Free Bridges Webinars

Duration: 45mins

Smartbox strives to create a world that is inclusive and accessible to all, leveraging technology that supports communication and independence. Their range of hardware, software, and resources enables individuals with a wide variety of conditions to communicate, access apps, use computers, and manage their environment. This session will explore the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) software and speech-generating devices offered by Smartbox.

Participants will learn about:

• Similarities and differences between Grid 3 and Grid for iPad
• Features of the Smartbox range of devices
• Alternative access options with Smartbox devices

Join Maike and Melanie to learn more about how Grid and the range of speech generating devices from Smartbox help people with complex communication needs to meaningfully connect with others.

Duration: 45mins
Presenter: Emily Anctil-Lamarre

Poursuivez votre exploration du positionnement en CAA avec cette deuxième partie de notre série. Ce webinaire se concentre sur les systèmes de montage pour tablettes, avec ou sans contrôle oculaire, et explorera les critères essentiels pour choisir la solution la mieux adaptée à chaque utilisateur.

Nous présenterons les produits de Rehadapt, Daessy et Modular Hose, et partagerons des conseils pratiques pour assurer un montage stable, ergonomique et sécuritaire.

From Gaze to Growth: Empowering Learning with EyeLearn

Duration: 45mins
Presenter: Lily Daquila

Step into a transformative learning experience with Bridges’ EyeLearn system, an innovative eye gaze solution that turns any Windows computer into a dynamic, inclusive educational tool. Whether you're an educator, clinician, guardian, or caregiver supporting students with complex learning needs, this webinar will showcase how EyeLearn empowers communication, encourages engagement, and promotes progress.

Join us as we explore how EyeLearn seamlessly integrates into classrooms, adapts to a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities, and offers powerful tools to assess, monitor, and celebrate student growth. We will also highlight new apps and activities designed to help an eye gaze user develop and hone skills. This session is your gateway to unlocking new possibilities in accessible education.

Duration: 45mins
Presenter: Emily Anctil-Lamarre

Rejoignez-nous pour un webinaire en français spécialement conçu pour ceux qui accompagnent des personnes utilisant la communication alternative et améliorée (CAA).

Découvrez les systèmes de montage légers disponibles chez Bridges Canada et apprenez les principes essentiels pour choisir la solution la mieux adaptée aux besoins de vos clients.

Nous vous guiderons également, étape par étape, dans l’assemblage de certains systèmes de montage et nous vous présenterons différents produits tels que :

• Modular Hose, séries Mogo et Loc-Line
• Rehadapt Magic Arm, Magnitude, Flex et L3D
• Daessy Lite Mount
• Cling

Ce webinaire vous offrira des outils pratiques pour optimiser le positionnement, favoriser l’autonomie et soutenir une communication efficace.

Exploring AI Tools in the Grid

Duration: 45mins
Presenter: Melanie Gylling

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to deliver new levels of connection, expression and productivity for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies. However, innovation should always be done mindfully and responsibly.

Join us as Melanie from Smartbox explores the latest advancements being integrated into Grid AAC software, emphasizing inclusive design, co-design with AAC users, and Smartbox's core AI ethics principles such as transparency, data privacy, and ongoing responsibility.

Attendees will learn how these new tools can benefit AAC users and how Smartbox’s user-centered approach sets a blueprint for responsible AI adoption.

Melanie Gylling MA, CCC-SLP
Smartbox Inc.

Melanie is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist with extensive experience working in a variety of settings including outpatient rehabilitation, schools, and long-term care facilities. She is passionate about AAC and providing education and support to SGD users and their support teams. Melanie is the Director of Clinical Education for Smartbox Inc., the developers of Grid 3 software and speech generating devices.

Presenter: Kim Mitchell
Duration: 25 mins

Powerful classroom participation for children with complex and profound physical and cognitive challenges is possible with simple light tech. Join expert trainer and classroom accessibility ninja, Kim Mitchell as she shares THOUSANDS of ideas (...well maybe not thousands. Bridges Breaks are just 20 minutes… Let’s just say A LOT) for your classroom with a Powerlink, All Turn It Spinner and switch adapted toys.

• water plants
• make confetti
• play games
• cooking
• cleaning

She’ll show you how easy it is to adapt your own toys and what to look for in choosing toys for switch use, making common classroom tasks switch accessible so everyone can participate.

