communication and curricular gridsets.

She likes using her phone to send emojis so we tried out WeaveChat AAC on a mobile phone as well.

Looking forward to exploring ways to personalise her AAC!
#AAC
Photo shows a table, on top of which is a mobile phone with the WeaveChat communication app's scrolling board and an iPad with Smartbox's Grid SuperCore 50 app open on the keyboard page. A child's hand can be seen tapping a symbol on the mobile phone. Photo shows a table, on top of which is a mobile phone with the WeaveChat communication app's scrolling board, an iPad with Smartbox's Grid SuperCore 50 app and a Smartbox Touch Pad displaying the Grid dashboard. There are some books on the table behind the devices.
June 15, 2025 at 5:14 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Love this - each year S1 pupils are asked to set up their iPads. They change accessibility settings to suit them best. It is made clear that all iPads will likely look different.
#ASLTechnology25
@callscotland.org.uk
Woman stands in front of a screen with a PowerPoint slide titled 'our accessibility journey'
June 11, 2025 at 12:52 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Last chance to book tickets for our annual ASL & Technology Conference! Tomorrow, 11th June.

Just £10 for 18 presentations and the chance to win prizes!

Attend in person, live online or register to receive the recordings!

Book now at: bit.ly/asl-tech25

@callscotland.org.uk
#ASLTechnology25
June 10, 2025 at 8:24 AM
communi-con.bsky.social
I wanted to make visual supports and communication boards to use with light tables at my last school.
I experimented and printed on transparency film. My son tested one out. The second photo shows a comparison of paper and transparency film printed versions.
#AAC #AugComm
Photo of a small light table with a child's hand in shot playing with colourful transparent plastic shapes. At the top of the light table there is a symbol communication board printed on clear transparency film. Collage of two photos. The top photo shows a symbol communication board, printed on paper, on top of a small light table. A child's hand is in view at the bottom of the light table playing with colourful transparent plastic shapes. The bottom photo shows a symbol communication board, printed on transparency film with a child's hand at the bottom of the communication board. Photo of small light table with a symbol communication board, printed on transparency film and lots of different coloured plastic shapes on top of the communication board.
June 1, 2025 at 7:20 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Thanks to come.with.me.aac on Insta for sharing the idea. I've added some to my collection.
Toy devices are cute but that's not the only reason I like them.
We know how important play is for development. Including toy AAC devices in play promotes inclusivity, representation and exploration.
#AAC
Photo of a group of six superhero figures. Four are holding black plastic ID card holders with screenshots of different AAC apps inside, two are holding printed communication boards. Photo of four black plastic ID card holders with screenshots of different AAC apps inside. Photo of four black plastic ID card holders with screenshots of the CALL Scotland shared reading communication board for Soundingboard inside.
May 28, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Reposted by Communication Connections
callscotland.org.uk
Would you like to work at CALL Scotland?

We're looking for a new team member to come and join us!

bit.ly/3SbLpC8
The CALL Scotland logo in navy and red text above a red circle with an outline of an arm holding a sign in front that reads 'join our team'.
May 20, 2025 at 9:48 AM
communi-con.bsky.social
I made a Widgit version of the tabbed lanyard symbols with Makaton signs on the back.

I don't have the permissions to share, however, you can add photos/ signs on the reverse whichever symbol creation software you use by adding or duplicating a page after each one with symbols.
Photo of two lanyards, each with a mini symbol communication board and set of small cards showing a symbol and word, with tabs on each one with the matching symbol. One lanyard set uses Widgit symbols, the other uses PCS symbols. Collage of 4 photos of a set of individual Widgit symbol communication cards with tabs. The photos show that each symbol card has a symbol and word on one side and Makaton sign on the reverse.
May 18, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Reposted by Communication Connections
callscotland.org.uk
Happy Bookbug Week! There's still time to sign up for free and join Joanna and Bookbug on Thursday 15th May at 10am for our next Accessible Readalong!
callscotland.org.uk CALL Scotland @callscotland.org.uk · May 1
Join Joanna & Bookbug on Thursday 15th May 10am for our next Accessible Readalong! We'll be reading '10 Dogs' A funny, furry counting book! It's Scottish Digital Literacy Week and Bookbug Week 2025, a great opportunity to celebrate both. Hope to see you there!
Sign up to join here:
bit.ly/4iCTkTL
Screenshot of a green book cover for a children’s book with illustrations of 10 different dogs and text that reads ‘10 Dogs, Emily Gravett.’ A yellow circle in the top right corner has text that reads ‘From the winner of the Kate Greenaway medal.’ Screenshot of CALL Scotland’s Bookbug printable shared reading communication board to accompany the book ’10 Dogs’. There is a grid with 12 different symbol graphics and vocabulary related to reading the book in each square. A graphic of an iPad displays the Soundingboard CALL Scotland shared reading board with 16 symbol graphics related to reading books.
May 14, 2025 at 8:16 AM
communi-con.bsky.social
I had a great time presenting and learning at a @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social Sensory Story Sharing Practice Event.
Photo of a woman standing behind a lectern and microphone facing a crowd, the backs of heads of crowd can be seen at the bottom of the photo. There is a large projection of a presentation slide on the wall above the woman's head. The presentation slide shows a photo of a table with various objects, symbol resources and a communication app on an iPad. The text on the slide reads 'Sensory Stories Incorporating AAC, literacy and technology. Ceanna MacGregor, CALL Scotland.'
May 13, 2025 at 9:26 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Our hybrid ASL & Technology conference is not to be missed! Find out more in Kirsteen's blog.
callscotland.org.uk CALL Scotland @callscotland.org.uk · May 9
Have you booked your space yet?

Read Kirsteen’s latest blog on our hybrid ASL & Technology Conference on 11th June via the link or QR code below.

This will be a day filled with quality learning and networking (if you’re able to join us in person)

bit.ly/blog8525

#ASLTechnology25 #CallScotland
May 11, 2025 at 11:20 AM