Not speaking, but having a voice

While most people with Down syndrome with learn to speak, some will have difficulty with aspects of spoken communication throughout their lives, and some might not speak. Like the those referred to in these two articles, that does not mean that they cannot be supported to give voice to their thoughts, and the advantages that brings ...

5 Reasons Why Speech and Language Therapy is Crucial for a Non-Verbal Child
Becca Eisenberg, Friendship Circle, 14th May 2015

I recently had a conversation with a caseworker regarding individuals who are non-verbal. I asked her if any of the clients in the program receive speech and language services and she responded “Why would someone who is nonverbal need speech and language therapy? They can’t talk!” I explained to her what augmentative and alternative communication is and how important speech and language therapy can be for someone who is nonverbal. 

From my perspective as a speech language pathologist, it is crucial that someone who is limited with communication receive ongoing speech and language therapy so that they can learn to communicate their daily and basic needs and wants to others in their environment ...

Eli Dickenson wins ISAAC Australia Community Award
ISAAC Australia, 20th May 2015

... Eli is changing perceptions, forcing different members of the varied communities with which he engages to think about AAC differently, to recognise that everyone needs a voice and that with a voice a good life is possible.