Examining the need for, and provison of, AAC in the United Kingdom.

People of all ages with severe speech and language impairments use a range of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods to assist them to communicate their views and needs. AAC includes non-technological systems such as signing, use of symbols and picture charts as well as sophisticated technology including dedicated computerised systems and voice output communication aids. Without support people with communication difficulties are unable to realise their potential and face social isolation, dependency, a decreased quality of life, and increased care costs. The project detailed in this report was commissioned and led by Communication Matters, the UK charity for augmentative and alternative communication, and funded by the National Lottery through Big Lottery Fund. Communication Matters is committed to the advance of research in the AAC field and in particular research that: � promotes understanding of the need for provision of AAC and ongoing support services � improves the quality of life for individuals and groups of individuals by understanding their needs � influences local and national policy and practice and leading to better services and interventions for people who use AAC � promotes community learning and creates opportunities for people who use AAC and their families The objective of this programme of work was to provide fundamental evidence to support the appropriate development of AAC services and improve provision of aided communication and other AAC strategies. The research, building on the literature, aimed to: provide an improved picture of the need for AAC and aided communication to support commissioning and planning of services; provide a better understanding of the current picture of AAC service provision to help inform the development of aided communication and other AAC services to meet the needs of people who use AAC; and to contribute to the knowledge about the use of AAC in the UK and the factors that may contribute towards successful use. There were two overarching research questions that this work aimed to address: 1 How many people are using AAC? 2 What are the routes to provision of AAC?