1Voice is a small UK charity providing social connection and networking for AAC users, their families and those who support them, at any stage of their communication journey.

At our events, we learn from and inspire each other, develop communication confidence and have fun. They offer the opportunity to meet and interact with AAC role models: a key feature of our get togethers.

Our members’ communication needs arise from a range of conditions, including cerebral palsy, brain injury or autism for instance. Many also use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

What is AAC?

While most people use their voices to communicate, some people use other alternative way to communicate or augment their communication: AAC. This might be books of symbols, alphabet boards, partner-assisted scanning, sign-languages like BSL or Makaton or electronic devices like eye-gaze computers.

Individuals and families often develop their own AAC solutions in the absence of, or to complement, formal solutions. For example, eye pointing, gestures, blinking or small head movements are important means of communication.

“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!