AAC Evidence Base research project reports & resources
Final Report: ‘Shining a Light on Augmentative and Alternative Communication’ (Download PDF 400Kb)
Research Report: ‘Beyond the Anecdote’ (Download PDF 5Mb)
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’:
- Entry Levels, GCSEs and A-Levels – October 2023 (Download PDF)
- Key Stage 1 and 2 National Curriculum Testing – March 2024 (Download PDF)
Speaking Up, Speaking Out
Pathways to Self Advocacy Handbook from 1998 (Download PDF)
Other publications
The Future of AAC Services in England
The findings of the project on models for AAC provision, funded by the Department for Education.
Making Communication Even Better
An online resource to enable NHS staff to improve the way they communicate with people who have communication support needs. The resource was produced by NHS Education for Scotland, TalkingMats and Capability Scotland.
Books Beyond Words
This series of books covers all sorts of useful topics. Each book has a series of pictures to which you can add words. A narrative is provided at the back if you need one. Originally produced for people with learning difficulties, the books are incredibly useful for a much wider range of people. They are produced by Prof. Sheila Hollingsworth at St Georges Hospital.
‘Focus on…’ Leaflets
Our “Focus On…” series of eight leaflets cover topics related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and are written in a clear style. They are available in print copy and as downloadable PDF files.
Printed sets of leaflets
The leaflets are free but there is a charge for postage and packing if you want more than one set, or if you are ordering from outside the UK. We do not charge postage for AAC users & their families. To order one set of leaflets or to enquire about costs, please email us: [email protected]
Download a leaflet
Download complete set
Translations
ISAAC members are free to translate the Focus on leaflets into their national language, providing the following wording appears in the translated material: “Originally published in English and copyright by Communication Matters / ISAAC-UK”. Please email us ([email protected]) for a copy of the master artwork for translation.
Copyright notices for symbols used in the Focus on… series:
Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) are © Mayer-Johnson Inc.
Widgit Literacy Symbols © Widgit Software
Blissymbolics are © Blissymbolics Communication International
Makaton symbols are © The Makaton Charity
The leaflet ‘Communicating with Patients who have Speech/Language Difficulties’ is already available in both Polish (zip) and Romanian (zip) translations. The leaflet ‘What is AAC?’ is also available in Polish (pdf).
Other Ways of Speaking
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.
‘Other Ways of Speaking’ has been produced in partnership by Communication Matters, The Communication Trust, 1Voice, ACE Centre, The Makaton Charity, Scope and Signalong.
The booklet is free. You can download a PDF using the link below, or order a print copy from Communication Matters (there is a small charge for postage).
Download booklet
- Download Other Ways of Speaking (pdf 4.5MB)
To order a printed booklet
- For postage costs and ordering information, email Communication Matters ([email protected]).
DVDs and Videos
The Power of Communication
The Power of Communication DVD has been 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 DVD celebrates and 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 DVD 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.
Watch it on YouTube
You can preview the whole film on YouTube.
To order
We no longer stock the DVD routinely, but if you would like a copy please email us at [email protected].
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.
NHS England Guidance
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.
Communication Matters Publications
The following documents describe national good practice and principles for people who need and use AAC services:
Our 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:
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
Resource manual: