Find a funder: Ace Centre

Providing Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication services (AAC)

What does the Ace Centre do?

Ace Centre is a charity dedicated to empowering individuals with communication disabilities. They provide specialised support, including assistive technology (AT) and therapy, to enable people to communicate, connect, and lead more fulfilling lives. Ace Centre breaks down communication barriers and fosters inclusivity and accessibility.

Why is this important?

People with communication disabilities often experience feelings of isolation and encounter obstacles in society. Ace Centre help those people gain access to the tools they need to communicate, connect with others, and regain their independence. They are also working to fight the stigma associated with these disabilities.

How do they help?

Ace Centre’s approach with research, funding, and advice is a real game-changer. They dig deep to understand needs, offer expert advice, and create personalised solutions for those with communication disabilities. Their services also include practical solutions to help in communication such as alphabet and symbol charts, AAC including their Text Aloud app and customisable digital pragmatic organisation dynamic displays (PODD).

People Ace Centre support

Meet Olive

4-year-old Olive is deaf with double cochlear implants. She also has cerebral palsy which restricts her movement, meaning she struggles to use sign language. Olive has not let this hinder her progress; as her mum Jenny says, ‘Olive is a total communicator and she’ll use any means necessary.’ She started with early access to sign language, symbols and switches and has progressed to a two-page opening 40 keyword PODD book.

Meet Paul

Paul suffered a brain stem stroke aged 42 and is now paralysed and cared for by his wife Vicky. He talks openly about his struggles saying, ‘not being able to communicate to those around you can be everything from frustrating to dangerous’. He goes on to talk about his journey with Ace Centre: ‘Ace Centre assured me that they would give me back the power of speech. Sure enough, their knowledge of what was available and their ability to listen to my specific needs has meant that now I have access to a Grid Pad with a combination of a Quha head mouse and bespoke finger switch.’

Would you benefit from their help?

You can call their advice line on 0800 080 3115 and they’ll connect you with a member of the Ace Centre admin team, who will put you in touch with a clinical colleague as soon as possible. You can also email enquiries@acecentre.org.uk.

Ace Centre also offer independent interdisciplinary assessments to identify appropriate AT and AAC resources, and support with NHS England referrals. You can make an online enquiry at www.acecentre.org.uk/services/assessments.