Smartbox AAC

19/10/2026

“If you are not looking past my disability or not hearing past the device, then you're not hearing me.”

For Tbonez, AAC is part of how he connects with the people he loves, expresses how he feels and, importantly, creates music.

Through hip hop, he writes lyrics, tells stories and shares his creativity and personality. And while his AAC device may use computer-generated speech, the words, ideas and expression behind it are entirely his own.

As Tbonez reminds us, there’s so much more to communication than the voice we hear. Taking the time to listen means hearing the person, their personality and everything they have to share.

Thank you, Tbonez, for sharing your perspective with us.

16/10/2026

What happens when AAC becomes part of everyday classroom life?

In episode five of Start the Chat: The AAC Podcast, hosts Chris and Alicia are joined by Samantha Hagness and Becky Woolley from Mesa Public Schools, where AAC device use has grown by 508% over four years.

They share how making Grid and communication supports available in classrooms is helping staff recognise more students who could benefit from AAC.

Because more opportunities to communicate mean more opportunities to understand each student's needs.

Listen to the full conversation, wherever you get your podcasts.

15/10/2026

What does AAC mean to you?

There’s no single answer to that question.

For AAC Awareness Month, we’ve been hearing from people in our community around the world about the role AAC plays in their lives, in their own words.

Each experience is personal, and each person’s relationship with AAC is different. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared a little of theirs with us.

Swipe through to hear from our community.

You can read more stories and experiences from AAC users and families around the world on our website: https://smartboxaac.com/global-aac-community/

13/10/2026

Our AAC Awareness Month sale has officially begun.

From today until 23 October, save 50% on all one-time purchases of Grid for iPad.

Whether you're exploring AAC for yourself or someone you support, now is the perfect time to get started.

Find out more in our blog: https://smartboxaac.com/news/grid-for-ipad-50-off-app-sale-october-2026/

13/10/2026

12/10/2026

18 months ago, we shared William’s AAC journey and how Grid for iPad was giving him new ways to express himself and connect with the people around him.

Now, we’ve caught up with his mum, Sophie, to hear how William’s communication has continued to grow.

From expressing his emotions and making choices to communicating more independently at home, school and in the community, Sophie shares the progress they’ve seen, the moments that have meant the most and what she’s learned along the way.

Read William’s story, 18 months on, in our blog: https://smartboxaac.com/news/18-months-on-with-william/

09/10/2026

A few extra seconds can make a difference.

Giving more wait time can create space for students to process, motor plan and communicate in their own time.

A small thing to try in your classroom this week.

08/10/2026

This week’s accessible read in collaboration with Collins Big Cat: Pat the Rat

Written by Honor Head and illustrated by Julian Mosedale, Pat the Rat is from the Collins Big Cat collection, aimed at KS1 readers.

With simple text and repetition, the story provides opportunities to explore early reading skills and build confidence, while the accessible Grid set supports learners to participate and communicate throughout.

Explore ‘Pat the Rat’ in Read with Me: Accessible Stories in Grid by going to: Menu > Add grid set > Education > Read with Me: Accessible Stories.

07/10/2026

Communication can look different for everyone.

For people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), communication can sometimes be subtle, emerging or easily missed.

Our Clinical AAC Specialist and SLT, Becky, reflects on the importance of seeing the person before the label, and taking the time to notice, understand and respond to the many different ways someone might communicate.

From “watchful waiting” and Communication Dictionaries to finding the right AAC tools and creating meaningful opportunities to participate, Becky explores the role we can all play as communication partners.

As she puts it: “Communication isn’t just about being able to say something. It’s about having the opportunity to have a say.”

Learn more in our blog:

07/10/2026

An important message from the MND Association about the realities of living with motor neurone disease, and the impact it can have on communication and everyday life.

At the heart of the campaign is Jaki, who uses Grid to communicate, sharing her own experiences in her own words.

Thank you, Jaki, for sharing your story and helping more people understand the experiences of people living with MND.