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Scope - about cerebral palsy. For disabled people achieving equality.
Communication aids
''If you can't walk you get a wheelchair... if you can't speak you get nothing.''
Scope's Speak for Yourself survey in 2000 revealed the difficulty people with communication impairments had in getting access to the equipment they need to communicate. Fewer than half of all respondents had been able to get equipment through statutory sources. Others had to pay for equipment themselves or apply to charities for a grant.
We say
Imagine not speaking for a day. Imagine not speaking for a week, or for a month. How would you say what you wanted, make decisions, chat with your family and friends or tell someone you love them? It's hard to believe but for thousands of people with communication impairments in the UK this is reality.
Over four years the Communication Aids Project (CAP) has spent £4 million on providing assessments, equipment and training for more than 4,000 children with communication impairments. The money has made a huge difference to some children's lives, but many others are still waiting for vital equipment.
We want the Government to establish a statutory right to communication equipment so everyone can speak for themselves and to ringfence the money to achieve this.
Find out more
Read our briefing on the Speak for Yourself campaign [word doc, 100k].
Read Scope's communication publications, such as the Speak for Yourself report and guides for those working with adults and children with communication impairments.
Take action
We need as many people as possible to sign a petition calling on the Government to establish a statutory right to augmentative and alternative communication equipment (AAC) and support services.
Read our letter (word doc, 100k), then download a petition here (word doc, 100k) and print off, photocopy, email and distribute this to as many people as possible. The more signatures that we have, the more effective the petition will be. Please return these to Abigail Lock, Scope, 6 Market Road, London, N7 9PW by 25 March.
Contact your MP
An Early Day Motion has been tabled by Roger Berry MP in support of the campaign. Early Day Motions (EDMs) are mainly used to draw attention to an issue and demonstrate support by asking other MPs to add their signatures. A briefing has been sent out to all MPs asking them to sign the EDM and write to the relevant ministers about the campaign. To read what the EDM says and check whether your MP has signed it, go to http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=29713&SESSION=875
We need your help to make sure that as many MPs as possible sign the Early Day Motion (EDM) and write to the Ministers. Not sure who your MP is? Go to http://www.locata.co.uk/commons/ which allows you to email them directly. You can also write to your MP at House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
Download model letters you can use
Model letter if you are a communication aid user (word doc, 100k)
Model letter if you are not a communication aid user (word doc, 100k)
If you can write your own letter or email using the information on this website, that would be an even better way to show your concern. The letter does not have to be lengthy as long as it is clear what you are asking them to do and why.
Tell us about your experiences
We are keen to hear about your experiences of trying to access communication equipment. We are also looking for people who would be willing to talk to the media (local and national) to help get the message across. If you are happy to act as a case study or talk to the media please contact Abigail Lock on 020 7619 7253 or email abigail.lock@... . Case studies can be made anonymous if you wish.
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