Documentary Breakdown
Chapter-by-chapter guide to what will be in our documentary
Alternatively, view the full document as a Google Slideshow.
You can also download the full document as a PDF file here (or by clicking on the button below). However, please note that is a large file, and is unlikely to be the most up-to-date version.
Our documentary, to be co-produced and narrated by AAC user Kate Caryer, will offer a compelling journey into the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with a particular focus on individuals with congenital conditions (such as cerebral palsy). It will also feature the inspirational work of 1Voice Communicating Together.
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See our detailed chapter breakdown below. Please contact us if you have any suggestions or can help in any way.
Introduction to AAC
Chapter 1
After a very short introduction explaining who I am (Kate Caryer), and promising to tell more about myself later on, we explain what this documentary is going to include, and what AAC actually means, referring to questionnaire responses we are currently collating (eg, some view AAC as paper-empowered technologies, others aren’t comfortable with the term per se).
We also will give a quick overview of who actually uses AAC.
If you have any videos that we can use (and have permission for us to reuse them!) please contact us here!
Timeline of AAC
Chapter 2
It’s history lesson time, as we show what technology was around before all the modern AAC aids were invented: stuff like the Comhandi, the Sip-and-puff typewriter, the (still used) E-Tran frames, etc.
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Obviously, we look at what we have today, and the progress made by AAC users, and talk about how fortunate we are that these aids have been invented, and how much worse it must have been for people in the past.
Misconceptions and Politics
Chapter 3
We talk about the common misconceptions, how one size does not fit all and how everything needs to be tailor made to fit the specific needs of the user.
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Teaching how to use it is essential: you can’t plonk a user down in front of new AAC technology and assume they’ll just understand it. Likewise, you shouldn’t get frustrated that the learning curve is slow.
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We talk about society’s changing attitudes towards disability, the politics surrounding AAC, and we demystify AAC: people with cerebral palsy (and other impairments) are as clever as anyone else, and people using AAC like to have fun too, go to uni or go to work!
The Importance of AAC
Chapter 4
In this chapter, we talk about the importance of early intervention, and in particular the difference that it makes to non-speaking people to be able to fully participate.
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It should be a human right to have access to free AAC, irrespective of price (we will go into detail about these prices).
There should also be more training in schools, especially special schools, and there should be more training and understanding for speech and language therapists.
AAC and Mental Health
Chapter 5
Here, we talk about the impact on mental health, both for the user and for his/her/their family/carers.
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We also talk about the difficulties that some users may face when trying to use their aids, and the impact this may have on their mental health. We hope to talk to people about their challenges and frustrations.
We also talk about just how accessible AAC really is, (picture/symbol boards, more sophisticated technology, etc.)
Bilingualism and the Language Barrier
Chapter 6
In this chapter we want to talk about bilingualism and the issues that occur when English is not the AAC user’s first language, or if they are living in a family where they may be English speakers but their parents are not.
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We are hoping to talk to Dr Ayesha Butt in this chapter, as well as a multicultural family about the extra issues they face.
We will also cover culturally appropriate PCS (picture symbols) that have been developed from working on AAC via a UNICEF project.
Behind every successful AAC user...
Chapter 7
It may be a parent, a child, a sibling, a lover or a speech and language therapist. Practically every AAC user who has been successful has been fortunate to have had someone who gave them their unconditional love and support.
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Of course, there are some who are luckier than others. Here, we’ll be talking about those who are less fortunate. The sad truth is, if it weren’t for that assertive parent, or another important person in the AAC user’s life, things would be very different. Indeed, if it were up to the state alone to try and ‘help’, many AAC users would end up not even being literate.
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In *this* chapter, however, we take a quick look at some of the heroes of our AAC users (including Kate’s own mum!), and how vital and appreciated their assistance really is.
Anti-AAC
Chapter 8
Some people refuse to use an AAC device themselves, for whatever reason.
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Much more controversially, there are also cases where parents flatly refuse to investigate the use of AAC devices as a communication aid for their children or decide not to use it.
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Then there are people in the AAC user’s circle who refuse to communicate with it, for example an unhelpful member of the family.
AAC in the Media
Chapter 9
While everyone knows Stephen Hawking, and there have been some improvements with AAC visibility in recent years (Lost Voice Guy on Britain’s Got Talent, Ahren Belisle on America’s Got Talent), Kate Caryer herself as continuity announcer on Channel 4… but these can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
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There is a lack of AAC actors in TV series and films, for a start (one exception being ABC’s Speechless, from 2016, starring Micah Fowler, which was not widely seen in the UK). See the Wikipedia page gor Speechless here.
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We hope to speak to social media influencers (including those that Kate disagrees with!), and would love to talk to AAC-using actors or comedians (including, hopefully, Lost Voice Guy himself). Get in touch!
Kate's Journey
Chapter 10
This is where Kate tells her personal journey.
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Expect an emotional rollercoaster as she reveals what her life has been like, the challenges she has dealt with, and how she was able to get a Master of Arts in Disability Studies, and become an award-winning filmmaker.
The Magic of 1Voice
Chapter 11
Here, we will talk about what makes 1Voice Communicating Together so unique and special.
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We will talk about how it started, as a weekend at Norbreck Castle. We may even revisit the Castle in this documentary, and reminisce.
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But we’ll mainly be talking to some of that original generation (those born between 1988–2000), and how 1Voice has supported and empowers AAC users.
A Day in the Life...
Chapter 12
This will be a chapter with a lot of human interest, as we hope to follow a day in the life of one or more AAC users (not Kate but somebody else).
We are hoping at least one of the first generation of 1Voice users will volunteer to do this. We also hope to follow a selection of different people who lead different types of lifestyles.
We will follow them around as they go about their day-to-day business.
We have a couple of people in mind for this section. However, if you are an AAC user, live in the UK and would be happy for us to follow you around for a day with a camera, please get in touch and we will consider you. It will help if you can also tell us what a typical day for you is like.
AAC War (Disability Discrimination)
Chapter 13
Here, we expose some of the councils and NHS trusts who refuse to buy the devices.
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Time to name and shame! (though taking care not to say anything that could land us in trouble!)
We might also touch on the dangerous subject of education for children and young people who use AAC in this chapter (TBC).
The Future of AAC
Chapter 14
Here, we look into the crystal ball and take a look at what exciting advancements in AAC are on the horizon.
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This chapter will take considerable research and we may have the opportunity to see some prototypes in action.
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We will also be talking about AI (for example, the grant that EA Draffan from the University of Southampton recently received to develop, using AI, more tailor-made Picture Communication Symbols).
Closing Thoughts
Chapter 15
What does the world need to know about AAC? We look back on some of the issues that have been raised during the documentary, and finish up with a call to action: a petition that we will be launching to time perfectly with the release of our film, so that viewers can support AAC users as well as organisations like 1Voice Communicating Together.