Alphabet Charts & Books

ABC spelling charts

Alphabet communication book templates

Alphabets you can eye point to

Alphabets you can point to

Charts for Listener Mediated Scanning

Charts with the alphabet + some words and phrases to point to

Coded alphabet charts

Encoded alphabet charts

Frequency layout spelling charts

High contrast charts

Letter codes

QWERTY alphabet charts

Alphabet Charts

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Learning

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Symbol Charts

Altered colours

Coded access

Combination access

Core vocabulary symbol charts

Encoding

Symbol charts for active play

Symbol charts for creative play

Symbol charts for daily routines

Symbol charts for imaginative play

Symbol charts for playing games

Symbol charts for playing with toys

Symbol charts for reading, looking at photos & telling stories

Symbol charts for watching television

Check out <a href="https://youtu.be/fCgGy8dFIFE">this video</a> to learn about the eBook features
There is a lot of emphasis on communication partner skills in this resource. That is because communication does not happen in isolation – it is a social act involving two or more people. The person who is communicating with someone who cannot rely on speech needs to develop a range of skills that will enable them to support that person to fulfil their potential.
Please note that this resource is not suggesting that paper-based AAC is ‘best’, or that using paper-based communication resources is a prerequisite to using an electronic communication aid. It is simply about valuing the role of paper-based communication systems, and sharing lots of ideas and strategies to help develop and support them. You may well find that many of the ideas and strategies are useful when it comes to other forms of communication too

Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources

The aim of this resource is to introduce you to paper-based AAC involving symbols to enable you to support those who can’t rely on speech to communicate. Communication enables us to express ourselves, learn, have fun and be active members of society. Supporting communication with symbols can unlock so many opportunities for those unable to rely upon speech to communicate.

Core

Core words are useful words that support communication in any settings, during any activities and with anyone. Core word communication charts are a great way to get started with paper based AAC! Simply print and use whilst chatting in whatever situation you find yourself. To learn more about using core words click here for our free <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/getting-started-with-core-words">Getting Started with Core Words</a> leaflet.

28 - Widgit

28 - SS

28 - PCS

15 - Widgit

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15 - PCS

8 - Widgit

8 - SS

8 - PCS

2 - Widgit

2 - SS

2 - PCS

Check out <a href="https://youtu.be/fCgGy8dFIFE">this video</a> to learn about the eBook features
For a more general all round introduction to low tech symbol based AAC, you could see another resource in this AAC Information Series, Getting Started with AAC: Using low tech symbol based systems with children.

Access to paper-based symbol resources when pointing is difficult

The aim of this resource is explore access to low tech symbol based AAC when accessing standard resources is difficult physically or visually. It is aimed at people who are familiar with low tech AAC, but want to find out more about how to adjust and adapt the resources to meet individual needs.

Bath

A symbol chart to support communication while taking a bath or while bathing a doll or favourite toy. Make sure to laminate the chart so it can take a few splashes!
For more information and support on how to use symbol charts click here to view our <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=made-by-ace&amp;subcategory=e-books">Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources.</a>

Bubbles

A symbol chart to support communication while playing with Bubbles. For more information and support on how to use symbol charts click here to view our <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=made-by-ace&amp;subcategory=e-books">Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources.</a>

20 - Widgit

20 - SS

20 - PCS

Balloons

A symbol chart to support communication while playing with balloons. To learn more about how to support people using communication charts check out our free on-demand learning module from Ace Centre Learning by clicking here for <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/communication-partners-i">Communication Partners</a> training.

Sing Wheels on the Bus

A symbol chart to support communication while singing the song Wheels on the Bus. For more information and support on how to use symbol charts click here to view our <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=made-by-ace&amp;subcategory=e-books">Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources.</a>

Blocks

A symbol chart to support communication while playing with blocks. To learn more about how to support people using communication charts check out our free on-demand learning module from Ace Centre Learning by clicking here for <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/communication-partners-i">Communication Partners</a> training

24 - Widgit

24 - SS

24 - PCS

Arts and Crafts

A symbol chart to support communication while engaging in an arts and crafts activity. To learn more about how to support people using communication charts check out our free on-demand learning module from Ace Centre Learning by clicking here for <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/communication-partners-i">Communication Partners</a> training.

