Develop your AAC knowledge this summer

Upskill with Workshops and E-learning

When training with Smartbox, there are flexible ways to get ahead during the summer months. Join Smartbox Academy and Online AAC Workshops to prepare for the next academic year and enhance your skills, to better support the Grid users you work with.

Smartbox Academy

Smartbox Academy offers independent e-learning courses on Grid and AAC, for all skill levels. Since launch, over 700 learners have upskilled with video-based short courses, long courses and extended learning pathways. Courses are made to fit around your schedule. You can complete as much or as little as you would like at a time – we save your progress.

Online Grid Workshops

Our expert training team deliver interactive workshops, each 3 hours long with the opportunity to ask questions. This includes opportunities to Get Started with Grid, explore Simple AAC and find out how to use eye gaze and more.

Due to exceptional demand, we have just added new dates thought-out the rest of the summer:

9 August – Getting Started with Grid >

28 September – SIMPLE AAC >

View all dates >

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Your summer learning programme

Pair Academy courses with online workshops to make the most of both formats and build a deeper understanding in a range of topics. Dive into suggested learning programmes below, designed to advance in difficulty level.

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Grid beginner to expert

Take this programme if you are new to Grid and want a solid grounding in the software.

Getting Started with Grid (Online Workshop) – 3 hours

In this interactive workshop, designed for beginners, your instructor will guide you through the setup process and show off a variety of grid sets, including symbol and text-based AAC, and accessible apps. Learn to edit and personalise grid sets for individual needs; grasp the impact through user stories.

Grid Learning Pathway (E-Learning Course) – 4 hours

Consolidate your learning and build on many of the same topics at your own pace. Explore types of grid sets, additional editing tips, and learn various ways to support and tailor an AAC user’s experience. Finally, put your newfound skills to the test with a knowledge check.

Personalising Super Core in Grid (E-Learning Short Course) – 1 hour

Personalisation is key for any robust AAC solution and a bespoke grid set requires editing skills. This video-based course shows just how to do so, using popular symbol-based grid set, Super Core. However, the tips we cover can be applied to any symbol or text vocabulary.

Moving on from Cause and Effect (E-Learning Course) – 2-3 hours

For the soon-to-be Grid Pros seeking to apply and expand their knowledge to key concepts beyond early cause and effect skills, this is for you. Delve into areas such as access, motivation, error-free learning, and more. Reinforce what you learn with a knowledge check and resources for further reading.

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Making progress with AAC

Complete this programme if you are a beginner eager to gain a deeper understanding of AAC.

Intro to AAC (E-Learning Course) – 1-2 hours

If you are a complete AAC novice this is the place to start. Learn the basics of AAC including, what it is, forms it can take, who might use it and how you may support them. Lessons are enriched with interactive images, video, audio and case studies to support your learning.

Simple AAC (Online Workshop) – 3 hours

Develop and discuss strategies to support AAC users in more detail. Each letter represents a big idea in a way that is easy to understand, and apply in everyday situations.

The Art of Conversation (E-Learning Course) – 2-3 hours

Continue to explore the foundations of successful communication by delving into functional strategies to develop the art of conversation, from language acquisition to connection and chemistry. You will cover both the latest research in the field and how to apply it to your own role and/or conversations.

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Exploring access

Choose these courses if you want to explore access methods with a focus on switch access.

Eye gaze, switch, pointer and touch in Grid (Online Workshop) – 3 hours

Dive into the four main access methods for people using AAC, from set-up to making adjustments based on user needs and how each works with different grid sets, including simple environment control grids. Join in the discussion and ask questions about the users you support.

 

Using Switches in Grid: Getting Started (E-Learning Short Course) – 1 hour

A learner supporting individuals who use switch access may wish to consolidate their learning with a video-based course on using switches, which provides a step-by-step video tutorial.

Using Switches in Grid: Advanced Features (E-Learning Short Course) – 1 hour

If you’re seeking a detailed dive into switch access, this video-based course will provide you with the skills to make the most out of switch access.

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Why not start now?

Smartbox Academy offers courses ranging from beginner to expert, giving you the freedom to complete courses at any time.

Enrol in Smartbox Academy