Controlling PC’s, Chromebooks, iPads, toys, even plug-in appliances with a switch is a lot easier than you think. Join AT specialist Kim Mitchell as she shows you how switch interfaces can maximize the power of switches.

 See the Switch Click, Crick interface, Hitch, Blue 2, Tapio and more and come away empowered to make good decisions about how to connect a switch.

Presenter: Kim Mitchell
Duration: 22 minutes

Connect with the world and make learning real with the mighty switch! Join us as AT specialist Kim Mitchell uncovers the amazing, underappreciated power of switches. You’ll see a variety of different switches for the classroom in action – no profile, waterproof/freeze proof, proximity and wireless – to run toys, communication devices, iPads, computers and more.

Plus tips and tricks, trouble shooting and even playing X-box games with 6 switches all in 22 minutes!

Presenter: Kim Mitchell
Duration: 22 minutes

Need to mount an iPad on a classroom table or desk?

Want to secure a switch for access from a wheelchair or on a student tray?

Join us for this series of Bridges Break’s to learn more about easy to implement, flexible, off-the-shelf mounting solutions ideal for busy classrooms. The right mount delivers positioning, stability and visibility that’s critical for successful communication and access. Whether you need a mobile solution for different students, or something for short periods for skill building, or a combination, we’ll sort through arms, clamps and plates so you can choose the best option for your classroom.

Presenter: Claire Zeijdel
Duration: 22 minutes

Part 1: 

Mounting Made Easy for light devices and switches

Part 2: 

Mounting Made
Easy for iPads

Part 3:

Mounting Made Easy: MOGO –
build your own light mounts 

Join us for a free webinar to learn about the exciting new version of ChooseIt Maker. The newly updated version for 2021 has a new and streamlined editor and allows for easy creation of activities that are relevant and inclusive for all learners.

Turn photographs, symbols, text and sounds into:
- Engaging cause and effect activities
- Helpful question and answer activities
- Fun-filled games
- Simple quizzes and more...

Duration: 60 mins
Presenter: Kim Mitchell

Ian Loughlin
Information Manager | Inclusive Technology

Ian is the Information Manager at Inclusive Technology the developer of HelpKidzLearn. Ian has over 19 years supporting technology in education and ten years at Inclusive Technology, he has developed specialized knowledge in assistive technology, particularly eye gaze and iPad switch access.
He supplies product information for the very latest assistive technology hardware and software and has presented at various conferences and exhibitions throughout the UK and abroad.

In this 30-minute session, discover how Clicker’s suite of iPad and Chromebook apps—Clicker Writer, Clicker Books, and Clicker Talk—can transform literacy instruction for all learners.

We’ll cover:

• Core Features of Each App -- Get a guided tour of the key tools that support writing, reading, speaking and listening.
• Ready-Made Resources -- Explore content created by our curriculum team, ready to use and adapt.
• Scaffolding & Differentiation -- Learn how to quickly customize Clicker Sets to meet individual learning needs.
• UDL-Aligned Design -- See how each app supports Universal Design for Learning with flexible, student-centered tools.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility -- Use Clicker seamlessly across iPads and Chromebooks for consistent support in any setting.

Perfect for educators looking to boost engagement, accessibility, and outcomes in literacy instruction.

Join us for a 30-minute deep dive into how Clicker, Crick Software’s award-winning literacy support tool, empowers educators to deliver truly inclusive instruction. Whether you're new to Clicker or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will provide practical insights and inspiration.

What we’ll cover:

• What is Clicker? An overview of this powerful, student-centered writing solution.
• Clicker + LearningGrids - Explore how Clicker’s ready-made resources align with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to support diverse learners.
• Implementation Ideas - Real-world examples and strategies to integrate Clicker into your classroom or district.
• Accessibility Features - Discover how Clicker removes barriers to learning with customizable supports.

Whether you're supporting emergent writers, multilingual learners, or students with specific learning disabilities, Clicker helps every learner with literacy goals.

We’ve explored Clicker Writer, as a support for emergent and early conventional writers who access curricular activities on a Chromebook or iPad.

Now Clicker Books and Clicker Talk are available as part of your Clicker license.

Join us to explore the reading, writing, listening and speaking activities that the new additions to this suite of Clicker apps deliver.