This fully revised and updated illustrated guide describes what’s required to construct and use a communication book with a preliterate individual.  This second edition builds on all that was good about the original, much loved guide, incorporating the wealth of experience of the full Ace Centre team.  The guide offers clarity for parents, carers and professionals in developing communication books that progressively help people to communicate an increasing number of messages.  
The guide sets out:
<ul>
<li>An updated, stable core vocabulary that is available from every topic page to promote its use.  The core vocabulary is developed through five stages and includes a newly simplified Stage One.</li>
<li>Ideas for developing a fringe vocabulary that can meet an individual’s interests, needs and varied environments, with plenty of examples included.</li>
<li>A continued promotion of the communication of rich ideas through symbols rather than the production of grammatically correct sentences for face-to-face communication.</li>
<li>A new approach to organising pages and accessing vocabulary with a suggested menu, tabs and supports for navigating around the book.</li>
<li>The importance of a communication partner who is taught, through the guide, to use and model the symbols during communication and to support and scaffold the learner’s own communication attempts.</li>
</ul>
<div class="rounded-img wp-image-2831 size-thumbnail aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" src="https://acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Screen-Shot-2017-10-20-at-15.44.40-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></div>
The guide itself with its sample pages is presented in an A5 file, but a learner’s communication book can easily be created at A4 size if this is preferred.  Templates for use with most resource making software are available for download along with worksheets to assist in generating page and vocabulary ideas. Download the templates here:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce_uploads/2017/10/Boardmaker-V6-templates-A5.zip">Boardmaker V6 templates A5</a></li>
<li><a href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce_uploads/2017/10/Boardmaker-V6-templates-A4.zip">Boardmaker V6 templates A4</a></li>
<li><a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/identifying-vocabulary-to-personalise-aac/">Identifying Vocabulary to personalise my book</a></li>
<li><a href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce_uploads/2017/10/Boardmaker-Studio-templates.zip">Boardmaker Studio templates</a></li>
<li><a href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce_uploads/2017/10/MindExpress-Templates.zip">MindExpress Templates</a></li>
<li><a href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce_uploads/2017/10/InPrint-3-files-1.zip">InPrint-3-files</a></li>
</ul>
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DUCB - Developing and Using a Communication Book

Make Up

A symbol chart to support commenting on or directing someone to put on make-up.  To learn more about how to support people using communication charts check out our free on-demand learning module from Ace Centre Learning by clicking here for <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/communication-partners-i">Communication Partners</a> training

Manicure

A symbol chart to support conversation while giving or receiving a manicure.
To learn more about how to support people using communication charts check out our free on-demand learning module from Ace Centre Learning by clicking here for <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/communication-partners-i">Communication Partners</a> training.

Colours

A symbol chart to support communication about colour. It could be used during an arts and crafts activities, while playing games, choosing what clothes to wear &#8230; the possibilities are endless!
To learn more about how to support people using communication charts check out our free on-demand learning module from Ace Centre Learning by clicking here for <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/communication-partners-i">Communication Partners</a> training

Dolly

A symbol chart to support communication while playing with dolls. For more information and support on how to use symbol charts click here to view our <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=made-by-ace&amp;subcategory=e-books">Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources.</a>

Creating Stories

A symbol chart to support communication around creating a story. For more information and support on how to use symbol charts click here to view our <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=made-by-ace&amp;subcategory=e-books">Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources.</a>
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Gardening

A symbol chart to support communication while working in the garden.
To learn more about how to support people using communication charts check out our free on-demand learning module from Ace Centre Learning by clicking here for <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/communication-partners-i">Communication Partners</a> training

Look at Photos

A symbol chart to support conversation while looking at or taking photos. For more information and support on how to use symbol charts click here to view our free <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=made-by-ace&amp;subcategory=e-books">Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources</a> eBook.

Reading

A symbol chart to support conversation around reading books or magazines. To learn more about how to support people using communication charts check out our free on-demand learning module from Ace Centre Learning by clicking here for <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/communication-partners-i">Communication Partners</a> training

Tea Party

12 - Widgit

12 - SS

12 - PCS

Mr Potato Head

A symbol chart to support communication while playing with Mr Potato Head. For more information and support on how to use symbol charts click here to view our <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=made-by-ace&amp;subcategory=e-books">Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources.</a>

30 - Widgit

30 - SS

30 - PCS

Sing Old MacDonald

A symbol chart to support communication around singing Old MacDonald. To learn more about how to support people using communication charts check out our free on-demand learning module from Ace Centre Learning by clicking here for <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/communication-partners-i">Communication Partners</a> training

