Give Everyone a Voice this November with Communication Matters

We are delighted to introduce the incredible charity Communication Matters, who are one of the charities taking part in the My Favourite Voucher Codes charity poll this November. Communication Matters provide support for people of all ages who have difficulty with verbal communication, through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This November, they are hoping to win the donation of 20% of our profits, but they need your help to do so. Find out all about this fantastic charity below and see if they get your vote!

What is Communication Matters?

Communication Matters is the national charity for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). They are also the UK chapter of ISAAC (the International Society for AAC). They support people of all ages who find it hard to communicate because they have little or no clear speech. AAC may be computer-based equipment, apps, communication boards and books using text, symbols, or signing.

Problems with verbal communication can arise for a number of reasons and at any age. For example, people who have had a brain injury or stroke, those with cognitive impairments, people with autism, those with cerebral palsy and people with Parkinsons or motor nueurone disease can find it difficult to communicate verbally. 

In 2012 a study commissioned by Communication Matters (CM) estimated that 300,000 people in the UK could benefit from using AAC.

They have an associate membership which includes AAC users, family members and carers, and a range of associated health and education professionals, suppliers, and researchers.

The Goals of Communication Matters

Their Vision:

A world where all individuals have a right to a voice through the provision of communication solutions and ongoing support services.

Their Mission:

Communication Matters exists to support people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in their basic human right to communicate, be included and heard in an equitable society.

They aim to achieve the above by:

· increasing awareness about AAC

· improving service standards

· encouraging AAC research

· empowering AAC users

What does Communication Matters do?

They work across the UK to promote the best possible communication for people with complex communication needs and they aim to involve AAC users in everything they do.

They organise several annual events to raise awareness of AAC and train professionals in the field. The main one is their International Conference which is held each September at the University of Leeds. Their last conference in 2023 attracted over 400 attendees from 16 countries, which included 33 AAC users and 63 parents / carers - the majority of whom were given heavily subsidised places to facilitate the engagement of AAC users to share best practice and personal experiences. The event focuses on engagement with all of their key stakeholders and is also the only CPD opportunity to see all new developments in the AAC field under one roof. They also normally hold several AAC Information Days (product demonstration days) and Study Days (training days on a specific AAC-related topic) across the UK.

Their primary focus is to raise awareness and share information with and for children and adults who have communication disabilities, their families and those who support them. They provide support via their website and host highly valued online support groups for young disabled people and parents from across the UK to meet and chat. They also produce a journal three times a year and a weekly e-newsletter which gives invaluable advice and support about the rapidly evolving field of AAC, as well as facilitating their online AAC Forum where people can ask questions of the AAC community in the UK and beyond.

Get in Touch with Communication Matters

You can find out more about the incredible work that Communication Matters does via their website. If you want to get in touch with their team for support, or to find out how you can support the charity, you can email them at admin@communicationmatters.org.uk or give them a call on 0113 343 1533.

If Communication Matters has your vote this November, then head over to our Homepage from 1st November 2023 - 30th November 2023 to cast your free vote for CM. Play your part in giving a voice to those who have difficulties in verbal communication, and make sure to share the poll so you can help a worthy charity win a free donation.