1Voice provides social connection, positive role models, and networking opportunities for AAC users, their families, and those who support them. Many of our members also have additional needs due to congenital or acquired conditions such as stroke or cerebral palsy. Many also use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

We bring together people at different stages of their communication journey, their parents, PAs, and supporters, to learn from and inspire each other.

What is AAC?

Most people use their voices to communicate, but lots of people in the UK use other ways - both powered alternatives like eye-gaze devices, and non-powered, like books of symbols, partner-assisted scanning, or sign-languages like BSL or Makaton.

“The term AAC is used to describe the different methods that can be used to help people with disabilities communicate with others.
As the term suggests these methods can be used to supplement or as an alternative to speech.

People (children or adults) may have difficulty expressing themselves in a way that is understood by others. This could be due to lack of speech, difficulties with speech intelligibility, motor speech difficulties (controlling the physical movements necessary for speaking), and can result from many congenital or acquired difficulties e.g. cerebral palsy or stroke.”

- Communication Matters

Nearly a third of a million people across the UK (316,0001 ) are benefiting or may benefit from AAC support (CM2013) - that’s children, young people, and adults who use other ways to communicate. 1Voice is a community of AAC users and their families, who meet to support each other, have fun together, and learn from each other.

Find out more about our events and role models, volunteer, or become a friend - it’s free!