Course Level: Introductory.

Course Runtime: 1 hour.

Course Format: E-learning – text and video.

This course is a video recording of a conference talk from Smartbox’s 24 Hours of AAC virtual conference held on 6–7 May 2026.

Description

This conference talk explores the important role communication partners play in supporting AAC users to communicate, participate, and build meaningful connections. Through a conversation with AAC practitioner and parent Angie, presenters Becky and Jacqui share lived experiences, professional insights, and real-world examples from Angie's daughter Bex's AAC journey.

The presenters discuss common barriers to successful AAC interactions, including fatigue, health needs, environmental challenges, assumptions, and inconsistent support. They also explore practical strategies such as active listening, modelling, co-construction, total communication, personalisation, and adapting support to meet individual needs.

Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own role as communication partners and how everyday interactions can support communication success for AAC users.

This course is suitable for anyone wanting to learn more about AAC. This includes professionals new to the field such as Speech and Language professionals, Educators and Occupational Therapists. It is also suitable for families and those supporting an individual on their AAC journey.

Course outline

This session covers:

• Communication Journeys and AAC: Learning from lived experience.
• The Role of a Communication Partner: Understanding shared responsibility in communication.
• Barriers to Successful AAC Interaction: Recognising common challenges and communication breakdowns.
• Supporting Successful Communication: Co-construction, total communication, and adapting support.
• Developing Communication Partner Skills: Modelling, personalisation, and ongoing learning.
• Advocacy and Communication Access: Supporting participation, self-advocacy, and positive perceptions of AAC users.

Content disclosure: This course may use examples predominantly from Smartbox Products, other products will be included in a limited format.

Learner outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define what it means to be a communication partner.
• Recognise at least two common barriers to successful AAC interaction.
• Describe three things a communication partner can do to support successful AAC.

Completion requirements: You must complete all course content including reading all text and watching all video content. This course is assessed via a multiple-choice, five-question knowledge check at the end of the course. The pass score is 80%. You can take the knowledge check multiple times.

Instructor bios

Becky Fry | Clinical AAC Specialist (SLT) at Smartbox

View full instructor bios.

Jacqui Malthouse | Senior AT Specialist at Smartbox

Jacqui is an Assistive Technology Specialist with over 20 years’ experience in AAC and AT, across education, health, and community settings. Jacqui is passionate about ensuring every voice is heard and takes a person-centred approach, helping individuals build communication, connection, and independence while supporting the wider team around them.

Angie McCormack

Angie is an independent AAC Practitioner and founder of AAC Works, supporting AAC users, families, and professionals. As the parent of an adult AAC user, she brings more than 30 years of personal AAC experience alongside an extensive professional background. Angie recently retired from her role as Senior AAC Practitioner at Ace Centre, where she spent 12 years supporting children and adults who use AAC. She continues to guest lecture at the University of Huddersfield and has held voluntary leadership roles including co-founding a local parent-carer forum and serving as a trustee of the national AAC charity 1Voice. Angie is passionate about effective, personalised AAC implementation that empowers individuals and those who support them.

Disclosures

Financial disclosure: Becky Fry and Jacqui Malthouse are both employees of Smartbox Assistive Technology and receive a salary. Angie McCormack is an independent self-employed AAC Practitioner.

Non-financial disclosure: Becky Fry and Jacqui Malthouse have no relevant non-financial disclosures. Angie McCormack is a parent of an AAC user.