Discover more about mouse control as an access method. This course will introduce solutions that can improve accuracy and control when using a mouse.
<h4>Course aim:</h4>
To introduce Mouse control as an access method and adaptations that can enable the user to improve their control.
<h4>You will learn:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Adaptations that can help to improve mouse skills</li>
<li>Hardware and software solutions that help with some difficulties using the mouse</li>
<li>To recognise mouse alternatives that are available</li>
</ul>
<h4>Course includes:</h4>
A live webinar. This webinar complements the self-directed online study course.
<h4>Suitable for:</h4>
Anyone wanting to learn more about adaptations that can be made to mouse control to make it easier to use for people with physical difficulties. This webinar will enable you to work towards the following:
<h4>IPAACKS competencies:</h4>
Identifying Needs
<ul>
<li>Aware of the role that technology can play in supporting education and participation 
Implementation</li>
<li>Knowledge of a range of different access methods</li>
<li>Aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AT</li>
</ul>
Facilitating Learning
<ul>
<li>Aware of what AT is and that it can help people who have access and learning support needs</li>
</ul>
<h4>Special requirements:</h4>
You will be required to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, FireFox, Safari or Safari Mobile
Time: 12:30pm – 1 pm  (a link will be available in the course when you log in)
Cost: Free

Runs on specific date

Our courses focus on the use of Assistive Technology to enable independence, access to education, learning and leisure activities, and communication.

Webinar

Exploring access and control of technology using adaptations to standard equipment.

Access

Access Methods: Mouse

Learn about switch control as an access method. This course will introduce you to the different types of switches available and how these can be used to independently control a range of activities.
<h4>Course aim:</h4>
To introduce switch control as an access method and consider what and how it can be used.
<h4>You will learn:</h4>
<ul>
<li>To name different types of switches</li>
<li>To recognise different ways that switches can be used and activities they can control</li>
<li>To identify skills required for switching</li>
</ul>
<h4>Course includes:</h4>
A live webinar. This webinar complements the self-directed online study course.
<h4>Suitable for:</h4>
Anyone wanting to learn more about alternative access methods that may enable independent control of activities for people with physical disabilities. This webinar will enable you to work towards the following:
<h4>IPAACKS competencies:</h4>
Identifying Needs
<ul>
<li>Aware of the role that technology can play in supporting education and participation 
Implementation</li>
<li>Knowledge of a range of different access methods</li>
<li>Aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AT</li>
</ul>
Facilitating Learning
<ul>
<li>Aware of what AT is and that it can help people who have access and learning support needs</li>
</ul>
<h4>Special requirements:</h4>
You will be required to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, FireFox, Safari or Safari Mobile
Cost: Free
Time: 12:30pm – 1 pm  (a link will be available in the course when you log in)

Access Methods: Switch

Reflect on your personal interaction style and develop communication partner skills to support AAC users. You will have access to online activities to work through independently.
Course aim:
To raise your awareness of the fundamental skills required when interacting with a person who uses AAC
You will learn:
To describe typical characteristics of AAC interactions 
To identify 4 things that you can do to support an interaction with an AAC user 
To use point talking with a communication chart to interact with an AAC user
Course includes:
Free access to online learning activities.
Suitable for:
Anyone working with people who use AAC. This course will enable you to work towards the following:
IPAACKS competencies:
AAC Leadership
<ul>
<li>Aware of how to communicate with people who use AAC</li>
<li>Act as a positive role model for others in their interaction with people who use AAC</li>
</ul>
Facilitating AAC Learning
<ul>
<li>Able to model positive interaction in relation to communicating with someone who uses AAC</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
Log in to Ace Centre Learning
Cost: FREE
Time: 17th October 2022, 12.30-1.30 pm UTC+1 (a link will be available in the course when you log in)

Exploring Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) that supports face-to-face communication.

