AAC Evidence Base Research Project: August 2010 Update

The AAC Evidence Base research project is a three-year project funded by the National Lottery through Big Lottery Fund.  Communication Matters is leading the project and working with three research partners: University of Sheffield, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester Metropolitan University.  The project aims to improve the quality of life of people with severe communication impairments who need AAC by raising awareness of their needs and by improving service provision.

We are pleased to announce that David Morgan has been appointed as Research Lead for the project. David was formerly Director of Dynavox UK. He will work closely with the Trustees and Katie Holmes, the Research Manager, to ensure that the project delivers its outcomes. David will be working one day per month initially, increasing to two days per month during the last 6 months of the project.

The Independent Research Panel met for the first time in early July. It was attended by seven members are drawn from across the AAC community and they provided valuable feedback and advice to the research team about their plans.

The University of Sheffield has advertised for two Research Assistants and Manchester Metropolitan University will be advertising for a Research Associate shortly. Information about this vacancy will appear in the news section of the CM website.

There will be a presentation about the project at the CM2010 Symposium and information will be available on the Communication Matters stand.  The research team are looking forward to hearing your views about our work.

Thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest in participating in the research. If you are a person who uses AAC, a family member, carer or practitioner, and you are interested please contact the Research Manager, Katie Holmes, [email protected]