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
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
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
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
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
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
Wish I'd recorded this conversation. My son found my old work lanyard, asked my niece if she knew what the symbols were for. She said 'to help.' He said yes, wanted to show her how, said we're leaving in '3, 2, 1' (there's a countdown strip on the lanyard).
Then had a chat pointing to symbols:
1/2
May 7, 2025 at 5:11 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Fantastic opportunity to see our Guided Hands in action before the Easter holidays.

The team shared how they incorporated it in lessons. The student showed off how she can show understanding and also accuracy by colouring in her teacher's nail. (Photo 4)
Photo of an iPad with communication app displayed on screen. A hand is hovering over the iPad with index finger selecting the 'yes' button. Lots of 'yes' symbols with words are seen in the message bar. Photo of a hand holding an iPad with a symbol communication app displayed on screen. The vocabulary is for the topic 'arguing.' Two other people's arms are in shot. Photo of the Guided Hands device on a table. There is a printed sheet with various words on the Guided Hands device. A hand is holding up a cut out of the word 'found.' A hand is moving the arm of the Guided Hands with a stylus attached at the end. The stylus is resting on the word 'found' on the printed sheet of words. A hand rests at the top of the Guided Hands device. Another hand is moving the arm of the Guided Hands device with a black whiteboard pen attached. The hand using the Guided Hands device is colouring in one of the nails of the hand resting at the top of the device.
May 4, 2025 at 12:14 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Playing with a Minecraft creeper toy (green thing, first photo), my son said it needed an 'eye computer.' I had 3D printed toy AAC devices shared by AAC for All. Added screenshots of CALL Scotland Bookbug books and writing grids.
My son's toys had fun reading, writing & chatting with devices!
Photo of two plastic toys, a green Minecraft creeper and tiny batman, surrounded by 3D printed miniature AAC devices. Photo of an iPad displaying a CALL Scotland Bookbug Grid writing grid. A hand in the bottom left corner is holding a 3D printed miniature iPad with a printed screenshot of the same writing grid. Photo of a 3D printed miniature toy eye gaze device and three 3D printed miniature toy iPads, all with printed screenshots of CALL Scotland Bookbug resources. Photo of an iPad displaying the Soundingboard app with a symbolised shared reading communication board by CALL Scotland. A Spiderman toy is standing beside the iPad and is holding a 3D printed miniature toy iPad with a printed copy of the same shared reading board.
April 23, 2025 at 3:02 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Same idea as my last post, different app. I've uploaded these rating scales to Smartbox Online Grids.
First part of the clip shows Grid for iPad with 6 different 3-point rating scales. Second part of the clip shows Grid 3, same rating scales but with an additional rest cell.
Links below.
#AAC
April 6, 2025 at 10:30 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
Forgot to upload to Pageset Central (TD Snap) it's there now. Six 3-point rating scales - details in thread. I've used to discuss opinions, access methods, topics & AAC options. 
Here's the link or search 'Ratings - 3 point scales' on Pageset Central: www.mytobiidynavox.com/psc/TDSnap/7...
April 3, 2025 at 5:10 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
I had fun introducing AAC apps on a student visit. He likes to watch a specific video at snack time. As he watched, I narrated with one iPad while having another available for him to explore. He engaged fleetingly and occasionally glanced at my modelling.
1/2
Photo of a desk with three iPads, two showing difference communication apps and one showing a children's video. Photo of a desk with three iPads. Two iPads with communication apps, one with 'go' in the message window and one with 'stop' in the message window. The third iPad shows a children's video. Photo of an iPad screen showing the Smartbox Grid communication app 'Super Core 30.' The message window reads 'puddle, puddle, pebble.'
March 16, 2025 at 2:17 PM
communi-con.bsky.social
I used different resources to get a student's opinion on the tools we were trying out to enhance access to curriculum & communication through her iPad. A combination of symbols, rating scales and her AAC app. Referring to the board at the end to summarise was very helpful!
#AAC
The image shows a black board with various printed symbols attached to it. The symbols are arranged in a grid pattern and show different assistive technology tools. The top row has three icons with a blue character showing a thumbs up, a character with arms outstretched, and a character with a thumbs down. In the column beneath the character showing thumbs up, there are symbols. From top to bottom they read "touch access" with a hand pointing to a touchscreen, "joystick" with an image of a joystick and "keyboard" with an image of a keyboard. The second column beneath the character with arms outstretched are two symbols, "trackball" with an image of a trackball device and "switch" with an image of a yellow switch button. In the last column beneath the character with thumbs down is a symbol with a "keyguard" with an image of a keyguard for a keyboard. Collage of two photos. Each photo includes a tablet displaying a communication app and a joystick control. In the left photo, the tablet screen displays three options with corresponding images: "like" with a smiling face, "ok" with a thumbs-up, "don't like" with a frowning face. Below the tablet, there is a joystick with a red button, a yellow button, and a blue button. A hand is seen pressing the joystick. In the right photo, the tablet screen displays three options with corresponding images: "yes" with a smiling face, "maybe" with a hand showing a "maybe" gesture, and "no" with a red X. Below the tablet, there is the same joystick control. The image is a collage of four photos of a digital interface, each showing different rating scales with visual aids and text labels. The first photo shows three symbols and corresponding text for the words "easy," "ok" and "difficult" with a horizontal arrow below indicating a scale. The second photo shows three symbols and corresponding text for the words "all the time," "sometimes" and "never" with a horizontal arrow below indicating a scale. The third photo shows three symbols and corresponding text for the words "good," "ok" and "not good" with a horizontal arrow below indicating a scale. The fourth photo shows three symbols and corresponding text for the words "yes," "maybe" and "no" with a horizontal arrow below indicating a scale.
March 9, 2025 at 8:07 PM