Communication Matters (ISAAC UK)

I’m crying as I write this post. And we now need YOUR help to #ChangeTheWorld I’ve now got 100 Talkers to give away to kids who could not otherwise afford them. ♥️ ‼️But the most deserving and in-need kids won’t get them unless you help me today please by supporting this post, commenting and sharing with your network‼️ I just started to fundraise for 100 #Talkers given how transformational the impact has been on #TheJoshieMan’s life. His brain has been unlocked by the power of technology, but it deeply saddens me that so many similar kids cannot access this life changing support😭 Clearly, TJM’s story continues to inspire people around the world, as I just got a call from an amazing lady at a big company who is providing all 100 talkers! As simply amazing as this is, the most important thing now is that these talkers find their way to the most deserving children. This is where I need YOUR help please: 📝 Mention people who might benefit, or who might know how to reach families outside of my network. Or ask yourself if you would like one! ✍🏽 Suggest organisations who would love to receive this gift before Christmas? ♻️ Let your network know as there will be lots of kids whom I won’t reach unless you share this post widely. Because, if not us, then who? Because, if not today, then when? Who is with us today? 💪 ⁉️PS: I reached 100 Talkers very quickly, and my ambition to #ChangeTheWorld is now only increased. So today, I’m calling for 100 Talkers each from 100 companies. I’m very confident we can do it together, so comment below if you agree with my request, and build the impetus for big companies to do something life-changing (especially at Christmas time). #NeuroInclusionNow #Neurodiversity #StrongerTogether Video ID: Dan Harris (a white middle aged male), in an Italian restaurant where TJM (an 11 year-old white #NonSpeaking #Autistic boy) is making pizzas, talks about the amazing news.

Congratulations Beth!! Well deserved. We know how hard you work as a trustee of Communication Matters to advocate for AAC users and the AAC community. 💛💛💛

Our Trustees devote huge amounts of time and energy to the work of Communication Matters. Thank you to all Trustees past and present! #TrusteesWeek

'How to...' sessions: We are hosting a series of free CPD and information sessions via Zoom for finding out more about: i) Entry Level 2 and Entry Level 3 in Personal & Social Development ii) Level 1 Award in Mentoring iii) Essential Digital Foundation Skills. They are taking place on 21st, 24th and 29th October. See dates and times on our website https://lnkd.in/gE8mtNHD Please contact Verity if you would like to book a place on mentoringproject@communicationmatters.org.uk.

We want to hear from you! 📝 Please complete our survey about the future priorities of CM and ensure we take account of the diverse and developing opportunities that are happening in the #AAC world. Please share 🔁 https://lnkd.in/ghHc8bGB

Michelle, one of our trustees, is at the Cerebral Palsy Scotland Annual Conference in Glasgow today raising awareness of AAC and the work we do to support AAC users. #AACAware24 #AACAwarenessMonth #CPScotConf

“For the first time ever, I could be understood by anyone and everyone”. Today marks the start of AAC Awareness Month, an opportunity for us to raise the profile of the non-verbal community and the technology that helps create a more inclusive society. In this 2-minute video clip, Communication Matters trustee, Helen Hewson talks us through her journey with AAC technology and how it has allowed her voice to be heard. Do you have a personal story with AAC that you’d like to share? Please comment below, or contact BATA by emailing jade.hegarty@bataonline.org. #AACAwarenessMonth #EquityAndInclusion #MakeYourVoiceHeard #CommunicationMatters #AssistiveTechnology

Ahead of AAC Awareness Month student ambassador Khamani & AAC Consultant Abdi Omar have some great ideas & practical advice for schools planning an AAC celebration such as a morning tea to learn more about AAC and celebrate their AAC users. Take a look: https://bit.ly/4epCV40 #AACaware24 #AAC #education Communication Matters (ISAAC UK) Abdi Omar khamani Edwards Liberator Ltd

For October #AAC awareness month I thought I’d share some personal thoughts on communication. I hope these resonate with those who use AAC, support us, and gives thought to everyone with the privilege of having a voice. Starting with Access. Personal interaction is energy sapping, it’s a cognitive and physical task, it take twice as much energy to sit and communicate as it does for most people to speak. So it isn’t just about having a communication device to hand (or set up to use with my eyes) it’s also about being sat well, having good nutrition and being well hydrated. A great communication partner is more than just someone who move a device around. Communication Matters (ISAAC UK) ISAAC International #AACAwareness2024

Our trustees Helen and Tina raising awareness for Non-Verbal Awareness Day ... just before AAC Awareness Month kicks off tomorrow.