Communication

Becoming a Communication Partner

Local standards and regulations are important considerations when developing assistive technologies.  While they can appear extremely complex, in reality they may be simpler than you first think.
Course aim:
Complimenting our CAD in AT range of courses, this session will develop your knowledge of the assistive technology regulatory framework in the UK/EU and the applicable relevant British, European and International Standards. We will cover key pieces of regulation and the primary standards that apply.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>How standards are developed and the standards hierarchy</li>
<li>Relevant British, European and international standards including ISO 13485 (Quality), BS EN 12182/BS EN ISO 21856 Assistive products and the standards covering specific types of assistive technology</li>
<li>The current and future regulatory framework in the UK and EU around Medical Devices</li>
<li>Consumer protection legislation</li>
<li>Testing</li>
<li>Contributing to standards development</li>
</ul>
Course includes:
A live, interactive webinar will be run using Microsoft Teams.
Suitable for:
The CAD in AT series has been developed for makers, designers, engineers and others involved in the development of assistive technologies.
Max 20 participants

IPAACKS competencies:
Management of Resources
<ul>
<li>Aware of legal and policy frameworks in reference to correct and safe use of AAC equipment (e.g. Medical Device Directives, Risk Assessments etc.)</li>
<li>Knowledge of how to create resources to support the safe use of AAC technology</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
You will need to use Microsoft Teams for the live online training. You will need to access online resources and Ace Centre Learning using a web browser.
Cost: £30 This is an introductory offer
Time:
<ul>
<li>18th October 2022, 13.30 – 16.30  UTC +1 (Live online study)</li>
</ul>

Local standards and regulations are important considerations when developing assistive technologies.  While they can appear extremely complex, in reality they may be simpler than you first think.

Online

Engineering

Engineering Standards and Regulations in Assistive Technology UK/Europe

An introduction to using eyegaze as an access method. This course will introduce you to the types of eye tracking technology available and the skills required to use eyegaze as a control method.
<h4>Course aim:</h4>
To introduce switch control as an access method and consider what and how it can be used.
<h4>You will learn:</h4>
<ul>
<li>To recognise the terminology associate with using eye gaze as an access method</li>
<li>To recognise the different systems that are available</li>
<li>To identify different skills required to use eyegaze functionally for control</li>
</ul>
<h4>Course includes:</h4>
A live webinar. This webinar complements the self-directed online study course.
<h4>Suitable for:</h4>
Anyone wanting to learn more about alternative access methods that may enable independent control of activities for people with physical disabilities. This webinar will enable you to work towards the following:
<h4>IPAACKS competencies:</h4>
Identifying Needs
<ul>
<li>Aware of the role that technology can play in supporting education and participation 
Implementation</li>
<li>Knowledge of a range of different access methods</li>
<li>Aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AT</li>
</ul>
Facilitating Learning
<ul>
<li>Aware of what AT is and that it can help people who have access and learning support needs</li>
</ul>
<h4>Special requirements:</h4>
You will be required to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, FireFox, Safari or Safari Mobile
Time: 12:30pm – 1 pm  (a link will be available in the course when you log in)
Cost: Free

Access Methods: Eyegaze

Learn about using voice as a method to control computers and electronic devices. This webinar will consider the range of equipment available and the vocal, cognitive and visual skills that are required to use it reliably.
Course aim:
To summarise different ways that voice can be used to provide control of computers and electronic devices for typing and environmental controls. You will be introduced to the range of solutions available and how they can be used.
You will learn:
• To recognise how the voice can be used for typing and control 
• To identify the skills required to use voice as an access method
Course includes:
A live webinar. This webinar complements the self-directed online study course.
Suitable for:
Anyone wanting to learn more about alternative access methods that may enable independent control of activities for people with physical disabilities. This webinar will enable you to work towards the following:
IPAACKS competencies:
Identifying Needs
<ul>
<li>Aware of the role that technology can play in supporting education and participation 
Implementation</li>
<li>Knowledge of a range of different access methods</li>
<li>Aware of the underpinning knowledge required by the person using AT</li>
</ul>
Facilitating Learning
<ul>
<li>Aware of what AT is and that it can help people who have access and learning support needs</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
You will be required to use one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, FireFox, Safari or Safari Mobile
Time: 12:30pm – 1 pm (a link will be available in the course when you log in)
Cost: Free

