Mohammad’s story

“My son was Non verbal by 3 years of age and nursery raised concerns. I didn’t know where to turn…”.    

Early years educational settings cannot refuse non verbal children admission. Mostly these settings use visual aids (e.g. PECS or picture exchange communication systems ), sign language, and sensory tools to facilitate communication and engagement. Teaching focus on building relationships through shared play and interpreting non-verbal cues is key to confidence building in early years communication. 

At home the use of combined spoken language/s with physical gesture (such as “thumbs up”) aids communication. Mixed use of non spoken language through communication cards, gesture, signing and communication aids (such as Electronic AAC devices are purpose-made bits of assistive technology) help support authentic ways to develop communication skills.

Voice output communication aids (or VOCAs) are devices that allow non-speaking people to communicate with speech.   Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices have applications which speak for the user.

•       High-Tech Dedicated Devices: Purpose-built systems like TD I-110, Talk Pad, and Lightwriters.

•       Apps and Software: Grid for iPad, TD Snap (free to download with paid subscription for speech).

•       Eye Gaze Technology: Systems allowing control of computers using eye movement, supported by companies like Liberator.

•       Low-Tech & Mid-Tech: Picture exchange communication systems (PECS), Go Talk, Bigmac switches, and PODD books. 

Early non verbal communication may present as a symptom of other developmental delays as seen with, for example, hearing or visual loss, autism, cerebral palsy, complex neuro- developmental delay, neuro- muscular dystrophy.

Key Sign Language and Communication Aids in the UK 

•       BSL Video Services: Platforms like SignVideo provide remote, instant access to BSL interpreters for services and public interaction.

•       Electronic Aids/Apps: Software such as Grid 3, Proloquo2Go, and various tablet-based apps (e.g., on iPads) act as voice output communication aids (VOCAs).

•       Makaton & Sign Systems: Makaton is widely used, featuring symbols and signs to aid communication, often found in retail environments like Asda or in educational settings.

•       Visual Aids: Tools include picture exchange communication systems (PECS), flashcards, and communication books to aid non-verbal communication. PECS-https://www.integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/our-approaches/speech-therapy-approaches/picture-exchange-communication-system-pecs/

•       Specialist Hardware: Dedicated devices like Bigmac, Go Talk, or eye-pointing frames (E-tran frames) are used for those with limited mobility

•       https://www.facebook.com/JessicaOutOfTheCloset/videos/my-sign-language-story/525768558334945/.

Assessment and Funding in the UK 

•       NHS Services: The Electronic Assistive Technology Service (EATS) and regional hubs provide assessments and funding for complex needs.

•       Private/Charity Route: Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) can recommend devices, organisations- The Sequal Trust or AbilityNet

•       Trials: such as Tobii Dynavox and Smartbox.