Category Archives: AAC

Pam Enderby recognised for lifetime aphasia contribution

I was delighted to hear today that Professor Pam Enderby has been given The Robin Tavistock Award 2012 in recognition of her significant lifetime contribution to the field of aphasia.  In announcing the award, the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia recognise … Continue reading

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Communication Champion’s final report shows communication is everyone’s business

Despite her two year term as Communication Champion officially ending in December, Jean Gross was up with the lark this morning for a 5 minute slot on the Daybreak sofa to talk about ‘testing’ of 2 years olds. Having read … Continue reading

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In Giving Voice we are proud to be speech and language therapists

I have watched with admiration as the Giving Voice campaign has spread the message across the UK that speech and language therapy transforms lives. Having been active in both Speak Weeks (circa 1987 and 1990) and the rather oddly named … Continue reading

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Penultimate issue of Speech & Language Therapy in Practice now out

The Autumn 11 issue of Speech & Language Therapy in Practice has been mailed today, so subscribers can expect it through their door very soon! Cover star Dan sustained a severe head injury in 2007, and Lindsay King describes how … Continue reading

Posted in AAC, Aphasia, Autism, Books, journals and articles, Community settings, CPD, Dysphagia, Ethics, Learning disability, Resources, Service delivery, Speech and Language Therapy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Voice banking to preserve the freedom of speech

More on voice banking, a subject I posted on a year ago when Laurence Brewer was interviewed for Radio 4’s Word of Mouth. This time there was a Scottish flavour to another Radio 4 programme ‘Giving the Critic Back His Voice’, … Continue reading

Posted in AAC, Ethics, Head & Neck, Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Parkinson's disease, Phonetics / phonology, Resources, Service delivery, Speech and Language Therapy, Voice, Voluntary organisations | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Picture menu launched to help people with communication difficulties in hospital

No-one would choose to be in hospital but, if we have to be, the majority of us can at least read the hospital menu and choose our preferred dishes. Unfortunately people who have difficulty communicating – including those who have aphasia, … Continue reading

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Identifying and supporting ‘Other ways of speaking’ to ensure everyone can have a voice

Gesure, signing, symbols, boards and books, adapted computers and Voice Output Communication Aids -  in the words of the Hello campaign, 'Other Ways of Speaking' that ensure everyone can have a voice. My final year project 23 years ago was … Continue reading

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Communicating with young people about mental health and wellbeing

 This afternoon I went to a twilight seminar for a range of professionals. We heard about the findings of a critical review of the literature on children and young people’s views on the factors that influence their mental health. … Continue reading

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Why it’s worth attending major exhibitions like Naidex and Talk Shop

The needs of people with communication difficulties will be well represented at the Naidex exhibition, which starts tomorrow at the NEC in Birmingham. It’s a shame I’ve never managed to get to this annual showcase for products to aid independent … Continue reading

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‘Hello’ to the National Year of Communication

Tsars, supremos, working parties, interdepartmental committees, royal commissions – it's easy for 'Yes, Prime Minister' (Gielgud Theatre, London) to be cynical. While the playwrights have a point, I had just come from a Communication Trust reception at the House of Commons which … Continue reading

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