Celebrating Assistive Technology and #GetSeen

Communication Works 2022 #GetSeen

Communication Works 2022 was held in May 2022 and the theme was to #GetSeen, inspired by entrepreneur Abdi Omar a user of assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

CENMAC’s annual event allows attendees the opportunity to see first-hand a range of assistive and accessible technology, communication tools, digital strategies 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).  

For Communication Works 2022, we collaborated with Ace Centre in Manchester, and we held two events to support more AT and AAC users to #GetSeen.

The event in the South (19 May 2022) was held at Charlton Athletic Football Stadium, Charlton, South East London and the event in the North (26 May 2022) was held at New Bridge School, Oldham, Greater Manchester.

> Take a look at photos from the 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.

> Watch Toby’s keynote speech

South | Thursday 19 May 2022, 10am-4pm

Event: Communication Works | South
Venue: Charlton Athletic Football Stadium, The Valley, Charlton,  London SE7 8BL

View the full programme for the day here:

Communication Works 2022 (South)

 

North | Thursday 26 May 2022, 10am-4pm


Event: Communication Works  | North
Venue: New Bridge School, Roman Road, Oldham OL8 3PH 

View the full programme for the day here:

Communication Works 22 (North) 

Companies

South & North | Ace Centre, Just Different, Crick software, Smartbox AT, Commtap, Tobii Dynavox, Liberator, Therapy Box, 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 and Sensory Guru.

South only | CENMAC, Adbi Enterprises, Widgit, Pcbyvoice, Calibre Audio Books, QTrobot, No Isolation, Meru, LGFL, Soundbeam, Pretorian, Dyslexia Institute, Ipevo (provided prize for South Event raffle)

North only | Inclusive Technology

Communication Works

Since 2011 CENMAC at Charlton Park Academy have been holding annual assistive technology events to celebrate technology in education.

Previous Guest Speakers:

2020: Due to the COVID-19 situation, we made the decision to postpone Communication Works South and North from May 2020 until 2022.

2019: Jemima Hughes

2018: Abdi Omar

2017: Kate Caryer

2016: Lee Ridley aka Lost Voice Guy

2015: Tom Griffiths (GOSH): CPA Newsletter

2014: Mark Rowland and Kim Bates (GOSH) : Press Release

2013: ACE Centre