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Project Details


Keywords: [Communication Difficulties and Communication Aids]
Name: Communication Matters - Research Matters: An AAC Evidence Base
Start Date: 1st Jan 10
End Date: 31st Dec 12
Total Project Fund: 467,751UK Pounds
Background: People of all ages with severe communication impairments use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods, including signing, use of symbols and voice output devices. Without support people with communication difficulties face social isolation, mental health issues, a decreased quality of life, and increased care costs. Responsibility for funding for AAC is with local commissioners, and no statutory right exists for assessment, provision of resources or ongoing support. The result is a postcode lottery in provision of crucial services. Estimates suggest 365,000 people in the UK may need AAC but there is no definitive research assessing actual need. Information about best practice such as early intervention remains inaccessible in specialist databases, professional journals or unpublished.
Description: This project will provide fundamental information about the need for, and provision of, AAC and improve accessibility to best practice evidence through the development and maintenance of an online, searchable database.
Objective: By providing robust evidence this project will facilitate people with severe communication impairments to gain a voice enabling them to participate in family and community life, reducing the risk of mental illness and social isolation. The results will be disseminated via the annual conference, journal, study days and website run by Communication Matters. There will also be a targeted media campaigns to reach other stakeholders and the general public.

Organisations Involved In This Project


The main contact(s) for this project are:

Organisation Name Type Tel Town Contact
Communication Matters
 Charity
 0845 456 8211
 Oxford
 Ms Katie Holmes

Participants:

Organisation Name Type Tel Town Contact
Research Institute for Health and Social Change - Manchester Metropolitan University
 Academic
 0161 247 2774
 Manchester
 Dr Janice Murray
Assistive Technology Team, Medical Physics Department - Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
 NHS
 01226 432159
 Barnsley
 Mr Simon Judge
ScHARR - School of Health and Related Research - University of Sheffield
 Academic
 0114 222 5454
 Sheffield
 Professor Pam Enderby

Funding for this project includes a contribution from:

Organisation Name Type Tel Town
Big Lottery Fund
 Grant Making Body
 0207 211 1800
 London