The physical disabilities, complex access and care support needs of our members make socialising logistically difficult and expensive. Learning to communicate using AAC is hard so youngsters experience significant frustration and isolation. Few children learning to use AAC have opportunities to meet disabled teen and adult role models. Many first-time attendees at 1Voice have never met another AAC user before; doing so transforms their expectations and motivation.

While some children may get help with AAC skills in school, there is no funded help for families to learn how to support their child’s communication in daily life. Opportunities to interact with others who communicate in a similar way are very rare. We offer fun, motivating activities, supported by skilled AAC role models in an enabling environment to raise aspirations and build communication confidence. We hire fully-accessible venues to overcome barriers to social connection.