In Clicker books, we’ll demonstrate ready-made and customizable books for read-aloud and silent reading, as well as how to create your own books from scratch.

Finally, we’ll explore Talk templates for vocabulary development, sequencing of ideas or events, pre-writing oral brainstorming and development of presentation skills. And just like with Clicker Writer all files can be easily shared from teacher to student.

Duration: 25 mins
Presenter: Susie Blackstien-Adler

Presenter: Susie Blackstien-Adler
Duration: 22 minutes

Meet Clicker Writer

New to Clicker Writer? See how you can make writing tasks fun and accessible for every learner with this series of 3 succinct webinars featuring the child-friendly word processor for iPads and Chromebooks.

In 22 minutes, get a tour of the interface, writing grids that can be created by teachers (and students too), and customization for a wide range of learning and access needs. Plus tonnes of ready-made free activities.

Clicker Writer Templates: Sentence sets, Connect sets and Word Banks

Part 2 of our series on Clicker Writer, join us for 22 minutes to see how to create activities with templates that scaffold literacy instruction for emergent to early conventional writers: Sentence Sets, Connect Sets and Word Banks. Plus a peek at creating and editing grids including ones for curricular content areas.

Clicker Writer Analyze This!
Sharing Docs and Using Data

Third in our series, join us to experience how easy it is to create and share grids in Clicker Writer with students: through One Drive or Google Drive. See Clicker Writer’s virtuous cycle of sharing; when student share back, powerful analytics are engaged, tracking supports used and student progress so teachers can fine tune literacy instruction.

Explicitly Teaching Through Literacy Routines ~ Part I Explicit Instruction Frameworks - What and Why

Presenter: Nicole Nichols

In this 45-minute Part I session, led by Nicole Nichols from Building Wings, you’ll explore how Readtopia embedded, research-based strategies can transform your literacy instruction. Learn about the framework and instructional design behind each lesson and how to deliver explicit, comprehensive instruction tailored to diverse learners.

We’ll cover:

• What is explicit instruction and why it matters
• Instruction frameworks and best practice in Readtopia (introduction and overview)

Part II will take place in March, 2026 and will focus on how explicit instruction works in Readtopia.

Jan Pilling
Speech Language Pathologist | Brandon School Division

Jan Pilling is a Speech Language Pathologist who has worked in the field for 30 years. She is passionate about working with students who have complex communication needs and who utilize augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) systems. She works in the Brandon School Division providing training and support in the areas of AAC and Assistive Technology.

Vicki Lamb
Resource Teacher | Brandon School Division

Vicki Lamb is a Resource Teacher in Brandon School Division. For the past 25 years, she has held a variety of teaching positions, including multi-age classrooms in grade 2-6, Reading Recovery, Numeracy Support, and Literacy Support. She is a strong advocate for inclusive classrooms where all students can learn and thrive. 

Phonics for Non-Speaking Students: Readtopia’s Comprehensive Approach

Duration: 45 mins
Presenter:  Marci Butler, B.S.Ed

How do you teach phonics to students who don’t use speech to communicate?

In this webinar, Marci Butler from Building Wings will explore how Readtopia and ReadtopiaGO approach phonics and alphabet instruction as part of a comprehensive literacy program.
Learn why all students need phonological awareness skills and how Readtopia’s research-based methods differ from traditional phonics instruction. Gain insights and strategies that empower non-speaking students with practical strategies that develop essential reading skills. 

Marci Butler, B.S.Ed
Building Wings

An educator who has the privilege of coaching other educators on implementing best practices of comprehensive literacy in their classrooms. She also has the additional perspective of parenting a Readtopia student.

Presenter: Christy McDonald
Duration: 25 mins

Educators understand that all students require a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment to succeed.  Those with complex learning challenges must have access to the instruction, materials and tools they need to access the same learning opportunities as their peers. 

Join us to learn about how Readtopia, the comprehensive literacy program for students with complex learning needs, supports equity, diversity and inclusion for ALL students.

Learn about:

• the wide range of topics that are included in Readtopia to engage and empower all learners
• the student materials that were carefully designed to meet the widest range of student needs
• how learning resources have been developed so students see themselves represented in different ways
• the strategies and supports provided for educators

Don’t miss out on learning how you can ensure that your students with diverse learning abilities have the opportunities to reach new heights in their learning.

