Steve Martin Associates

Jessica MacRae joins SMA with a wealth of personal and professional experience. She has over 11 years of professional involvement with Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as well as personal experience of family members with diverse needs including Acquired Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy and Autism.

Her journey began in 2013; after completing her degree, she studied English at Bristol exploring language acquisition, which included completing a dissertation on the intersection with augmentative technology. At this time, she became a support worker for two young people with athetoid quadriplegic cerebral palsy, using communication aids and eye gaze technology. Jess also began work with a local charity supporting children with disabilities and their families, an organisation in which she is still invested in today. She also learnt British Sign Language (BSL - Level 2) and undertook Makaton courses.

Pursuing her interest in technology and disability she collaborated with a special school (St Roses in Stroud), where she developed high-tech communication resources for the students, supported the therapy teams and managed AT equipment.

In 2016 she joined Smartbox Assistive Technology; continuing to develop her skills and broaden her technical knowledge. She published her first paper in 2018 on improving text entry and now presents at, and attends international conferences such as Communication Matters in the UK and Rehacare in Germany.

Jess became an Assistive Technology Specialist with Smartbox in 2021; collaborating with professionals and supporting clients to find tailored solutions - enhancing their lives and independence through the use of technology.

Her personal and professional experiences have shaped her career trajectory and her contributions to both practical solutions and research. Her recent appointment to the board of trustees for Communication Matters reflects her commitment to advancing AT and AAC and underscores her dedication to the industry. She strives to create positive change and a world where everyone, regardless of ability, is empowered to communicate effectively and promote inclusion, opportunity and independence.

In line with all SMA experts, Jess holds an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service. She is also working towards the Bond Solon/Cardiff University Expert Witness Certificate.

Jessica MacRae @