We are raising money for AAC devices for non-speaking children in our local SEN school, to support non-speaking autistic students with their communication needs.

Speech is something we take for granted when it comes so easy to us, however this is not the case for some. Non-speaking children battle everyday with the frustration of not being understood, working tirelessly to make themselves heard and have their needs met. Not being able to speak does not mean one does not have anything to say!

Challenges with speech can affect autistic children, as well as children with developmental disabilities, apraxia of speech, speech impediments and selective mutism .

I believe it is an absolute right for every child to have an accessible and robust means to communicate. We are crowdfunding to raise enough money for three (if not more) iPads with speech generating Apps (e.g. Proloquo) for our local SEN school in the London Borough of Bexley. These AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices will enable autistic non-speaking students to have alternative ways to communicate in the classroom. We need to move away from away from the incredibly damaging stereotypes and narratives that associate non-speaking children as unteachable, incompetent or not thinking. Non-speakers have plenty to say, they have a right to an education and are certainly competent thinking beings. We need to provide a suitable robust means for them to articulate their thoughts and express their needs.

Sadly with long term underfunding by our government, electronic AAC devices are a luxury, although an absolute necessity for non-speakers. I believe that teachers, teaching assistants, speech & language therapists in SEN schools/ SEN provisions need to be suitably equipped with the right resources to properly support our children and their communication needs. Modelling and teaching non-speakers to use high-tech AAC devices, will ultimately lead to children having a richer education, improved mental health, confidence in their own abilities, increased autonomy and independence. It will eliminate the feelings of frustration and allow non-speakers to feel heard and safe. This money will go directly to our SEN school to support autistic children, allowing them to have the voice they deserve! Please support our cause if you can.

Thank you x