News
Voice Output Communication Aid used in Scottish Parliament
[return]
MSPs draw attention to the postcode lottery of AAC provision.
Nanette Milne MSP became the first person to use a voice output communication aid in the Scottish Parliament when she opened a debate this evening on AAC (Alternative & Augmentative Communication) provision.
Contributors drew attention to the postcode lottery of access to specialist equipment and support, which means that while some people have a voice many others do not. Trish Godman MSP compared the issues raised with a previous debate on wheelchair provision. She emphasised the importance of seeing such needs in the context of social justice and social inclusion, and thinking about the impact they have on quality of life.
Richard Simpson MSP made the point that 40 years ago the technology did not exist. Now that there is the means, he argued the Parliament has to find the will to ensure equitable access to the right equipment at the right time with proper training and skilled help.
All MSPs who spoke in the debate supported the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, Capability Scotland and Alternative Communication in Practice Scotland's 'Give us our right to communicate' campaign, which hopes to end what Nanette Milne called the "postcode, age, advocacy and impairment lottery." The campaign is seeking a national AAC strategy based on need and an increase in specialist speech and language therapy services. Several contributors were moved by contact from AAC-using constituents and, with backgrounds in general practice, social work, teaching, lecturing, law and the voluntary sector, were clearly aware of the importance of having a voice.
Posted on 07 May, 2008
