SCOPE'S NO VOICE, NO CHOICE CAMPAIGN

Early day motion 150, tabled 8 December 2008 by Roger Berry (Labour). Signed by 77 members.

That this House notes the significant difficulty many disabled people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) face in getting the Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) equipment they need to communicate; further notes that without the means to communicate people cannot express themselves freely, discuss ideas or make choices, which severely limits their life chances; further notes the publication of the comprehensive report of the Bercow Review of children, young people and speech, language and communication; further notes that no such review has been undertaken for adults with SLCN; regrets that access to AAC equipment remains a lottery for most people based on age, postcode and education status; further regrets that professionals do not get the funding, support and training they need to deliver effective AAC services; calls on the Government to implement the recommendations from the Bercow Review on AAC in full through the Bercow Implementation Plan and the Child Health Strategy; and further calls on the Government to commission an audit of services for adults (post 19 years) with SLCN to ensure that people with communication impairments of all ages get the AAC equipment and support they need so they can lead more independent lives, access work, leisure and education opportunities and fulfil their potential as full citizens.

Signatures by party: Labour 42, Liberal Democrat 22, Conservative 8, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.