Unique new voice is heard in the Scottish Parliament

08/05/2008

History was made in the Scottish Parliament  in May when Nanette Milne MSP led a debate using a Stephen Hawking-type “talking machine.”

Ms Milne and other MSPs from across the parties and Scotland were debating a motion calling for an AAC Strategy for Scotland led by the Scottish Government including increased equipment and specialist speech and language therapy provision.

This was the first time any communication aid had been used in the debating chamber.

“Talking machines” are just one way that people who can’t speak manage to communicate. Other Alternative and Augmentative Communication systems (or AAC for short) include various sign languages, simple picture boards and even personal body languages.

A 2007 RCSLT survey suggests
• Only 1 in 6 (16%) of the 2,500 Scots who need a communication aid are getting the equipment and essential speech and language therapy support services they need to communicate.
• Provision is dependent on an individual’s postcode, age, available advocacy services and impairment.
• Experts have rated 8 out of (the then) 15 Scottish health boards as providing “poor” AAC services.

Corseford pupil, Owen Hunter (14) from Paisley, who uses a communication aid said
“I use my aid to help people understand me and to tell people jokes. My friend Craig needs an aid too but he’s not getting one. I don’t think that’s fair. I want to speak to him in school and know what he is saying.”

Nanette Milne MSP said
“The inability to communicate is perhaps one of the most desperate feelings of frustration a human being can have. Sadly in 21st Century Scotland this is actually the case for a significant number of our fellow citizens, but that is why we must explore options such as this to ensure that their voice is quite literally heard.”

Richard Hamer, Director of Policy and Communications for Capability Scotland said “Supporting people with communication impairments is just as important as supporting those with physical or sensory impairments.  The basic right to communicate is fundamental in ensuring that disabled people are able to exercise choice and control over their lives.”

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