Friday Announcements – 17 October 2025

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1. Nonspeaking People Have #MoretoSay
2. Assistive Technology Conference – Secure Your Place in November
3. Exciting New Opportunity for Children with Cerebral Palsy
4. Opportunity to Work for Afasic
5. Diary of a Makaton User (Part 2): A Live and Unfiltered Look at Adult Life PLUS live Q&A
6. 1Voice Lakes Boat Trip

News from Communication Matters
7. Save the Date: Sharing Best Practice Day 2026
8. ‘Inspiring New Ways of Thinking About Access to Technology for People with Intellectual Disability’ Study Day – Register Now!
9. About Friday Announcements

 

1. Nonspeaking People Have #MoretoSay

From Chetna Palaniappan, AssistiveWare:

For AAC Awareness Month 2025, we’re revisiting our #MoretoSay campaign to challenge assumptions about people who cannot speak. Nonspeaking people feel frustrated when their messages go unheard, are misunderstood, or are not given enough time to respond. Here’s the link to watch an animated comic based on the story of a mother of an AAC user. The video highlights one of the many ways people communicate, including with AAC. You can also find the video on our blog, where there are more details about the campaign.

Let’s celebrate all voices and forms of communication this AAC Awareness Month.


2. Assistive Technology Conference – Secure Your Place in November

From Fil McIntyre, Natspec:

Places at TechAbility25 are filling up fast. Join us on 19th November to learn from leading practitioners in areas such as AI for accessibility and alternative access to surveys and block-coding.

Some AAC focussed breakouts include:

  • AAC and Assistive Technology: how organisations supporting AT and AAC can work more collaboratively
  • People with PMLD need access to communication devices: a research project which amplified sub-vocal utterances by participants with PMLD to provide audible words and sentences
  • I lead, you follow, a young person’s AT/AAC journey

The keynote is focussed on accessible music. Delivered by The Music Works, it will show how non-musicians can use music to break barriers and create belonging for every young person – regardless of their background or abilities.

An exhibition will give you the chance to engage with key suppliers and Hot Topics Discussions will give you opportunities to share your experience and learn from others.

Book now to secure your place.


3. Exciting New Opportunity for Children with Cerebral Palsy

From Rachael Webb, Cerebral Palsy Scotland:

Thanks to generous funding from The National Lottery Awards for All, we’re thrilled to launch a brand-new group for children aged 1-5 years with cerebral palsy, focussed on building communication skills through AAC.

This fun and supportive group will:

  • Help children grow in confidence and expression using AAC
  • Empower parents and carers with the tools and confidence to support their child’s communication journey
  • Offer a welcoming, inclusive space to connect with others on a similar path

If you’re a parent or carer of a young child with cerebral palsy, or know someone who is, we’d love to welcome you to this exciting new programme!

Interested? Please email us to register interest – [email protected].


4. Opportunity to Work for Afasic

Afasic is seeking a new, part time, Parent Support Service Manager as the current incumbent is retiring in December.

The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing the Afasic national helpline and support service, providing clear information and guidance to families, as well as signposting to further resources. You will be responsible for managing and training volunteers, maintaining accurate and confidential records, and working with the wider team to build supportive communities for those affected by SLCN. This is an exciting time to join us, as you will play a leading role in the future development of our parent support service, creating new methods of contact and so enhancing our ability to meet the evolving needs of families.

For further details, job description, and to apply just click on this link.


5. Diary of a Makaton User (Part 2): A Live and Unfiltered Look at Adult Life PLUS live Q&A

From Natalie Applewhaite-Morgan, The Makaton Charity:

Wednesday 19th November 2025, Time: 6pm – 7.30pm (extended webinar)

Registration link:
https://makaton.org/TMC/Membership/Member_Events/Diary_of_a_Makaton_user_part_2.aspx

Following the heartfelt success of Part 1, which explored growing up with Makaton, we now step boldly into adulthood. This FREE live session is Part 2 of the Diary of a Makaton User series – a raw and powerful continuation, led by a Makaton user who has used Makaton from childhood right through to her adult life.

Speaking with both voice and Makaton Symbols and Signs, our guest invites you into her world. From further education and employment to independence, navigating relationships (yes, adult ones!), keeping safe, and speaking up in a world not built for everyone, this is a rare opportunity to see beyond assumptions and into lived experience.

This session will not be recorded – so don’t miss the chance to experience it live. Part 2 promises honesty, humour, and heart – just like the person sharing it.


6. 1Voice Lakes Boat Trip

From Jo Cope, 1Voice:

Join the Lakes and Bay 1Voice branch for their annual boat trip, sailing across Windemere from Lakeside to Bowness and back, with a stop in Bowness for lunch. All are welcome, at whatever stage they are at on their AAC journey.

Location: Lakeside, Windermere, LA12 8AS. Date: Wednesday 29 October 2025. Time: Meet at 10:45am.

Places are free, but booking is essential. To reserve your place, please contact Helen at [email protected].


7. Save the Date: Sharing Best Practice Day 2026

Tuesday 31st March 2026 10.00am-3.00pm

Following the successful and enjoyable day in April this year, Communication Matters are pleased to announce that we will be hosting another Peer Support & Mentoring Project ‘sharing best practice day’ at the University of Leeds.

This event is open to all AAC users and others interested in peer support and mentoring along with finding out more about other opportunities.

More information including how to book and the programme for the day will be available soon.

In the meantime, put the date in your diary and for more information about the project, visit:
https://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/mentoring-projects-2024/ Or contact: Verity Elliott [email protected] Tel: 07891 959048.


8. ‘Inspiring New Ways of Thinking About Access to Technology for People with Intellectual Disability’ Study Day – Register Now!

21st November 2025, 9.30-4pm, Irwin Mitchell Offices, Temple, London, EC4Y 0AY

Communication Matters are delighted to partner with a range of leading academic and clinical experts in intellectual disability to host this exciting event.

Following on from our previous Study Day in November 2019 (‘Where Next for People with Cognitive Disabilities & Electronic Assistive Technology?), we will offer delegates a range of plenaries and workshops to explore the state of play around existing technology for people with intellectual disability as well as the opportunity to (re)consider how to activate current and future technologies in creative and innovative ways. This is a standalone event and, although drawing on learning from the 2019 event, there is no need for delegates to have attended the previous Study Day to benefit from this one.

Attendance: £100 for non-members, £90 for members and £75 for AAC users/PAs/family members. Lunch and refreshments included.

Learning objectives, full programme and booking details can be found here. Register your place now!


9. About Friday Announcements

These ‘Friday Announcements’ comprise weekly product updates, upcoming courses, and supplier news. Please email [email protected] with the item you want to be included by Thursday at 5pm – no more than 200 words (one entry per organisation per week) – and include contact email and/or link so readers can find out further information (no file attachments please).