What is Communication Matters / ISAAC (UK)?

    Communication Matters is the UK Chapter of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) which focuses on the needs of people with complex communication needs who may benefit from AAC systems to maximise their opportunities and enhance their life. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems includes eye pointing, gesture, signing, using symbol/word boards, and electronic speech devices. Worldwide, there are 11 national chapters of ISAAC, co-ordinated by a Secretariat based in Canada.

    Communication Matters is also a member of Communications Forum, the UK’s national information resource for people who have communication impairment, as well as their enablers and service providers.

    It is estimated that 1.2 million children and young people under the age of 18 in the UK have a communication impairment (The Communications Trust, 2007). Statistics provided by Scope (2007) suggest between 0.4% and 1% of the population would benefit from AAC including 136,234 children and young people under 18, which is 11.35% of children with communication impairments. The figures rise dramatically for those over 18 due to acquired conditions. There are no statistics to show how many people actually have had devices supplied.

    Communication Matters has created a film which celebrates and promotes communication in all its forms (the film is available as a DVD).

  • Click to view film
    To preview the film (15 mins), click the icon on the left (requires RealPlayer). Alternatively, preview it in Google Video

Our Vision

    A world where all individuals have a right to a ‘voice’ through the provision of equipment and ongoing support services.

Our Mission

    Communication Matters values people who use any form of communication and promotes the individual’s right to participate in all aspects of life by using their most appropriate means of communication to express their thoughts, feelings, needs and desires.

Who joins Communication Matters?

    Although Communication Matters is a charitable organisation, one of our main strengths is the multi-disciplinary nature of the membership. Communication Matters members include people who use AAC, family members and carers of people who use AAC, speech and language therapists, teachers, social care workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation engineers, programmers, lecturers, researchers, manufacturers and suppliers, social workers, psychologists and doctors.

    Individuals or organisations become Members of Communication Matters by paying an annual membership fee.

    A limited number of free memberships are available for people who use AAC and family members.

    A member of Communication Matters is automatically a member of ISAAC International and receive a number of benefits including reduced rates for registration at the ISAAC Biennial International Conference and reduced subscription fees to affiliated journals and publications.

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