Communication Matters is a UK charity that supports people with little or no clear speech in using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We believe that it is a human right to communicate, be included and be heard in an equitable society.
It’s our vision to create a world where all individuals have a right to a voice through the provision of communication solutions and ongoing support services.
We aim to achieve this vision by:
- Increasing awareness about AAC
- Improving AAC service standards
- Encouraging AAC research
- Empowering AAC users
Who we are
Communication Matters has a membership coming from across the UK bringing their personal experience as AAC Users and family members of AAC users, as well as professional, technical, commercial and research expertise in AAC. In 2025, we opened our membership to international members too and this is a growing part of our organisation.
Communication Matters is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee and led by our Board of Trustees.
The impact we make
Communication Matters works to create connections within the AAC community. We aim to raise awareness of AAC, advocate for improved access to AAC and encourage AAC research.
By supporting and hosting social, training research and conference events, we help to bring the AAC community together to share their experiences, access the very latest developments in AAC and create opportunities for their voices to be heard.
Our Futures project, run by Beth Moulam and Helen Hewson, acts on priorities identified by AAC users to access opportunities – including mental health support and new educational opportunities. This project also provided feedback on Communiation Matters’ direction and the way we can make our organisation and activities more suitable to AAC users.
Communication Clubs are developing a stronger presence across the UK. We are supporting AAC Communication Clubs with guidance on best practice, activity planning, access to Mentoring qualifications and risk management as well as providing small grants to support travel needs.
Research Matters is our online group and newsletter that promotes awareness and involvement in AAC research by professionals and AAC users.
Communication Matters International Annual Conference includes more than 450 speakers and delegates from across the AAC community including a significant representation of AAC users, all of whom benefits from many layers of social, professional and research strands throughout a robust programme.
Communication Matters Journal is published three times a year and sent direct to all members. The Journal provides a voice for AAC user experiences, shares AAC research and explores new AAC services and technology.
Meet the Board
Communication Matters’ Trustees hold the responsibility for the general control and management of the charity’s administration, ensuring compliance with current charity and company laws, and agreeing upon the organisation’s strategic vision and plans.
Their core duties include securing grants to support essential initiatives like the Peer Support and Mentoring Project and Communication Clubs, advancing research efforts through programs such as Research Matters, and organising educational events, including the Annual International AAC Conference, Study Days, and Information Days.
The Board of Trustees works with statutory bodies across the UK to raise awareness of AAC and the needs of AAC users and the need for equitable funding for AAC and other assistive technology and support.
The Board of Trustees appoints a Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary, with every Trustee carrying legal responsibility. Our Trustees ensure we comply with current charity and company laws.
Who funds us?
Most of our income comes from membership fees and events. We receive a small amount of donations and we use this money to subsidise the annual conference registration costs for AAC users and to pay our ISAAC chapter fee.
Visit our Membership, Donation, Fundraising and Conference pages for more ways of supporting Communication Matters.
ISAAC (International Society for Augmentative & Alternative Communication)
Communication Matters is the UK Chapter of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC). ISAAC has 15 national chapters, coordinated by a Secretariat based in Canada. We are one of ISAAC’s most active chapters.