Blocks 24 combination access

SymbolStix

Widgit

Train Play

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40 - Widgit

For more information about creating symbol based materials click <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/getting-started-with-paper-based-symbol-resources">here to access our Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources eBook</a>
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=symbol-charts">Click here to download free symbol based AAC charts featuring core words.</a>
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/search?category=communication">Visit Ace Centre Learning for live and on demand training courses on introducing symbol based AAC here</a>

Getting Started with Core Words

This leaflet is a starting point for introducing the concept and importance of core words to people who are creating symbol based AAC materials.
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Simon Says

A symbol chart to support communication while playing Simon says. For more information and support on how to use symbol charts click here to view our <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=made-by-ace&amp;subcategory=e-books">Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources.</a>

Dressing up as a Princess

Turn Taking

A symbol chart to support communication around turn taking. There are spaces on the chart to add names and photographs of the people who are taking turns while playing games, sharing toys, engaging in sensory play or endless other activities.
For more information and support on how to use symbol charts click here to view our <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=made-by-ace&amp;subcategory=e-books">Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources.</a>

4 - Widgit

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You Matter is a remarkable training course for teachers, teaching assistants and therapists that brings together parents of children with significant speech difficulties and their supporting professionals.
<blockquote>A brilliant course! Should be available to all parents, carers and teaching assistants involved with AAC
<footer class="citation"><cite>Course participant</cite></footer>
</blockquote>
You Matter has now been been fully updated with new case study material.
For children with significant speech difficulties, it’s the parents who can hold the key to developing effective communication for their child, if they are provided with the appropriate support.
The You Matter course brings together families and professionals on an equal footing in order to provide practical and positive ways forward for the children’s AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) needs. It gives families the tools and the support needed to set their own goals, solve their own difficulties and become active decision-makers in supporting their own child’s communication.
Developed by therapists across three counties, You Matter provides an opportunity for professionals to learn from other disciplines, and gives families the platform to share practical experiences for the benefit of all involved.
<a href="https://backend.acecentre.org.uk/resources/you-matter/you-matter-course-summary/">Download course summary</a>
The course requires the minimum of preparation. All of the materials and handouts are provided, including Powerpoint presentations, feedback forms and video resources.
Why the course matters:
<ul>
<li>Empowers parents 
You Matter gives parents the skills and the understanding to effectively take ownership of aspects of their child’s communication, to be an equal and informed partner in the care of their child and to be able to set realistic short term and long term goals for their child</li>
<li>Supports the important SEND reform principle of family and child-centred working (Children and Families Bill 2014), where the aspirations of the family and child are clearly heard and reflected in the long and short term goals within Education, Health and Care Plans. You Matter helps parents and professionals to set realistic goals based on knowledge of their child’s aided communication stage, the specific strategies that are required to support their child and planning how this support can be delivered in partnership with professionals. Co-production is at the heart of planning and parents are able to contribute confidently with the knowledge and skills they gain from this course</li>
</ul>
<h2>What&#8217;s in the course?</h2>
You Matter is divided into eight short sessions to be run flexibly, for example, over two full days or four morning, afternoon or evening sessions.
<h3>Session One</h3>
The first session aims to introduce participants, draw out their hopes and concerns, recognise the pressures they may be under and explore their expectations of the course. Overall aims for the course will be agreed during this session, matching what the participants want to gain with the information provided within the course content.
<h3>Sessions Two and Three</h3>
These sessions look at facilitating communication through aided systems. This is done by considering:
<ul>
<li>What is meant by communication</li>
<li>The five stages of communication development using aided systems</li>
<li>How to select vocabulary at the right level for a child</li>
<li>How participants’ communication affects the child’s progress</li>
<li>How participants’ communication will change as the child gains skills.</li>
</ul>
After the first three sessions, participants can be offered the opportunity to be videoed at home or in school with their child. The aim is to help participants to review their own style of interaction as well as express privately any concerns they may have about their child using aided communication.
<h3>Session Four</h3>
Session Four reviews the video experience and looks at involving others in the child’s communication system. It includes:
<ul>
<li>The difficulties faced by children using aided communication when learning to communicate through their system.</li>
<li>The different types of communication we all use.</li>
<li>How the participants’ role changes as the child gains skill.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Sessions Five, Six and Seven</h3>
These sessions bring in feedback from the video sessions, looking at where perceived communication problems lie, and address areas the participants choose to focus on. Session Seven finishes by discovering participants’ longer term aims for their child’s communication and looks at setting achievable goals for the future.
<h3>Session Eight</h3>
The final session is an additional half day which looks at each child’s personal aided communication system. Participants need to bring in their child’s system and either the appropriate communication aid supplier or someone who is familiar with the different systems needs to be available. It’s a session for participants to gain confidence with the programming of the systems, and/or the creation of pages or other low tech materials. A variety of activities are included during the course for participants to investigate some of the issues through working together in small groups.
<h2>How the course was developed</h2>
The course is the outcome of the You Matter project which was carried out as part of the Becta Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Innovative Projects funding stream.
The project aimed to highlight the importance of providing training for parents and closely-involved professionals in supporting a child using aided communication. There were two very different models of training courses, each offering contrasting perspectives on how parent-directed training could be successfully delivered.
As a result, the project has developed a range of ideas for putting training into practice leading to the same desired outcomes for parents, professionals and ultimately the child. During the training, all those taking part were asked to provide extensive feedback to inform this structure of the course. In addition, opportunites for in-depth discussion were provided during workshops which followed the delivery of the courses. These workshops included managers of services as well several lead/highly specialist speech and language therapists who had been delivering.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/matter-education-edition">See the Education Edition of You Matter here</a></li>
<li><a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/you-matter-education-pack">See the Education Edition Participant Pack of You Matter here</a></li>
<li><a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/you-matter">See the Family Edition of You Matter here</a></li>
<li><a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/you-matter-pack">See the Family Edition Participant Pack of You Matter here</a></li>
</ul>

