Communication Matters (CM) is a UK-wide charity committed to supporting people of all ages who find talking difficult because they have little or no clear speech. This can be via paper based communication supports or computer based voice output, we call this AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Communication can be compromised across many conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Brain Injury, Learning Difficulties and Autism. We have an associate membership of around 400 people. Members come from across the UK and from all the various interests in AAC – personal experience, professional, commercial and research. Members receive copies of our Journal which is published 3 times a year, amongst other benefits. We hold a number of events: most notably our International AAC Conference held over 2.5 days at the University of Leeds each September, as well as UK-wide AAC Information Days (product demonstration days) and Study Days which focus on a particular topic of AAC. We also have many online resources and publications and an AAC Forum. If you are interested in finding out more, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact a Family is a National Charity supporting families of children with disabilities throughout their journey, from birth – 25 years. We are an information, guidance and advice charity offering help and support across a wide range of issues that families encounter from Health, Education, Finances and Benefits, Family issues, equipment, grants, legal aspects etc. Our team of specialist trained experts that staff our help desk supporting families with queries at times of need ; and  we also have parent advisors that work in the regions supporting families with workshops, events, support groups etc.