Donate Now

Training and Resources

Training

As a regional specialised AAC service, Compass is committed to providing free training for therapists and others working with AAC users in our area of London.

Compass training is targeted at levels at 2/3 of IPAACKS:

Informing and profiling AAC knowledge and skillsTo open a PDF you may need to download Adobe Reader

Useful techniques

  • Using an e-tran frame (eye pointing) with text
  • Using an e-tran frame (eye pointing) with symbols
  • Using partner assisted scanning with symbols
  • Using partner assisted scanning with text
  • Modelling (Aided Language Stimulation)
  • Communicating yes/no
    • You can now access some of our training courses online see below.
    There’s no need to sign up and you can watch them in your own time.

    Practical AAC

    This training is for therapists working with adults in a range of settings (college, hospital, home, care facility) who would like to gain an overview of AAC and some practical application tips.

    This session will cover:

  • Theory and Guidelines: to support handover
  • Assessment considerations and tools: free and paid versions
  • Access methods: in-direct vs direct
  • Mounting: desk/floor/wheelchair
  • Low tech: options, resources and modelling
  • Basic Apps: text/symbol/bilingual
  • Case studies and practical hints

    • The session will be focused on practical application and by the end, you will be:

  • Confident in starting an assessment to identify the AAC needs of a user and referral process to Compass
  • Able to identify alternative access methods and mounting options to meet AAC user needs
  • Able to implement low-tech to support communication
  • Aware of the options for assessment, implementation and resources to support AAC

    • You need to be committed to the ongoing support of the AAC user. As such, there will be a follow-up virtual/remote session 2-3 months after, to discuss what you have tried, go through any questions that have arisen and share ideas with real life case studies.

    Outreach AAC

    This tailored training is offered to therapists, who have identified a need in their service, to increase understanding of AAC. Compass would be able to provide a 1-3hour training slot based on the training requirements identified by the specified service. It will be multidisciplinary and open to minimum 4, maximum 20 people.

    Examples of what the session could cover:

  • Theory and Guidelines: to support handover
  • Assessment considerations and tools: free and paid versions
  • Access methods: in-direct vs direct
  • Mounting: desk/floor/wheelchair
  • Low tech: options, resources and modelling
  • Basic Apps: text/symbol/bilingual
  • Case studies and practical hints – we would use examples provided by the therapists

    • The session will be focused on practical application and by the end you will:

  • Confident in starting an assessment to identify the AAC needs of a user to apply to a Compass referral
  • To be able to implement low tech to support communication
  • Aware of the options for assessment and implementation of AAC
  • Identify the difference between AAC and EC

    • Apps for AAC Training

    This training is for therapists working with adults in a range of settings (college, hospital, home, care facility) who would like to know more about using apps for AAC. We will look at options for individuals who could use a touch screen with direct access.

    This session will cover:

  • Assessment considerations
  • Introduction to key Android/IOS AAC apps for both symbol and text users and the opportunity to try them out
  • Exploration of accessibility settings and hands on trial of options which may improve direct access
  • Setup and positioning for better use
  • A brief look at implementation and tips for success long term

    • The session will be focused on practical application and by the end you will:

  • Understand what you need to know about the person before trying a device/app
  • Be aware that settings can be adapted to suit the individual’s needs and have tried changing the main ones
  • Have an idea of apps (free and paid) that you could trial, know what they look like and understand why one might be more suitable over another for your individual

    • You will need to commit to a follow up virtual session 2-3 months after to discuss what you have tried, go through any questions that have arisen and share ideas with real life case studies.

    This is the foundation training which will enable you to use the tool in your clinical practice. The course is run over two half days and attendance to both is compulsory. You must also commit to a video recording of yourself which is submitted on the second training day.

    Downloadable resources

    Currently, in order to sign up for training please contact Compass@rhn.org.uk

    We invite therapists from the boroughs we cover for our training sessions (Harrow, Brent, Ealing, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Richmond, Kingston, Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton and Croydon).

    Our training is free and based on the latest updates, feedback from colleagues and current national AAC guidelines.

    Please note

    To allow us to provide hands-on training, places are limited and are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, therefore we would be grateful if you could let us know if you cannot attend.

    If you would like Compass to come and provide training for a group of people (20 plus) at a venue other than RHN please contact us to discuss.

  • NHS Specialised Assistive Technology Services

    •  – for information on services in your area and downloadable resources

  • Local AAC Services Commissioning Toolkit

    • – for help with developing your local services

  • Communication Matters

    • – for all you need to know about Augmentative and Alternative Communication