1st Anniversary of AAC legislation #NowHearMe
19 March 2019 marks the 1st year anniversary of the commencement of legislation to provide communication equipment and support in using that equipment. The introduction of this equipment has helped children and adults, from all care groups, who have lost their voice or have difficulty speaking. The responsibility to deliver the duty is held by Health Boards.
What’s happened this year?
To support delivery of the legislative duty a suite of tools have been developed:
- Guidance on the Provision of Communication Equipment and Support in using that equipment – this provides practical information on the use of communication equipment, the support needed to use it, and the Scottish Government’s vision and principles. An easy read version is also available.
- The National Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Core Pathway – this sets out what service users can expect from their AAC journey – incorporating information on assessment for, and provision of, communication equipment and support in using the equipment.
This programme of work is led by the Scottish Government, Assisted Communication Team and advice is sought through the National AAC Advisory Group.
This group includes people who use communication equipment, AAC Executive Leads from each Health Board in Scotland, Education Scotland, the Additional Support for Learning Officers, Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, CALL Scotland, Social Work Scotland, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, Communication Matters and third sector organisations.
Next steps
The Scottish Government are working towards a refresh of the national AAC high level work plan in co-production with their national advisory group members and stakeholders.
They have also convened Short Life Working Groups on Data and Evidence, and on AAC Equipment Procurement. This will help to maintain progress in supporting the implementation of the legislation, providing services to people who need and use communication equipment.
For further information, please contact:
- heather.palmer@gov.scot – Policy Manager
- jean.alexander@gov.scot – Operational Improvement Lead