Dear Liz

It would appear that the John Bercow Review of Speech, Language and Communication Needs for Children and Young People Aged 0-19 has had very little input from any children and young people themselves, whatever their need.

Any information supplied by children and young people will be taken very seriously under the government's commitment to consultation and participation. 

Although this is now very short notice - the deadline is Friday 18 January - it would greatly strengthen our case for AAC provision if as many people as possible are able to make submissions. Even if children's letters could go early next week this will still have an impact.

A very simple email might be as follows:

Dear Mr Bercow
 
I am x years old. I use a communication book/type of device.

I can (example of what it allows you to do).

If I didn't have it I would not be able to (examples of what you cannot do if you have no support).
 
Yours sincerely
Jane Smith

OR

Dear Mr Bercow
 
We use communication books and/or communication aids. 

This means we can (examples).

If we don't have support we cannot (examples).

Your sincerely
(Names of pupils, class/year, school)
 

Respondents can also be adults who use AAC who explain what it has meant for them to have the right communication strategies and support in place.

The on-line response form (not very child friendly) and email address for letters is at www.dcsf.gov.uk/bercowreview/index.shtml

Communication Matters is making a submission on behalf of all associate members and have consulted with representatives across the organization. This will be published on the Communication Matters website after submission.

If you wish to contact me, please email lizcommatters@...

With best wishes
Liz Moulam, Chair of Communication Matters