Speak Up is about

Communicating

Speak Up will give people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) the words and pictures they need in order to communicate about and express their sexuality. Without access to these words, people who use AAC cannot learn about, disclose or report issues relating to victimization.

Information

Speak Up will make information on sexual matters available to people who use AAC and who may not be able to read or physically turn pages in a book.

Reducing the Risk

Speak Up will provide educational sessions for people who use AAC on ways they can reduce their risk for sexual abuse / victimization. In addition, Speak up will assist people in developing networks of people who can support them in their lives.

Accessible Community Services

Speak Up will support community agencies in making their services accessible for people who use AAC. Service providers in the Toronto, Hamilton and Sudbury areas will include:

• Police and Legal Professionals;
• Health Care Professionals;
• Sex Educators;
• Abuse Counselors;
• Attendant and Residential Service Coordinators.

Project Reach

In 2002 - 2003, Speak Up will work with people who use AAC, their families and community teams in Toronto, Sudbury and Hamilton. Information and resources will be shared via a website tool kit to all other areas in Ontario.

Good Practice

In 2004, Speak Up will provide an online (Internet-based) AAC Sexuality / Safeguarding Tool Kit with resources for adult and youth, family members and community services.

Project Implementation

Speak Up is being implemented by a team of professionals and people who use AAC. This team has a broad base of expertise in the fields of augmentative and alternative communication, sex education, disability issues, sexual abuse, human rights, legal and community services.

Project Expertise

Speak Up has an international advisory panel that includes leaders in the fields of disability, sex education, sexual abuse and augmentative and alternative communication.

What is Speak Up?
Who is Speak Up for?
What will Speak Up do for people who use AAC?
What is the story - why is Speak Up needed?
How does the program affect lives of people in the community?
How will Speak Up be implemented?
Speak Up Team Members
Speak Up Advisory Committee Members