Now hear me: it's my right to speak

Hello Everyone

I’d like to tell you how people that use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), their families and carers have helped us review the service we provide.

The term AAC covers a huge range of techniques which support or replace spoken communication. These include gesture, signing, symbols, word boards, communication boards and books, as well as Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs).

It is estimated that 26,500 people in Scotland require AAC.  Communication may be impaired due to lifelong conditions such as cerebral palsy and autism or it may be as a result of an acquired condition such as dementia, motor neurone disease, stroke and head injury.

The assessment process for people requiring AAC that live in Lanarkshire was developed by the Lanarkshire AAC network. The network aims to support people who use AAC to live, learn and work in their communities; it includes professionals from NHS Lanarkshire, North and South Lanarkshire Council Education and Social Work Services, Voluntary and Third Sector organisations and people who use AAC, their families and carers are all represented.

In June 2014 we held a focus group for people who use AAC.  We invited them, along with their families and carers to tell us about their experiences of the assessment process.

Everyone in the focus group was positive about how AAC can enhance communication which has a positive impact on an individual and their family’s quality of life and that once procured and in place, AAC can dramatically change lives.

The Group highlighted some potential areas of improvement:

• Information  - was not always available in a suitable format and in some cases staff were not familiar with, or well informed about the equipment;
• Communication – there were times when families did not feel included in the process – particularly when communication was between staff from different agencies and different professional groups;
• Time - there was a variation in the timescales of procuring AAC devices due to the process of interagency budgetary approval;
• Support - there was recognition that a parent/carer support group for sharing information and experiences could be a benefit and provide a support network in relation to AAC.

We are committed to providing person-centred care and one of the key aspects of this is “nothing about me without me”.  This means you will always be given the opportunity to be involved in discussions. All information exchanges and communication between professionals or between different services and supports are transparent and always provide you with the opportunity either to be present or contribute to the process.

As a result the Lanarkshire AAC network will try to address and improve:

• Information – we are encouraging staff from all agencies to identify their learning and development needs using the NHS Education for Scotland Framework.  We have also improved our information packs for people who use AAC, their families and carers, detailing the assessment and provision process and who to contact for support;
• Communication – we try and tailor communication to best meet the needs of people using AAC, their families and carers, whether this is face-to-face meetings, by telephone or using electronic communications. We have enhanced our communication via the AAC network mailing lists, increased network meetings and events. We have also improved our “signposting” to support and education such as www.communicationmatters.org.uk;
• Time – work is underway nationally to review funding provision for AAC aids;
• Support - we are looking at how we can establish a parent/carer support group in Lanarkshire for families, carers and people using AAC. If you would like to get involved please get in touch. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @AACLanarkshire

Not everyone has the ability to speak but being able to have your say is a basic human right. You can find out more about AAC at www.nowhearme.co.uk.

If you have an experience of the Speech and Language Therapy Service you would like to share, please speak to a member of staff, respond on Patient Opinion, or visit the “Your Feedback” Section of the NHS Lanarkshire website to see the other ways to get in touch www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk

May I wish you all a Happy and Healthy 2015!