This page provides guidance and support about setting up and attending Augmentatiove and Alternative Communication (AAC) Communication Clubs.
People who use AAC value opportunities to get together, socialise and, provide and receive valuable peer support.
What to expect at Communication Clubs
The aim of Communication Clubs is for AAC users to get together and develop communication skills.
Typically, Clubs focus on activities that include:
- Communication skills
- Skills for independent living
- Having a good conversation
- Directing others
- Asserting independence
- Remote communication
- Organising their own AAC equipment
When & where do Communication Clubs meet?
There is a lot of scope for Club organisers to be creative and make their Communication Club fit the needs and interests of AAC users:
- A Communication Club can be at any time of day that works for the group. For example, a Club could meet once a week during the day, or Club members might prefer to meet early evening or on weekends.
- Communication Clubs can take place in a local village hall, a community centre, school, college, or in any other suitable venue.
- Members of a Communication Club can decide what they would like to do over the next few weeks or months.
- The Communication Clubs can be supported by teachers, speech and language therapists, parents and AAC qualified mentors who have completed the Level 1 in Mentoring.
Start a Communication Club near you
Communication Matters hosted our first ‘Sharing Best Practice’ day in Spring 2025. This generated lots of ideas and materials to share what works, address some of the challenges, create new ideas and meet with others including AAC users, practitioners, parents/carers and PAs.
Communication Matters can provide a range of resources and support to help you start a Communication Club near you.
Book a call with us to discuss starting a Communication Club and to request a Communication Club starter pack, including:
- how to do a risk assessment
- templates for planning and communications
- top tips for setting up and facilitating a club session.
