About Speak Up

Who is Speak Up for?

Speak Up supports people who are unable to speak because of severe physical disabilities and who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to convey their messages. AAC systems include picture or letter boards, computers and voice output communication devices. People use these systems by pointing to or typing the items they want to say, by using their eyes to look at their messages or by using switches to operate devices. While AAC systems can be, and are, used effectively by people to communicate in their homes and communities, the majority of AAC systems do not contain the vocabulary needed to discuss sexuality, to report sexual abuse to the police or to answer questions in court.

People who are unable to speak and who use AAC systems have a high risk of being sexually abused as they are often deemed to be unable to tell anyone about it, let alone take legal action. From the abuser's perspective the best victim is the one who cannot tell.

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