Giveaway
20 AACs - Communication Beyond SpeechCommunicating Beyond speech
Giveaway of 20 AAC Talkers & software
The Neurodiversity Foundation is partnering with our friends at “Neurodiversity in Business” to ship 20 AACS to those who need it most. The team of the Neurodiversity Foundation, will nominate 20 candidates from all form entries (form below) to be given a talker.
At the Neurodiversity Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be heard. Having communicative barriers limits the ability to express yourself, and especially for young neurodivergent people, it’s important to create pathways that allow them to speak, in the way they can.
For young neurodivergent children, the ability to communicate is not merely a tool—it’s a lifeline that opens doors to learning, connection, and self-expression. This is why the Neurodiversity Foundation, through the ATHENS consortium has been doing dedicated research into cutting-edge Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) technologies. And while this research is ongoing and hopeful, our team is happy to share that we now also wish to help giving 20 AACs to support to the unique needs of ND children who navigate the world differently.
Our research at Neurodiversiteit.nl has shown that early access to effective AAC devices can dramatically transform a child’s life. These devices not only provide a means for expression but also foster independence, build confidence, and empower families to better understand and support their children’s needs. In a world where traditional communication may fail, and traditional sign languages are too complex for most families, AAC offers a bridge to inclusion. It allows a person with communicative barriers, to speak in a way more natural than verbalization.
We are excited to announce a special giveaway as supporting partner in collaboration with the organizing partner, NiB, designed to give away 20 state-of-the-art AAC devices, including their software. This initiative is driven by the urgent need to provide accessible communication solutions for families who often face significant financial and logistical barriers. By offering these devices at no cost, we aim to promote a wider movement towards inclusive, accessible, and affordable communication tools.
Young neurodivergent children, especially those who are non-speaking, limited verbal or minimally verbal, face unique challenges. Being unable to express their thoughts and emotions can lead to frustration, isolation, and missed opportunities for personal growth. And it’s also complex for the parents, that wish to communicate, but need support in making that easier. AAC devices and software serve as a vital tool in breaking down these barriers.
Another inspiring quote about AAC User Ethan Bartlett conveyed the reality that the non-speakings ability to communicate, supports others in getting to know their character:
“Since receiving his device, Ethan has developed more verbal speech and is able to express all his wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas. We have really seen his personality and sense of humor come out now that he has a way to express himself.”
These authentic expressions underscore the transformative impact of having one’s voice heard. For many non-speaking individuals, these devices are not just technological aids—they are the keys to social interaction, learning, and self-empowerment.
By integrating innovative AAC solutions into everyday life, we are not just providing technology; we are nurturing confidence, reducing isolation, and reinforcing the belief that every child has the right to be understood. By this giveaway of 20 devices, we will not solve the problem, but it is a sign of our commitment for a world where ‘all family members can be understood’. Our commitment extends beyond this giveaway and the long-term research — we are dedicated to continue our works with the “Signs Messenger” that the ATHENS Consortium is dedicated to, creating practical, accessible, and affordable solution that address the real-world needs of families.
Together with NiB, we are now taking concrete steps towards 20 young neurodivergent youngsters being given the ability to “find their voice” and express their true self, by receiving a AAC & software. If this is what you or your family member needs, and you are not based in the UK, USA or Netherlands, this is your invitation. You can use this form to apply to get a AAC device with installed software on it.
If you are from the UK or the USA, go to the correct signup page: https://forms.gle/T1QrXVVpdCtPxwz67. If you have a dutch health insurance, you can get your AACs refunded by insurance since Januari 1st 2025: we prefer giving them to people who are not refunded, but wish to use this solution.
Sharing this page with a neurodiverse family in need, and help us spread the message that communication is a fundamental right and that every child, regardless of their neurological makeup, deserves to be heard.
Press Release from NIB about the Giveaway:
Let Them Have Their Voices
Around 1 in 36 children in the UK is thought to have Autism Spectrum Disorder – a condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate. A significant number of autistic children will never develop spoken language, or remain minimally verbal.
But unlike children born with hearing impairments, who are routinely provided with hearing aids by the NHS, non-verbal children cannot easily access technology that would give them a voice.
This technology – known as Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) – is available on a tablet or laptop and can be used to supplement or replace speech. The device works by reading aloud the pictures/symbols chosen by the user, enabling a non-speaking person to express their feelings and ask for what they need.
An iPad with AAC software comes at a much lower cost than high tech AAC equipment but can still cost up to £600, but families with disabled children are increasingly being asked to fund their own. This is because current NHS guidelines provide specialised AAC services which are now funded directly by NHS England. “They provide assessment, review and equipment for those with the most complex communication needs who are likely to require a high-tech powered communication aid. It is likely that around 0.05% of the population, or 5 in 10,000 people, will use these services.” (Sourced from NHS England Commissioning Framework guidance for AAC.). Additional regional services, funded directly by NHS England assess the 10% of the AAC population with the most complex AAC needs. They provide equipment following an assessment for clients who meet the NHS England eligibility criteria. As figure refers to mainly to the top 10% of most critical cases, and the criteria for assessment are prohibitively high this disadvantages many children especially those children with hidden disabilities such as autism. This means that many thousands of non- or minimally verbal children, particularly from low socio-economic backgrounds, are still unable to communicate effectively.
Josh Harris’ story:
Josh Harris, 11, is autistic and non-verbal. He started using his talking device when he was just 4 years old – and it changed his life completely.
“Until Josh got his ‘Talker’, we had very few ways of communicating with him”, says his dad, Dan Harris. “He would self-harm by banging his head against the wall in frustration because he couldn’t tell us what he needed or wanted. But this device has been transformational – it has unlocked language for him, and we can now have a conversation – the best gift you can give a child!”
Harris, the founder of Neurodiversity in Business, is campaigning to improve access to AAC devices, so that more children can find their voice this Christmas.
Harris, alongside Marissa Webb, co-founder of The Orchid Practice, a speech and language therapy centre, have set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money
for 100 AAC devices for disabled children.
“As a speech and language therapist I have seen first-hand how these devices can change a child’s life. They should be available to everyone who needs one – not just those who can afford it.
“This campaign is the first step on our journey to raising awareness of the importance of AAC devices for children who cannot speak. We hope it will lead to policy change and increased NHS funding, so that those with hidden disabilities can find their voice.“ says Marissa Webb.

To read more about organizing partner Neurodiversity in Business, who initiated a much larger giveaway for AACS, and to read about his father Dan Harris, go to their website
