Smartbox AAC - UK and Ireland

Smartbox AAC - UK and Ireland We create assistive technology for people who experience difficulty with speech, helping them communicate and live more independently.

Follow this page to discover stories, support, events and updates from our teams in the UK and Ireland.

Our July Course of the Month is ‘Supporting Literacy in Grid (part one),’ recommended by our Marketing Communications Ex...
01/09/2026

Our July Course of the Month is ‘Supporting Literacy in Grid (part one),’ recommended by our Marketing Communications Executive, Olivia.

Explore practical ways to support literacy development using the customisable tools in Grid, alongside helpful video tutorials and ideas for embedding literacy into everyday routines.

Whether you're a family member, educator or professional, this course is full of practical guidance to help you support literacy with confidence.

Explore the course here: https://eng.academy.thinksmartbox.com/plus/catalog/courses/278

Just one month to go until the Communication Matters Conference returns for 2026! We're looking forward to connecting wi...
13/08/2026

Just one month to go until the Communication Matters Conference returns for 2026!

We're looking forward to connecting with people from across the AAC community and celebrating Communication Matters' 40th anniversary.

As we begin the countdown, we wanted to share more details about where you can find us at the event, including information about our presentations and our stand in the Exhibition Hall.

Visit our blog to find out more: https://thinksmartbox.com/news/connect-with-us-at-communication-matters-2026/

At St Nicholas primary school in Greater London, their motto "Shining together - embracing our differences" is at the he...
14/07/2026

At St Nicholas primary school in Greater London, their motto "Shining together - embracing our differences" is at the heart of everything they do. Central to this approach is fostering a total communication environment that ensures all students can access their learning.

We spoke to Katy Bourne, Head SLT Assistant and Grid Lead, who shared with us how Grid has empowered students to learn and communicate in a way that aligns with their needs and abilities.

Find out more about the impact of Grid at St Nicholas: https://thinksmartbox.com/news/st-nicholas-schools-journey-with-grid/

29/06/2026

In our recent Grid for Schools webinar, Kerry, Deputy Head at Paternoster School, shared how they're building teachers' confidence towards using Grid in the classroom through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Staff regularly come together to showcase how they’re using Grid - highlighting what’s working and learning from each other along the way.

By sharing examples and resources, they’ve helped make the technology feel far less intimidating and much more accessible 💡

Watch the full webinar recording on the Smartbox Academy: https://eng.academy.thinksmartbox.com/plus/my/training/829

You will need to sign in or create a free account to access the Academy.

What happens when a school starts with just one Grid licence?For The Mendip School in Somerset, it grew into a whole-sch...
29/06/2026

What happens when a school starts with just one Grid licence?

For The Mendip School in Somerset, it grew into a whole-school AAC journey.

Supporting students aged 4-19 with autism and/or speech, language and communication needs, the team has been embedding AAC into everyday routines, assemblies, play, learning and community participation.

From students sharing their news with librarians to ordering food in restaurants, AAC is helping more young people communicate, advocate for themselves and build confidence.

Read how The Mendip School is bringing communication opportunities to life with Grid: https://thinksmartbox.com/news/grid-in-the-classroom-the-mendip-schools-aac-journey/

When people think about AAC and aphasia, there's often an assumption that a communication device is only useful if someo...
29/06/2026

When people think about AAC and aphasia, there's often an assumption that a communication device is only useful if someone can use it independently.

But communication is rarely that straightforward.

People with aphasia may use a combination of gesture, speech, facial expression, drawing, writing and AAC to share their message. Some people also benefit from support from communication partners.

Speech and Language Therapists, Kate Laws and Kate Reader, from ATtherapy explore why broadening our understanding of AAC can create more opportunities for people with aphasia to participate in conversations, maintain relationships and communicate in ways that work for them.

Read more in their blog: https://thinksmartbox.com/news/aac-for-people-with-aphasia/

Our June Course of the Month is ‘The Simple AAC framework,’ recommended by our Senior AT Specialist in the UK and Irelan...
29/06/2026

Our June Course of the Month is ‘The Simple AAC framework,’ recommended by our Senior AT Specialist in the UK and Ireland, Jay.

Built around nine practical strategies, this course explores how to support early AAC learners through everyday interactions. Through real-world examples, reflection activities and actionable ideas, you'll learn ways to encourage communication, model language and build confidence using AAC.

Designed for families, educators, speech therapists and anyone supporting an AAC user, it's a great introduction to the Simple AAC framework and the principles behind effective communication support.

Explore the course here: https://eng.academy.thinksmartbox.com/plus/catalog/courses/355

Aidan, ATmentor at ATtherapy, showing our global partners how it’s done!👀At our Global AAC Conference in Bristol last we...
16/06/2026

Aidan, ATmentor at ATtherapy, showing our global partners how it’s done!👀

At our Global AAC Conference in Bristol last week, Aidan put Look Lab to the test, showcasing just how engaging (and challenging!) the activities can be when building eye gaze and pointer skills.

To celebrate Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, we’re offering 50% off Look Lab until the end of March - helping make access skills development more accessible.

Any quotes generated during this time will be valid for 30 days from the date of quote.

Find out more in our blog: https://thinksmartbox.com/news/cerebral-palsy-awareness-month-2026/

16/06/2026

“It’s really great to have a voice that sounds like me and not like a robot.”

Using AI voice technology with Grid and ElevenLabs, Sarah has created a voice that sounds like her. She shares what that means to her - and her son reflects on what it’s been like for their family.

Sarah’s message to others living with MND is simple: with good technology and support, anything and everything is possible.

Learn more about Sarah’s story: https://thinksmartbox.com/news/meet-sarah/

Or explore our MND Awareness blog series on our website: https://thinksmartbox.com/news/

One year ago, ATtherapy joined the Smartbox Family. Over the past 12 months, we've strengthened relationships, shared e...
16/06/2026

One year ago, ATtherapy joined the Smartbox Family.

Over the past 12 months, we've strengthened relationships, shared expertise, collaborated on projects and events, and continued working towards our shared vision: a world where no one is left without a voice.

Thank you to everyone across both teams who has helped make this first year such a positive one. We look forward to continuing to learn, innovate and support the AAC community together.

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Ysobel House, Enigma Commercial Centre, Sandys Road
Malvern
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