Image: Minister for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, joins Adam Harris, AsIAm CEO, and Fiona O’Mahony, AsIAm Senior Speech & Language Therapist & AAC Support Programme Manager, to launch first-of-its kind Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Support Programme
Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, has announced the commencement of the distribution of devices to a pilot group of users as part of the roll-out of the AAC Support Programme, which is being run by AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity.
Earlier this year, Minister Rabbitte announced €1m in support for the programme which will see over 500 autistic children benefit from the programme. This next phase of implementation follows the completion of consultation, procurement and recruitment processes to support the operational phase of delivery.
AAC includes all forms of communication which a person may use other than talking. It may add to someone’s speech or may be an alternative to speaking. The AAC Support Programme will use high-tech solutions including apps for use on tablets and phones which support Autistic people who may not speak to communicate.
The programme, which aligns with Government's Autism Innovation Strategy, will be open to all children living in Ireland who have been diagnosed as autistic and are non-speaking or use minimal words or phrases, and rely on non-speaking forms of communication as their primary means of communication.
The AAC Support Programme will provide access to high-tech communication devices and support through AsIAm. Recipients will include autistic children and young people who are already receiving support from a Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) as well as autistic people who currently do not have access to speech and language therapy support.
The programme will also allow families to select a device on a "borrow and keep" basis. Both groups will be able to apply for a device as well as access training and guidance for family members and educational professionals supporting the individual.
Minister Rabbitte commented,
"The AAC Support Programme will be transformative for autistic children and their families, breaking down barriers to communication and fostering greater inclusion.
"The programme offers three streams of support, catering to families who are currently working with a Speech & Language Therapist and those who are not. This inclusive approach ensures that all autistic children with communication needs have the opportunity to benefit from AAC.
"AsIAm do superb work supporting autistic people of all ages, and this programme is leading the way in providing comprehensive AAC support. By empowering autistic children with the tools they need to communicate effectively, we are helping them to reach their full potential and participate fully in society."
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said,
“Everyone deserves the same chance to have their voice heard. We know that too often autistic children and families have faced barriers to accessing this most fundamental of rights. Our AAC Support Programme will reduce these barriers by providing both devices and associated support for children and families who may benefit.”
Enrolment and distribution of pilot recipients for both Stream 1 and Stream 2 of the Programme will commence in October, with broader access anticipated to commence prior to Christmas.
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