The Beacon

 Speech, Language and Communication Needs Support

Below you will find a variety of SLCN websites and other useful links to help with any communication needs your child may have. 

 

 

  • Providing a confidential, specialist telephone helpline service for carers and parents
  • Organising online courses for parents of children diagnosed with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
  • Organising courses for children with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs who are leaving Primary School and starting Secondary School
  • Providing priority information on new/updated publications and events across the UK
  • Information booklets that can be purchased from our website, to help with things such as Accessing Speech and Language Therapy or Claiming Benefits https://afasic.org.uk/shop/   
‘I CAN is the children’s communication charity. We are experts in helping children develop the speech, language and communication skills they need to thrive in a 21st century world. Our vision is a world where all children have the communication skills they need to fulfil their potential. Our mission is that no child should be left out or left behind because of a difficulty speaking or understanding.’       

Speech and Language.orgWe give children and young people the skills they need so they aren’t left behind, waiting to be understood.

We do this by creating tools for schools and nurseries, giving advice and guidance to families and putting pressure on politicians.

For children struggling to talk and understand words, their whole lives are affected if they don’t get the help they need. They feel disconnected from their family. Unable to

make friends. Unfairly punished for not following instructions they don’t understand. What does the future hold for them?’

National Autistic Society 
‘We are here to transform lives and change attitudes to help create a society that works for autistic people.’

stammering Association                                                                                 

 ‘We celebrate different voices. It is not our place to make judgements about if or how people choose to manage their stammer.

  • We value collaboration. We work with others to give the greatest voice, best insights, most effective campaigns for people who stammer.
  • We value community. We provide spaces for people to come together to support, learn, celebrate and campaign for change.
  • We value the individual. We listen to personal stories, provide a platform for sharing and respect individual choices.
  • We value diversity. We seek out and celebrate different voices, perspectives and experiences in respectful debate. Read our Equality & Diversity Policy.
  • We value openness. We are open in our dealings; selfless and generous spirited, honest and straightforward, professional but informal. We are unafraid and speak truth to power.’
Action for stammering children                          
‘As the national charity for children and young people who stammer, their families, and the communities who support them, we support and empower parents, caregivers and professionals; facilitate and champion research; and campaign for changes in policy and societal attitudes.’ 
Communication matters
Communication Matters is a UK charity that supports people with little or no clear speech in using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We believe that it is a human right to communicate, be included and be heard in an equitable society. It's  our vision to create a world where all individuals have a right to a voice through the provision of communication solutions and ongoing support services.

We aim to achieve this vision by:

  • · Increasing awareness about AAC
  • · Improving AAC service standards
  • · Encouraging AAC research
  • · Empowering AAC users
Kent and Medway Communication and Assistive Technology service

The Kent and Medway Communication and Assistive Technology Service assesses and works with clients with complex needs.

Its work includes all forms of communications (other than speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas and equipment that helps people with tasks they would otherwise be unable to do.

It is a partnership service between Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and Kent County Council.

Makaton charity

‘Makaton is a unique communication programme that uses symbols (pictures), signs (gestures) and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.’

SMIRA Selective mutism

‘SMIRA became a UK Registered Charity in 1992, having been set up initially to support families with selectively mute children. This work has since been extended to provide information to health and education professionals involved in the upbringing of such children and young people. Belonging to SMIRA is not meant to be an alternative to treatment, which may be carried out by a number of different agencies, but it is intended to give those with SM, their parents and professionals an opportunity to feel less isolated and share ideas with others who have experienced similar problems in either home, school or treatment situations.’

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