Our journey with Smartbox:
A new chapter for AAC in Australia
Since joining the Smartbox Family last July, Zyteq has experienced an exciting period of connection, collaboration and momentum. We sat down with our Managing Director, James Bell, known to us as Jim, to reflect on the journey so far; the highlights, the meaningful moments and the opportunities this new chapter brings for the AAC community here in Australia.
Jim has also shared a short message in the video below.
What were your expectations before joining Smartbox, and how have those compared to reality?
Because we’ve worked closely with Smartbox since the early days of Zyteq, we went into the union with a strong sense of confidence and familiarity. For many years we were the main Australian distributor of Smartbox technology, so our teams already had established relationships and a shared commitment to delivering the best outcomes for AAC users. In many ways, joining the Smartbox family felt like a natural progression of a partnership that had already been evolving for almost two decades.
My expectation was that our two organisations would continue to work naturally and seamlessly together, particularly given our aligned philosophy around person-centred practice and ensuring AAC users remain at the heart of every decision we make.
What has been wonderful is seeing just how true that has been in reality. The alignment in values hasn’t simply made the transition smoother, it has reinforced why this partnership makes sense. Every interaction confirms that we’re part of a global team genuinely driven by the same mission. That shared purpose has given us a strong foundation and a genuine sense of belonging from day one.
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What’s been the biggest positive surprise since becoming part of the Smartbox family?
One of the most uplifting surprises has been the way becoming part of the Smartbox family has deepened our connection to AAC users globally.
For example, during a visit to the UK, I had the privilege of spending time with local AAC users and hearing directly from them about what AAC means in their daily lives, what empowers them, what challenges they face, and what they hope future technology will help them do. Those conversations were incredibly grounding.
They reminded me that while we talk about products, systems and processes, at the core of everything is a person wanting to express themselves on their own terms. That experience really brought our mission into focus in a very human and meaningful way.
The biggest positive surprise has been realising how much collective wisdom exists across the Smartbox family, and how deeply everyone cares about listening to the people we serve.
How have Zyteq and Smartbox teams been working together day to day?
Going into this partnership, I was confident our teams would work well together, though I expected time zones might be an obstacle. And yes, they present challenges, but we’ve found a rhythm that works for everyone. Evenings for us and mornings for the UK have become a natural meeting point.
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What has stood out is how willing the Smartbox team is to accommodate us and create space for collaboration. Our discussions are always positive, productive and grounded in problem solving.
Day to day, there’s a constant flow of communication from Teams messages, video calls, shared documents, to informal check-ins. It feels less like working with an international partner and more like working with colleagues close by.
Here in Australia, we continue to support our local AAC community with the same care and responsiveness people know us for, but with the added benefit of being able to draw on Smartbox’s global expertise whenever needed. Whether it’s refining a process, planning a product launch, or exploring new ideas, having a global sounding board has been invaluable.
It’s collaborative, respectful, and energising, exactly what you’d hope for in a partnership.
Are there any collaborations or relationships that have been especially meaningful?
One meaningful collaboration has been the way Smartbox supported us through the Windows IoT upgrade project. It was a significant piece of work that affected many AAC users, and Smartbox made sure we had everything we needed, from equipment, clear processes, technical guidance and ongoing check-ins.
What made it meaningful wasn’t the task itself, but the way we approached it together. It felt like a shared responsibility, with genuine care for the impact on the individuals relying on our devices. That sense of partnership, working side-by-side to deliver a smooth, supportive experience for AAC users, set the tone for how we collaborate on everything.
What has the reaction been like from the AAC community in Australia?
The response from the Australian AAC community has been warm and optimistic. People recognise that joining the Smartbox family brings new opportunities, more resources, and access to global innovation, while still keeping the trusted, local support they value from Zyteq.
Families, clinicians and AAC users have shared their excitement about what this partnership might lead to, like improved services, new technology, and ongoing commitment to person-centred support. It’s been encouraging to see the level of confidence and enthusiasm across the community.
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Are there any new opportunities that weren’t possible before becoming part of the Smartbox group?
Joining the Smartbox family has opened the door to expanding our trial program so we can support more people, more quickly. Having access to a broader pool of devices and resources means individuals can try AAC faster, which can make a meaningful difference in someone’s communication journey.
Ultimately, it enables us to help more people communicate their way, at the time they need it.
What excites you most about the future for Zyteq and Smartbox?
It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of the AAC community. Advances in AI, device design, and software are creating opportunities we couldn’t have imagined a few years ago.
Smartbox’s commitment to continuous improvement and cutting-edge technology gives me great confidence in what’s ahead. Together, we have the potential to make communication even more intuitive, accessible and personalised for people who use AAC.
What excites me most is being part of a global movement that is pushing boundaries while staying deeply connected to the lived experiences of AAC users.
What would you like the global Smartbox team and AAC community to know about Zyteq and the work we do in Australia?
We want our Smartbox colleagues around the world and the AAC community to know, is that Zyteq continues to be a trusted local AAC partner, proudly supporting the Australian community with deep knowledge of local needs, systems and culture, now strengthened by the global innovation of Smartbox.
We are thrilled to be part of the Smartbox family. Our team is committed, passionate and excited about what we can achieve together. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow, learn and contribute to a global community that shares the same purpose - to give more people a voice and empowering them to communicate on their own terms.
As we continue our journey as part of the Smartbox family, our focus remains on supporting the Australian AAC community with care, innovation, and expertise. Working closely with our colleagues across the global Smartbox family, we are excited to explore new opportunities, expand access to leading technology, and continue empowering people who use AAC to communicate their way. Together, we look forward to what the future holds and the impact we can achieve, locally and globally.
