Welcome & HOUSEKEEPING   [Welcome delegates to today’s Communication Matters Roadshow.] My name is _________________ and if you have any general queries I’ll be around during the day. Commercial Members This Roadshow has been sponsored by the commercial members of Communication Matters who are presenting today. BIG THANKS. Remember the exhibition time at _____ is a great chance to visit all the stands and talk 1:1 with individual suppliers and try out equipment. Lunch is at/will be served at ____pm after the exhibition and plenary talk by the local AAC hub. Health and safety and domestic arrangements [Tell delegates about the venue and arrangements for the day, and include: Rooms to be used, fire exits and any expected alarms Location of toilets, including accessible toilets Timing and location for breaks and lunch]

CM’s Vision & Mission Vision: A world where all individuals are able to communicate in all aspects of life. Mission Communication Matters promotes the awareness, understanding and use of all forms of communication so individuals can express their thoughts feelings, needs and desires using their chosen means

30th birthday celebrations this year! Who are we? Communication Matters is THE national organisation for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) AAC cradle to grave UK Chapter of ISAAC (NGO status) 35% people who use AAC & families Trans-disciplinary approach 30th birthday celebrations this year! AAC users and all professional, families (emphasise the group you are talking to where appropriate).

Small paid staff team based in Leeds Voluntary Trustees The people Small paid staff team based in Leeds Voluntary Trustees Mention we have AAC users, teachers, clinical technologists, SLTs, care managers, OTs etc as well as trustees and members are not just one profession.

What do we do? Increase awareness about AAC Improve service standards Encourage research Involve people who use AAC Lobbying left off for now.

How do we spread the word? Website E-news Journal (3 per year) Annual Conference Roadshows Study Days Discussion Forums Contribute to Policy

Visit www.communicationmatters.org.uk Want to find out more? Visit www.communicationmatters.org.uk Attend the Conference Share ideas on the AAC forum Attend a Study Day Become a member-join today Spread the word Communication Matters!

Study Days In various topics…

Conference 2016 30 productive years

Share Your Practice or Experience Send us your Abstract for conference… A 300 word summary of the talk. It’s on the website and we can help you! Point out it’s a new system and that we can support. Old hands…it’s a shorter abstract!

AAC E-Learning Website http://www.aacelearning.org.uk 30 minute training as an introduction to AAC Lots of videos and a few basic multiple choice questions…

AAC Knowledge website http://www.aacknowledge.org.uk All the latest research summarised in plain English

Donate Today Please help meet the costs of these events! JustTextGiving – Text ‘CMRS16’ and £1, £3, £5 or £10 to 70070. Or just make a cash donation to CM….. Lunch and refreshments typically cost £8-£15 a head. Alternatively, you can always donate via our JustGiving page or Virgin Money Giving page instead.

Follow us! The UK Charity for AAC Find us on Social Media and at the Stand here…..