AAC and Me, Specialist AAC Support

05/08/2026

Every evening this summer, our son has sat down and written a few simple sentences about his day. "I went to the park." "I saw a dog." Small sentences, but a big deal.

He's autistic and has cerebral palsy, and this simple diary habit has been a lovely reminder of just how important it is to model the past tense for AAC learners. It doesn't come naturally, it needs modelling, over and over, in ways that actually mean something to the child.

A diary is such a gentle way to do this. At the end of the day, or the next morning over breakfast, you look back together and talk (or write, type, or select) about what happened. Same simple structure each time. Real repetition, without it feeling like a drill.

If you're supporting a child who uses AAC, the summer holidays are a lovely, low-pressure time to give this a try.

Watch our new video for how we do it.

30/07/2026

30/07/2026

What a morning it was at our last Northallerton Communication Club!

On Saturday 4 July, communicators of all ages got hands-on with clay, inspired by nature and guided by the brilliant Holly from Thread and Press. Flowers, leaves, foxes and more took shape, alongside plenty of chat, AAC in hand, every voice joining in.

Thank you to Holly and Thread and Press CIC for such a warm, creative session.

We're now taking a break for summer. Northallerton Communication Club will be back on Saturday 5 September, 10am to 12pm, at Mencap Northallerton.

Pop the date in your diary. Every voice matters and every method counts, so come exactly as you are.

See you in September!

28/07/2026

Small job, big difference.

Here I am fitting a mount to a wheelchair, and it's honestly one of my favourite parts of the work.

With AAC we often think about finding the right words. Just as important is making sure the device is right there, ready to go, in exactly the right spot. A good mount means someone can reach their voice the moment they want it. And for anyone using eye gaze to communicate, getting the position spot on is what makes it work smoothly all day long.

It's the little details that make the biggest difference, and it's a joy to see the freedom they give.

26/07/2026

Keeping AAC going at home doesn't need a plan or a spare hour. It needs everyday moments and a device within reach.

Here are three simple, no-planning ways to keep your child's voice growing:
👉 Model as you go
👉 Keep it out and switched on
👉 Wait and honour every try

Keep communication woven into the day you're already having.

Which one feels easiest to start with? Let us know below. 💬

23/07/2026

Summer does not press pause on communication ☀️🗣️

School's out, but the learning never stops! The holidays are a brilliant, natural way to practise AAC goals and grow language through play.

From picking an ice cream flavour to greeting a new friend at the park, every playful moment is a chance to connect 💛

A few simple ideas:
🏖️ Keep the AAC system nearby and usable, wherever you are
🌊 Turn activities into choices ("water play or sandpit?")
👋 Use playdates for "hello", "goodbye" and turn-taking
🍦 Name the big feelings, from swing-thrills to dropped ice creams

Every child has the right to rest, leisure and play (Article 31, UNCRC). Remove the barriers and children build resilience, connect and thrive.

Let's make this summer fully accessible and full of chat! 👇

22/07/2026

*Update: We honestly didn’t expect such an incredible response! The picnic is now fully booked in less than 24 hours. The demand has really highlighted the need for more opportunities like this, so we’ll be arranging another SEND Family Picnic and will announce a new date as soon as we have one organised. As a small farm, we’ve deliberately kept numbers low to ensure the afternoon remains calm, relaxed and enjoyable for everyone, we hope you can understand our reasoning for limiting numbers on this occasion ❤️ If you’ve booked a place and can no longer attend, we’d really appreciate you letting us know so we can offer your place to another family. Thank you so much for your amazing support, we’re looking forward to creating many more SEND friendly experiences through our Care Farming project.*

What a brilliant first few months we have had carrying out our 12 month Care Farming project here at Hazel Brow Farm! ❤️

However, one thing our Care Farming project has highlighted for us is the need for more inclusive, understanding spaces where individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families can simply relax, enjoy nature and spend time together without judgement or expectation.

With that in mind, we have decided to be host a FREE SEND Family Picnic at Hazel Brow Farm.

Join us on Tuesday 4th August, 1:30pm–3:30pm for a relaxed afternoon in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. There will be no set timetable or pressure to join in, you’re welcome to enjoy the afternoon in whatever way feels right for you and your family.

During the afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to:
• Meet some of our friendly farm animals.
• Take part in gentle sensory activities.
• Enjoy your own picnic in our peaceful surroundings.
• Spend quality time together in nature.

The event is suitable for families with children or adults of any age with SEND. Whether you’d like to explore, meet the animals, join in with activities or simply sit and enjoy the fresh air, you’ll be warmly welcomed.

The event is completely FREE, but booking through our website would be really helpful so that we know how many of you we are expecting!

Book your place here:
https://hazelbrowfarm.org/bookings/send-family-picnic-at-hazel-brow-farm/

This event is part of Hazel Brow Care Farming, a 12-month project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, helping us create inclusive opportunities for people to connect with farming, nature and the countryside.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Hazel Brow Farm. 🧺❤️

21/07/2026

"Every child has the right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts."
— Article 31, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

19/07/2026

The summer holidays are here! 🌞

Seven weeks off school. When you say it out loud, that is as long as a whole school term, and it deserves the same careful thought.

As a dad to a child with autism, I know how important forward planning and a sense of routine can be. When the structure of school disappears, our children still need that feeling of "I know what is coming next."

It does not have to be complicated. A visual timetable, a now-and-next board, photos of where you are heading, or a few key symbols within reach can make all the difference.

Predictable, not perfect. That is the goal.

How are you supporting your child this summer? Share your tips below, we can all learn from each other. 💛

16/07/2026

I am delighted to be back at the Communication Matters conference this September (13th to 15th)!

I will be presenting alongside the brilliant Beth Moulam on 'How does early play for the AAC user underpin lifelong effective communication?'

Our session looks at how play-based AAC intervention can be structured, responsive and genuinely child-led.

Early play is where lifelong communication begins, and we cannot wait to share more.

We hope you can join us.