You Matter - Family Edition

Full You Matter Bundle &#8211; this includes:
<ul>
<li>1x Tutor Guide, resource pack &amp; DVD</li>
<li>10 x Your Guide &amp; resource pack for participants</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/you-matter-pack/">Additional packs available here</a>

Read Dear Zoo

Snakes and Ladders

A symbol chart to support conversation while playing Snakes and Ladders. To learn more about how to support people using communication charts check out our free on-demand learning module from Ace Centre Learning by clicking here for <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/learning/communication-partners-i">Communication Partners</a> training.

Chat about TV

A symbol chart to support conversation around watching television. For more information and support on how to use symbol charts click here to view our <a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=made-by-ace&amp;subcategory=e-books">Getting Started with Paper-Based Symbol Resources.</a>

To learn more about literacy instruction for people who use AAC or who have complex needs we suggest the following sources:
General literacy: 
<a href="https://literacyforallinstruction.ca/">Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities </a> website with information and guidance
<a href="http://www.project-core.com/">Project Core </a> website with information and free professional development modules
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/46177933-comprehensive-literacy-for-all">Comprehensive Literacy for All</a> book with information and guidance
<a href="http://www.teachustoo.org.uk/">Teach Us Too</a> UK based charity promoting literacy education for all
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Self Directed Reading: 
<a href="https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/5-ways-to-make-page-fluffers-and-spacers">PrAACtical AAC </a>blog with tips on making books accessible
<a href="https://www.janefarrall.com/self-selected-reading-books-for-every-reader/">Jane Farrall</a> presentation handout with tips and informations
<a href="https://tarheelreader.org/">Tar Heel Reader </a>large bank of free online books
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Shared Reading: 
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=symbol-charts&amp;page=1&amp;subcategory=symbol-charts-for-reading-looking-at-photos-telling-stories">Ace Centre Symbol Chart</a> free printable symbol charts to support reading books
<a href="https://www.sharedreader.org/">Tar Heel Shared Reader</a> website with information and free professional development modules
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Letter and Sounds 
<a href="https://www.janefarrall.com/teaching-and-learning-the-alphabet-playing-with-letter-shapes-and-sounds/">Jane Farrall</a> blog post on teaching the alphabet
<a href="https://sites.google.com/view/emergingreaders/home?s=09">Reading &amp; Writing 4 All</a> website with free resources for teaching the alphabet
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Writing: 
<a href="https://www.med.unc.edu/ahs/clds/alternative-pencils/">Centre for Literacy and Disability Studies Alternative Pencils </a>information and resources
<a href="https://acecentre.org.uk/resources/all?category=alphabet-charts">Ace Centre Alphabet Charts </a> free printable alphabet charts to use for writing

Getting Started with AAC and Literacy

This leaflet is a starting point for introducing literacy instruction to people who use AAC and why it is important.

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