Access Methods: Voice

Understand how to take a simple electronic design and develop a manufacture-ready printed circuit board (PCB) design using CAD, assemble the manufactured board and create a simple Arduino sketch.
Course aim:
Developing an idea into a working electronic device is simpler than you may think! There is a huge range of online resources but it can be bewildering to know where to start.
Using an existing accessibility switch interface design, you will use CAD software to develop the PCB which we send for manufacture (included in the cost). In the second session, after a 4 week break to allow for manufacture, we will assemble the design and develop a simple Arduino sketch to produce a fully functioning switch interface.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>To use a CAD package to produce a production-ready PCB from an existing circuit design (Session 1)</li>
<li>Using part libraries (Session 1)</li>
<li>Assemble electronic components onto a PCB and solder in place (Session 2)</li>
<li>Develop a simple Arduino sketch (Session 2)</li>
</ul>
Course includes:
An introductory, live, drop-in webinar will ensure delegates have appropriate software set up on their devices. There will be approximately 1 hour of preparation before the live sessions using online learning resources. The main sessions (Session 1 and Session 2) will be run using Microsoft Teams with a live activity where delegates will follow and repeat on their local machine.
Suitable for:
The CAD in AT series has been developed for makers, designers, engineers and others involved in the development of assistive technologies. Little or no previous experience is required but you need to be competent in using standard computer software. The approaches used may also be useful to those who have previous experience using CAD software.
Max 20 participants

IPAACKS competencies:
Management of Resources
<ul>
<li>Aware of legal and policy frameworks in reference to correct and safe use of AAC equipment (e.g. Medical Device Directives, Risk Assessments etc.)</li>
<li>Knowledge of how to create resources to support the safe use of AAC technology</li>
</ul>
Special requirements:
The course will use appropriate CAD software. You will need to use Microsoft Teams for the live online training. You will need to access online resources and Ace Centre Learning using a web browser. An awareness or electronics would be useful.
Cost: £30 This is an introductory offer
Time:
1st November 2022 (Webinar) 16.00 – 17.00 UTC
8th November (Live online study) 13.30 – 16.30 UTC
29th November (Live online study) 13.30 – 16.30 UTC

Understand how to take a simple electronic design and develop a manufacture-ready printed circuit board (PCB) design using CAD, assemble the manufactured board and create a simple Arduino sketch.

CAD in AT: Simple Electronics Development

This course is in two sessions:
11th November (9.30am-12.30pm UTC): An introduction to the Profile, who it is suitable for, and how it should be implemented. Learn about the development of the Pragmatics Profile for people who use AAC, and how to administer it. Following Part 1 you are encouraged to undertake the profile.
6th December (9.30am &#8211; 12.30pm UTC): Discover how to use the profile to identify appropriate vocabulary for AAC and create communication targets to support personal development. This session will support you to utilise the tool, identify priority communication targets and a plan to implement them.
Course aim: 
Explore the Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC and receive guidance and supervision to complete the profile and utilise information gathered to plan further interventions.
You will learn:
<ul>
<li>To describe a person’s functional communication skills</li>
<li>To use the Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC to identify communication targets</li>
<li>To plan targeted activities to enable communication development and measure progress.</li>
</ul>
Suitable for:
Practitioners working with people who use AAC who are responsible for identifying AAC requirements and enabling use of AAC across different environments. This course will enable you to work towards the following :
IPAACKS competencies:
<ul>
<li>Assessment</li>
<li>Able to carry out an informal AAC assessment with guidance and/or using an existing proforma</li>
<li>Implementation</li>
<li>Able to select and format vocabulary appropriate to the person using AAC, with guidance as appropriate</li>
<li>Able to independently set personalised goals and monitor change against these goals</li>
<li>Review</li>
<li>Aware of the need to monitor whether or not an individual’s current AAC system continues to meet their needs</li>
</ul>
Course Includes:
This is a teacher supported online course and includes 3 Months access to online learning materials and 2 live webinars.
Special requirements:
A copy of the Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC available from: <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/pragmatics-profile-people-use-aac/">https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/pragmatics-profile-people-use-aac/</a>
You will be required to use one of the following web browsers for the live webinar: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, FireFox, Safari or Safari Mobile
Cost: £120