Shared Reading is a key component of comprehensive literacy instruction for emergent learners, helping build confidence, comprehension, and a love of reading with social interaction.In this webinar, we’ll explore:

• What shared reading is and why it’s so impactful for literacy development.
• How Readtopia and Readtopia GO provide ready-to-use lessons and engaging content to make shared reading a seamless daily routine.
• Educator-friendly tools, including step-by-step tutorials in Readtopia GO, to support effective implementation.

Designed for teachers, SLPs, support staff, and instructional leaders, in 30 minutes guest speaker Mike Kelly, an experienced former special education educator, will provide practical strategies to enrich your literacy instruction.

Presenters: Mike Kelly from Building Wings

Mike Kelly is an experienced educator with a strong background in special education, curriculum development, and assistive technology.With a Master of Education from Boston College, Mike brings over seven years of classroom experience, primarily working with secondary transition students with severe disabilities and medical complexities. As a Special Education Teacher in Boston Public Schools, Mike developed and executed innovative strategies to support diverse learners.

Come and spend time with one of the creators of ReadtopiaGO—the exciting new comprehensive early literacy curriculum specifically created for young emergent learners. Listen in as Maureen Donnelly describes how ReadtopiaGO incorporates all elements of an emergent literacy program to include all students, regardless of learning challenges. See, for yourself, the engaging learning materials that reflect the rich diversity of learners.

Drawn from the work of Drs. Erickson & Koppenhaver in Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write (2019), ReadtopiaGO provides educators with everything they need to deliver four years of age-appropriate, engaging, and evidence-based literacy instruction.

ReadtopiaGo features:

• Daily instructional guidance to help adults deliver instruction effectively and easily
• Evidence-based literacy instruction reflective of the latest literacy research
• Engaging content that is comprehensive, emergent, and aligned with what we know about how young learners learn to read and write
• Layers of repetition with variety to ensure that literacy skills are developed and integrated meaningfully
• Diverse topics that include science, social studies, social emotional learning, and life skills so that learners have opportunities to deepen their knowledge of the world and build their literacy skills at the same time

Join us to learn how you can support ALL students on their journey toward comprehensive literacy.

Presenters: Maureen Donnelly, Christy McDonald

Duration: 60 mins

How do you teach literacy to students with complex needs and a wide range of ability levels, all in one classroom or learning at home? Readtopia is a complete set of web delivered instructional materials that make it easy to teach, guide and support students no matter where they are.

Join this webinar to learn how educators across Canada are teaching literacy with Readtopia!

Learn about:

• the components of Readtopia
• engaging topics and video for students from upper elementary to high school
• detailed curriculum guide for each unit that provides scripted lessons and a systematic approach
• leveled graphic novels and informational text to support students from an emergent to a conventional reading level
• assessment tools to measure progress and inform instruction
• a thematic approach that connects literacy with social studies, science, math, and functional life skills
• tips for delivering lessons and materials through remote learning
• success stories of increased student engagement and achievement

Presenters: Christy McDonald
Duration: 1 hour

Wondering how to ensure that your students with diverse learning challenges receive an evidenced based literacy program? Join us to learn about the significant impacts Readtopia is having on a classroom in Brandon Manitoba.

Therese Shamray will share how she implemented Readtopia—the comprehensive literacy curriculum for students with complex learning needs – in her elementary special education class. See the lessons and materials in action as she describes this exciting three year journey for her students and herself, exploring literature, science, social studies, math, and functional life skills. Engaged, excited and progressing beyond everyone’s imaginations, her students have developed critical literacy skills -- phonics, comprehension, vocabulary -- and knowledge.

Duration: 45 minutes
Presenters: John McDonald, Christy McDonald

John McDonald, a teacher of a high school life skills classroom in Ontario, implemented Readtopia -- a comprehensive program of literacy instruction for students with complex needs. The positive impacts on both students and educators alike were immediate and profound and continued to grow.

Join us as we explore and share his experiences with Readtopia:

• Hear the success stories that have inspired other educators in the district to believe that ALL students can learn to read and write!
• See how Readtopia’s materials with scaffolded supports, interesting topics, and evidence-based strategies provided everything educators needed to deliver comprehensive literacy instruction to learners, aged 14 – 21 years.
• Learn about the impact the cross-curricular topics and in-depth levelled materials had on the engagement, confidence, enjoyment, and progress of not only the learners but the educators, too!

