
AACademic New Year
September in England marks the return to school, colleges and higher educational establishments for a new academic year. It might feel daunting to have an AAC user in your sessions. ...

More than just physical fatigue
I’ve read a few things recently about other people’s fatigue. At times I can see similarities to my own lack of energy, at other times I find little in common. ...

Self-Advocacy
Speaking up for ourselves, so we can achieve what we want in life, is a skill everyone needs to learn, not just those of us with disabilities. At its simplest...

AI for speech
There’s been a lot in the press and on social media in recent months about AI for speech. It seems artificial intelligence, might offer benefits for many people with communication...

What gets measured gets done
On Monday 6 March 2023, Jacob Matthew (Australia) and I had the opportunity to address the 288h UNCRPD committee on communication rights. We were privileged to once more be representing...

Direct input to communicate using AAC
Being given all the tools to communicate is brilliant. However, being human there are sometimes unexpected physical and environmental factors that impact our output. Occasionally however hard I try I...

AAC speech is not free
We live in a society where we supposedly have the right to freedom of speech. The majority of the population can say what they think, when they want and where...

AAC, spoons and speech fatigue
I’ve spent several years using spoon theory to effectively explain to others my physical energy and fatigue levels. However, I realise that spoon theory could also be adapted to self-management...

International Communication Rights Alliance
I've been a committee member on the International Communication Rights Alliance (ICRA) since January 2021. ICRA has been working towards operationalising communication rights for those with comprehensive communication needs. Jacob...