Communication Matters
Ace Centre is committed to collaborating with other AAC stakeholders through its membership to Communication Matters, which is the UK Chapter of ISAAC, the International Society for AAC. This includes contributing to the annual Communication Matters Conference, hosting CM Roadshows, signposting resources online via CM comms, discussion groups and social media and being a Communication Matters Trustee!
Communication Consortium
Ace Centre is a member of the Communication Consortium, which is a coalition of over 50 organisations, supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication needs. Hosted by The Communication Trust, this Network contributes collectively to raising the profile of speech, language and communication and works constructively with the Government and Civil Society to ensure positive outcomes for children and young people.
APPGAT
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Assistive Technology aims to disseminate knowledge, generate debate and facilitate engagement on Assistive Technology with Parliamentarians from both Houses of Parliament. Ace Centre is an Associate Member organisation and is proud to contribute to advocating for improved access and provision of Assistive Technology for people who need it.
PDNet
Operating both regionally and nationally, PDnet exists to provide support for professionals in education who promote positive outcomes for children and young people with a physical disability. Ace Centre is delighted to work with PDNet as a member and contribute to sharing best practice in the field of Assistive Technology and AAC via this network.
Examination Officers
The Exams SEND (special educational needs and disability) Service has been created on the iEOA website to help support the exams office community, especially in mainstream exams centres who may not have the range of expertise to deal with various individual needs when applying for Access Arrangements (AA) with Assistive Technology (AT) at www.examofficers.org.uk/send-service
The problem facing many exams office staff is how best can they support and implement AAC and AT on exam days while complying with JCQ regulations and guidance. By turning to expert organisations and specialists like the Ace Centre within the SEND community, the iEOA can encourage its community to provide a more effective exams delivery system which will embrace all student needs, and give them every opportunity to express their potential.
Please contact us if you are interested in any of these activities.