Implementing the Pragmatics Profile for People who use AAC

Register your interest by clicking the button above and we will email you once course registration opens.
This enhanced level learning module is accredited through the University of Dundee &#8211; 30 credits (SCQF). It can be combined with additional credits to gain the <a href="https://www.dundee.ac.uk/postgraduate/educational-assistive-technology">MSc in Educational Assistive Technology</a>.
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<h3 class="sectionname topics-extended-section-header-title-text">Learning Outcomes</h3>
</div>
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The Assistive Technology Unit will support you to:
<ul>
<li>demonstrate an understanding of AT assessment models and how they relate to practise in the workplace</li>
<li>critically analyse key principles of assessment for Assistive Technology</li>
<li>identify parameters in the decision-making process when finding AT solutions for people</li>
<li>be aware of solutions and ways to access further information to maintain professional development and develop critical thinking and evaluation skills</li>
<li>analyse the cyclical process of Assistive Technology and measure the impact it has</li>
<li>critically evaluate issues around the use of Assistive Technology to support communication and learning</li>
<li>utilise theory for understanding good practise in the field of Assistive Technology to support communication and learning</li>
</ul>
It will also enable you to develop and apply problem-solving, communication, team-working, time management, self assessment and independent study skills.
</div>
<div class="topics-extended-section-header-title">
<h3 class="sectionname topics-extended-section-header-title-text">The Accreditation Process</h3>
</div>
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The Assistive Technology Unit is 100% course work. There are no written exams.
The Learning Outcomes outlined above will be assessed by: &#8211;
60% &#8211; essay based on the critical analysis of an Assistive Technology assessment &amp; recommendations
40% &#8211; digital presentation of training/support materials to enable the implementation of identified Assistive Technology recommendations for an individual
Ongoing feedback will be available through online tutorial sessions as well as reporting back on tasks completed during online lectures. This support will be provided by Ace Centre clinicians, University of Dundee academic staff and guest speakers as appropriate.
</div>
<h3 dir="ltr">Session Times</h3>
The Assistive Technology Unit provides a combination of teacher supported and self directed learning experiences.
This unit consists of 15 2-hour online sessions led by members of our Ace Centre clinical team. These sessions will be Thursday afternoons 3:00-5:00pm on the following dates: &#8211;
<ul>
<li>12th January 2023</li>
<li>19th January 2023</li>
<li>26th January 2023</li>
<li>2nd February 2023</li>
<li>9th February 2023</li>
<li>16th February 2023</li>
<li>23rd February 2023</li>
<li>2nd March 2023</li>
<li>9th March 2023</li>
<li>16th March 2023</li>
<li>23rd March 2023</li>
<li>30th March 2023</li>
<li>6th April 2023</li>
<li>13th April 2023</li>
<li>20th April 2023</li>
</ul>
There will be 2 additional Face-to-Face Workshops (at the Ace Centre, North Office), as follows: &#8211;
</div>
<ul>
<li>Thursday 9th February 2023</li>
<li>Thursday 6th April 2023</li>
</ul>
These will run 9:30-1:30pm. The Workshops are optional, but will provide valuable opportunities for hands-on exploration of equipment &amp; resources.
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Additional online learning content will be available through the University&#8217;s online learning platform. Course participants will need to allocate time for their own self-directed learning over and above the online taught sessions.
1:1 tutorials can be booked with the course tutors on Thursday mornings.
Through registration, learners will become an Associate Student of the University of Dundee. This provides access to the University of Dundee online learning platform, library and other student services.
<h3>University of Dundee</h3>
In order to enrol you on the course we will share your details with The University of Dundee, who will in turn contact you regarding the course. <a href="https://www.dundee.ac.uk/corporate-information/data-protection-policy">You can view their privacy policy here.</a>
</div>
You must reply to any email we send asking for more details in order for us to enrol you on the course.
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Cost: £1500
</div>

This accredited unit aims to support professionals who specialise in Assistive Technology

A brush strokeAce Centre Learning

Ace Centre Learning