Jan Pilling, M.Sc., RSLP, CCC-SLP
Brandon School District

Jan Pilling is a Speech Language Pathologist who has worked in the field for over 25 years.  She is passionate about working with students who have complex communication needs and who utilize augmentative/alternative communication systems. She works in the Brandon School Division and in addition to her SLP role and provides training, and support for students to access communication systems and assistive technology across the school division. She coordinates professional development for educators to increase accessibility for ALL learners.

Widgit Online: The Easy Canadian Way to Create and Print Visuals

Duration: 45mins
Presenter: Bogdan Pospielovsky & Emily Anctil-Lamarre

Join us to explore how Widgit Online is the Canadian choice for creating bilingual, symbol-supported materials with ease. Perfect for teachers, para-educators, speech pathologists, clinicians, ECEs, and parents:

• 20,000+ Widgit Symbols and hundreds of templates to build:
  - AAC boards, visual schedules, social scripts, flashcards, and more
  - Symbol-supported stories, instructions, and topic sheets
• Canadian-specific content: cultural, historical, curricular vocabulary
• Fully bilingual: create in English or French, with a French interface option
• Dual-language support for EAL/ELL learners in 80+ languages

Create materials that support structure, communication, and learning—like visual timetables, communication books, social stories, colour semantics worksheets, and mind maps.

BONUS: All participants receive a FREE 21-day trial of Widgit Online Canadian.

Discover how Widgit Online and their new Autism Support Packs empower individuals on the autism spectrum with symbolized resources for communication, behavior support, and social learning.

The Support Packs are a comprehensive, ready-to-use set of resources, developed by professionals and the autistic community free to subscribers of Widgit Online.

Our expert guest, Rebecca Lynch, will share her extensive experience with students on the spectrum, ages 4-19, and demonstrate how easy it is to customize the Pack’s resources in Widgit Online:

• Social scripts and stories to support routines and transitions
• Behavioural support materials for self-regulation and social interactions
• Communication resources to aid expression and comprehension
• Fully symbolized tools for accessibility and engagement

Duration: 45 min.
Presenter: Rebecca Lynch from Widgit Software

Rebecca is a qualified primary school teacher with over 14 years’ experience. She worked for 10 years in mainstream and 4 years as primary and communication lead at an autism specialist setting for 4 – 19-year-olds. This is where she discovered Widgit Symbols and the power that they have to open up a world of communication.In her role at Widgit, Rebecca endeavours to create high quality resources which aid communication, understanding, and curriculum, as well as supporting school staff and parents through training sessions.

Join our AT Specialist Kim Mitchell as she talks about working with the web-based Widgit Online to quickly create symbolized materials for a wide range of users of all abilities. 

With Widgit Online, support learning and communication by creating symbol documents, flashcards, activities, and time tables right from your web browser, meaning there's no software for you to install or update! Choose from over 70 templates and over 18,000 symbols - including Canadian English and French vocabulary - to create communication boards, visual schedules, stories, labels and much more.

Duration: 30 min.

Creating effective, relevant materials for supporting students with cognitive and learning challenges, easily is something educators still need, every day, even in the most wired-up classrooms. Visual schedules, communication boards, letter supports, vocabulary cards, social scripts, quick books, work sheets – classroom teams need to be able to make new, share or edit existing materials fast and easily. Even better is being able to make these materials in over 80 languages, adapting to diverse Canadian classrooms.

Join Kim and Iain as they show you how Widgit Online (WO) is purpose built to make stuff that you print for your class with little fuss. Quickly translate an communication grid or worksheet into another language such as Ukranian, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, Spanish and so many more. Create documents and grids in French with ease. Whether using WO’s enormous symbol set, students’ own pictures, or images from the net, find out why classrooms across Canada are discovering how straightforward making and sharing powerful visual materials can be and are switching to Widgit Online.

Duration: 30 min.

Rebecca Lynch
Symbol and Education Specialist | Widgit Software

Rebecca is a qualified primary school teacher with over 14 years’ experience. She worked for 10 years in mainstream and 4 years as primary and communication lead at an autism specialist setting for 4 – 19-year-olds. This is where she discovered Widgit Symbols and the power that they have to open up a world of communication.

In her role at Widgit, Rebecca endeavours to create high quality resources which aid communication, understanding, and curriculum, as well as supporting school staff and parents through training sessions.