I’ve spent several years using spoon theory to effectively explain to others my physical energy and fatigue levels. However, I realise that spoon theory could also be adapted to self-management of my speech production. There is a definite link between my physical energy and fatigue levels and my speech production...

I've been a committee member on the International Communication Rights Alliance (ICRA) since January 2021. ICRA has been working towards operationalising communication rights for those with comprehensive communication needs.  Jacob Matthews of Australia and I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of ICRA at the opening of the 27th...

There has been so much on social media recently about ableism. One tweet “abled bodied privilege is ….the advantage people have simply for not being disabled’ got me thinking. Sorry, I don't recall who posted this. During the summer term, I was invited to give 2 mainstream school assemblies about...

This last weekend I was privileged to be invited back to a 1 Voice family weekend. I started going to this annual event when I was 7 years old. It is one of the safe places that shaped me as a communication aid user through meeting AAC role models.  It...

I'm moving forward with AAC, life never stands still. Are you like me?  Finding that things in life constantly evolve? Following my decision to retire from elite boccia I’ve been doing a lot of reflection.  Rightly, I think I’ve been questioning where next? And, was I right in my future...

Recently I had a very interesting conversation, which set me thinking. I’m 28 and I’m only now finding my feet when it comes to confidently communicating ‘verbally’. By this, I mean communicating with those who don’t know me, or who haven't met an AAC user before.  I’ve always put myself...

And, why wouldn’t I love Lucy? Lucy is my voice. She is what I sound like, both to others, and when I hear my voice. Most people don’t think about their voice, it’s just that, a part of them. Their voice. So why do I love Lucy? The shock of...