CENMAC’s annual assistive technology event allows attendees the opportunity to see first-hand a range of assistive and accessible technology, educational software, communication tools, digital strategies, informative seminars and person-centred approaches.

We invite new and established innovators to Communication Works which includes a diverse selection of AT and AAC companies for those in mainstream education and SEND (including those with physical difficulties, vision and/or hearing impairments, dyslexia, communications needs, or requiring curriculum support).

This year we are collaborating with Ace Centre in Manchester, so we will hold two events in the South (19 May) and North (26 May). So, join us to support getting more people to #GetSeen

Visit https://cenmac.com/programme/ to see the full programmes for South and North and start planning your day!

Guest Speaker | Toby Hewson

• My name is Toby Giles Hewson.

• I am 41 years old and I have lived my entire life in Walberton.
• I attended Ingfield Manor School in Billingshurst, Victoria School in Poole and Treloar College in Alton.
• I started my own charity Just Different in 2008 which successfully delivered workshops to over 250,000 children and young people before it was forced to close in 2021 due to the pandemic.
• I am in the process of resurrecting my career as a public speaker. Anyone wishing to enquire about any public speaking event, school workshops, business workshops or inspirational workshops. Please contact me on: tobyghewson@outlook.com
• I have addressed a large variety of audiences in many different venues. Oxford Universities, Liberum Bank Headquarters, Sussex Police Headquarters, Houses of Parliament and 10, Downing Street.
• I have served as a trustee, co-chair and chair of Communication Matters, as well as a trustee and treasurer of 1 Voice.
• I have cerebral palsy and use a wheelchair to get around and a communication aid to talk.

Companies Attending

South & North | Ace Centre, Just Different, Crick software, Smartbox AT, Commtap, Tobii Dynavox, Liberator, Ability World, Brightsign Glove, No Isolation, Jabba UK, Rix Centre, Kaz type, CandLE, Readingwise, Inspiration, Seeability, Scribeasy, Orcam, Dolphin Easy Read, Eyetech digital systems, Scanning Pens, Cosmo by Filisia, Humanware, Texthelp, Therapy Box and Sensory Guru.

South only | CENMAC, Adbi Enterprises, Widgit, Pcbyvoice, Calibre Audio Books, QTrobot, No Isolation, Pretorian, LGFL, Soundbeam and Meru

North Only | Inclusive Technology

More companies to be confirmed and the seminar programme will be shared at the beginning of May 2022.

Organisers

CENMAC | Kathryn Stowell, Head of CENMAC

CENMAC is a team of specialists who support pupils with assistive technology to access the curriculum and/or to communicate. Located at Charlton Park Academy in southeast London, CENMAC is a unique person-centred service offering assessments, reviews and the loan of equipment. We work across the Greater London area, with pupils and students aged 2 to 25 with Education Health and Care Plans. The students we support can be in mainstream education, special schools, and those who are home educated.

Ace Centre | Anna Reeves DL, CEO

For over 35 years Ace Centre has supported people with alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) and assistive technology (AT) needs. We offer a range of services including assessment, training and information services as well as working with schools through our individually tailored Partnerships. We aim to develop practitioner competencies by offering a side-by-side approach, meaning individuals develop skills and confidence in a guided manner through reflective practice. We achieve positive outcomes by drawing on the experience of our multidisciplinary team of teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, engineers, and technicians.

Please note: Any COVID restrictions will be inline with Government guidelines at the time of this event. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus