We provide social connection, positive role models, and networking opportunities for AAC users and those who support them - at any stage of their communication journey.
1Voice is a small, volunteer-led, UK charity. We offer networking, support, and social opportunities for children and adults who use (or are learning to use) augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
We bring together people at different stages of their communication journey, along with their families and supporters, to learn from and inspire each other.
What is AAC?
“Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a range of strategies and tools to help people who struggle with speech. These may be simple letter or picture boards or sophisticated computer-based systems. AAC helps someone to communicate as effectively as possible, in as many situations as possible.” (Communication Matters)
Many 1Voice members have additional physical, cognitive, or sensory needs due to acquired or developmental conditions such as cerebral palsy or stroke. Some are autistic, or neurodivergent in other ways. All of them are amazing, and we aim to support and amplify this community of amazing children, adults, families, PAs / Carers and allies, through our Events, Role Models and Resources.
What We Do
Events
We run online and face-to-face events to bring AAC users, their families and supporters together to share ideas and experiences. Our big event is the annual National Residential Weekend.
1Voice events bring members together to have fun in an inclusive environment where they are given time, support, and opportunity to communicate and connect with others who may be facing similar challenges.
The activities build confidence and promote communication skills while having fun and meeting new people. Offering fun leisure activities maximises motivation to communicate while offering the opportunity to try new things, giving inspiration for activities members could pursue in their free time.
Sessions are run by AAC users, 1Voice Role Models, or by experienced speech and language therapists, volunteers, or trustees with skills and knowledge to successfully adapt activities to a range of physical needs and communication abilities.
National Residential Weekend 2018
Regional Hubs
We currently have 5 regional hubs to organise local meet-ups and activities. We hope to set up more - get in touch if you’d like to run a branch!
Regional hubs are led by AAC users and their families, and supported by 1Voice trustees, role models, and volunteers.
What We’re Not
Therapists: Whilst many of our members, volunteers, and trustees are current or former speech and language therapists, 1Voice doesn’t offer formal therapy activities or advice on AAC devices. Whilst our members are often happy to share tips and advice formally, we can’t make recommendations for one type of AAC over another.
Funded by Private Companies: 1Voice relies entirely on non-government grants and donations, but we’re not funded by any particular AAC or assistive technology company. Our members have relationships with a wide variety of suppliers.
Exclusive: Though many of our members use high-tech AAC devices, or eye-gaze, 1Voice recognises that that’s not the only way of communicating! Our members use a variety of powered, paper, partner, and personal AAC strategies, and we’re happy to adapt to suit you - just let us know how we can best communicate with you.
Background
"1Voice is a MUST"
1Voice – Communicating Together held its first event in December 2000 - a family weekend in Blackpool. The families there said that "1Voice is a MUST" and the organisation has been growing ever since. We became a registered charity 2001, and in 2010 1Voice became a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee.