Communication aids (continued)

Communication aids centres (education)

These centres offer assessment both for spoken and written communication and access to the National Curriculum.

ACE (Aiding Communication in Education) Centres

The ACE Centre in Oxford and the ACE/Access Centre in Oldham offer services to assist individuals with physical and communication disabilities through the use of technology including access devices and augmentative communication. Interdisciplinary teams of teachers, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists offer technical support. Both Centres carry out a research and development programme in assistive technology.

Oxford: Tel: 01865 763 508; Oldham: 0161 627 1358

The Communications Aids for Language and Learning (CALL) Centre in the University of Edinburgh offers information and training assessment and support services, and a loan bank of equipment to individuals and schools in Scotland. It also carries out research and development in severe communication difficulties and educational technology.

Tel: 0131 667 1438

CENMAC ( Centre for Micro-assisted Communications) supports learners whose physical inability to communicate effectively through speech or writing hinders their educational progress. By identifying appropriate technological aids CENMAC helps them gain equal access to the curriculum. In further education, CENMAC has set up MACE (Micro Assistance in Continuing Education) to support young adults with complex physical difficulties who are no longer within the educational system. CENMAC also offers training and consultancy for parents and professionals, and an open day each term.

Tel: 0208 850 9229

ACCESS Centres - The National Federation of Access Centres supports the needs of students in further education colleges. National Access Centre, University of Plymouth.

Tel: 01752 232 278

Voluntary organisations

AbilityNet is a charity formed by the computability Centre and the Foundation for Communication for the Disabled to give information and advice on computer access at home and at work, including adapting technology to the needs of people with a disability. It is a non profit making charity whose principal role is to make new technology available to disabled people. Staff are able to travel to see people in all parts of the UK to give advice on the most appropriate equipment. 0800 269 545 (UK Only).  email  Enquiries@AbilityNet.co.uk.
Web: http://www.abilitynet.co.uk/

The Sequel Trust provides computer–based and electronic equipment to help disabled people to communicate.
The Sequal Trust
3 Ploughman's Corner
Wharf Road
Ellesmere
Shropshire
SY12 0EJ
0169 624222

Communication and Access to Computer Technology - Disability Information Trust (see under heading in EQUIPMENT)

Let’s Talk for parents of children with talking difficulties, by Roy McConkey and Penny Price, Souvenir, £10.95

See ‘Addresses’ for full addresses of organisations mentioned in this section