Communication Matters

 

Urgent

help

needed

 

with

contacting

your

MP

Lobbying to Improve Provision of AAC Services and Equipment

Communication Matters is undertaking some lobbying activities to maximise the impact of the latest report from the Communication Champion, Jean Gross. In particular we wish to make the point that:

1. There is currently significant variability in provision of AAC equipment and access to specialist AAC services in the UK.  
2. The Communication Champion's report found that given the under-provision of local and regional AAC services, in relation to the estimated size of the population who require AAC services, and the need to build capacity within the sector, the NHS Commissioning Board should commission specialised regional AAC ‘hub’ services.

We would welcome your personal support with our lobbying activities, whether you use a communication aid, or are a family member, professional, or supplier of AAC equipment or services. Here are a couple of ways you can help:

• Contact your local MP and ask if s/he would be willing to raise this with Health Minister Paul Burstow MP and say you can supply a draft letter - we know this can be daunting so you can download a couple of resources which we hope will make it as easy as possible: 
  - Local lobbying toolkit
  - Help with finding and writing to your local MP
  - Summary of Communication Champion's report
  
• Complete an online survey about your equipment funding experiences and add to the growing number of stories we can use to support our lobbying activities

Whatever you can do to help would be fantastic. Thank You!