Special computers and other devices are designed to make communication and environmental control easier with physical or sensory disabilities. They are used by many people with cerebral palsy, although currently in the UK there is some concern that the availability of these devices is lower than it should be.
Devices that provide an alternative to ordinary speech are known as “Augmentative and Alternative Communication” (AAC) devices, and there are centres around the country for assessment and provision, normally requiring a referral from a paediatrician, speech therapist or school. Some will produce bespoke devices if a child needs something not available commercially, and are willing to lend devices for short periods to see if they are suitable. Systems exist for eye pointing, gesture, signing, using symbol/word boards, and electronic speech.
The most commonly used sign languages are Makaton, and British Sign Language (BSL) which also includes the deaf-blind finger-spelling alphabet. Obviously, these depend upon efficient physical ability to use and interpret the signals. There is a commonly held view that a child who learns signing will not develop speech as well as they could, but current evidence does not appear to support this view.
More information about communication aids: Abilitynet, tel: 0800 269545, http://tinyurl.com/28vamo.
Aidis Trust, tel: 0207 426 2130, www.aidis.org. Charity supplying computers, computer adaptations and aids, communication aids, assessment and specialist skills to people with physical and cognitive disabilities.
ARCOS-Association For Rehabilitation Of Communication And Oral Skills: Whitbourn Lodge, 137 Church Street, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 2AN, tel: 0845 1228697, www.arcos.org.uk. Charity offering information, assessment and equipment loan.
British Educational Communications & Technology Agency (BECTA), tel: 0247 641 6994, www.becta.org.uk. Information and advice on the effective use of technology for learning (mainly for schools and colleges).
Communication Aids for Language and Learning (CALL) Centre, University of Edinburgh, tel: 0131 651 6236, http://callcentre.education.ed.ac.uk. Expertise in technology for children in Scotland who have speech, communication and/or writing difficulties. The website includes a useful guide to picture and symbol sets for communication, by Sally Millar, covering: colour photographs, pictures and cartoons; Ispeek; PECS; Unilimiter 9; CHANGE Picturebank; Valuing People clip art collection; Photosymbols 2, Safe & Sound; Bonnington Symbol System; PCS/Boardmaker; Widgit; symbols for Makaton; Bliss symbols; Minspeak/Minsymbols; and DynaSyms.
Communication Matters, c/o The ACE Centre, 92 Windmill Road, Oxford OX3 7DR, UK, www.communicationmatters.org.uk. The UK branch of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC). For people with complex communication needs. Also part of the Communications Forum, an information resource about communication impairment. Runs free roadshows around the country, to see the latest equipment.
Deafax, tel: 0870 770 0317, www.deafax.org. Charity providing services to improve communication and interaction skills, for anyone deaf / deaf-blind and speech impaired.
Hasicom (Hearing and Sight Impaired Communication), part of Deafblind UK, tel: 01733 358100, www.deafblind.org.uk. Equipment loan, with training to use it.
Makaton Vocabulary Development Project, tel: 01276 61390, www.makaton.org. Supplier of Makaton, and Makaton translation services.
National Federation Of Assessment Centres, tel: 01432 376630, www.nnac.org. Equipment assessment for further and higher education, including UK students claiming under the Disabled Students’ Allowance.
Paget Gorman Society, tel: 01342 842308, www.pgss.org. Support for Paget Gorman signed speech, used by speech- and language-impaired children.
Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID), information on British Sign Language (BSL). http://tinyurl.com/2lfy3n, or from their helpline tel: 0808 808 0123 / textphone –9000.
Sequal Trust (special equipment and aids for living), T/F: 01691 624222, www.the-sequal-trust.org.uk. Communication equipment for those with speech, language, movement and learning difficulties.
Library Of Resources On Technology And Special Education, www2.edc.org/NCIP
