This page provides easy access to Communication Matters guidance, research and publications. Selected external publications and online resources are also available here.
The Power of Communication
The Power of Communication DVD was produced by Communication Matters to provide an introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This short film (runtime 9 minutes) delivers a powerful message that communication really does matter. The film, now available on YouTube, promotes communication in all its forms – central to the values of Communication Matters. It was produced by Di Palmer and filmed by Ben Bishop.
The film is of general interest, but we hope it will be particularly useful to service managers and purchasers who have responsibility for AAC services but minimal experience of working with AAC users. It aims to provide a starting point for more informed decision-making on AAC service delivery and planning.
Other Ways of Speaking
‘Other Ways of Speaking; (PDF) has been produced in partnership by Communication Matters, The Communication Trust, 1Voice, ACE Centre, The Makaton Charity, Scope and Signalong.
This short booklet provides information about children and young people who use a variety of different ways to communicate, how you can help support them and where to go for further information. You should read this booklet if you live or work with children and young people who have little or no speech.
AAC and AT Resources
Ace Centre provides wide range of resources, publications and downloads to support use and implementation of AAC and AT
Speaking Up, Speaking Out
National standards for AAC Services
Communication Matters, UK government departments and other organisations have published a number of documents that set out and promote national standards for AAC services.
Communication Matters Guidance
CM’s Outcome Measurement Project published this review of the range of tools and measures commonly used in the UK and appraising them in terms of their usefulness to aided communication measurement:
NHS England Guidance
- New Guidance for Commissioning on AAC Services and Equipment (PDF) – March 2016
- New Service Specification for AAC (PDF) – March 2016
- New Specialised AAC Referral Criteria Document (PDF) – March 2016
- Individual Funding Requests A Guide for Patients – November 2017 and further updates published by NHS England
- The Accessible Information Standard sets out requirements for NHS and adult social care providers to identify, record, flag, share and meet the information and communication needs of people with a disability, impairment or sensory loss.
Office of the Communication Champion and Council publications
Documents on commissioning national services for AAC provision in England:
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists publications
AAC Resources: click for resources curated by RCSLT
AAC Exams Access
Reports from the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Exams Access Working Group on ‘Exams Access Guidance for Young People Who Rely Upon AAC’:
