Teaching-Led AAC Consultancy for Children and Young People

AAC & Me provides specialist AAC and assistive technology support for children and young people with complex communication needs.

Our teaching-led, person-centred approach supports AAC users to develop real communication, from early interaction through to becoming confident communicators.

Free 30-minute consultation for parents, schools and case managers.
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Child and adult using an AAC device together while a colourful game runs on a second tablet nearby

How We Work

Three principles guide every assessment, session and training we deliver.

Person-Centred

Communication shaped around the individual, their interests and everyday life.

Teaching-led

Building communication skills through modelling, practice and shared learning.

Family-powered

Supporting families to create confident, consistent AAC use across settings.

Where Play, Teaching and AAC Come Together

AAC is most effective when it is used in real, meaningful activities. We combine specialist teaching with hands-on AAC practice to help children communicate during play, stories, lessons and everyday experiences.

Our sessions build confidence, model communication in context and help AAC become a natural part of daily life at home and in school.

Let us explore your child’s next steps together.

Arrange a Call
An adult wearing a colourful jester hat models words on an AAC device while sitting with a child in a wheelchair, who is using their own AAC device. Dress-up hats are scattered on the floor around them.
A practitioner kneels beside a boy in a wheelchair, modelling communication on a tablet AAC device.

What We Offer

Specialist support to help every AAC user learn, communicate and thrive.

Assessment

Clear AAC assessments that guide EHCPs, support decision-making and shape wider planning.

Teaching

Personalised teaching that builds confidence, grows language and embeds communication throughout real activities.

Training

Hands-on AAC training for staff and families, focused on practical strategies that make a lasting difference.
Explore Our Services

Trusted by Families, Schools and Professionals

Independent, teaching-led AAC support trusted by families, schools and case managers across the UK

We provide safe, evidence-informed and person-centred AAC practice that families, schools and case managers can rely on.

Our work aligns with national quality standards, giving confidence in every assessment, plan and recommendation.

About Us

AAC & Me was founded by Tom McDonald, a SEND teacher and Assistive Technology specialist based in Yorkshire.

Tom’s work is shaped by experience in classrooms, homes and communities, supporting children, families and schools to develop communication that feels natural, meaningful and sustainable.

As a SEND parent himself, Tom understands that AAC success depends on people, not just technology. His teaching-led, play-based approach is family-powered and person-centred, focusing on confidence, connection and communication that works in everyday life.

Speak to Tom

An informal chat to talk things through and explore next steps.

Tom McDonald smiling and pointing to an AAC device displaying a symbol grid, with a matching large display in the background

Victoria Navin

Founder of Rhyming Multisensory Stories

Tom collaborated with Rhyming Multisensory Stories on the sensory story Rudolph’s Carrots.  

Tom’s expertise in AAC enriched the sensory story through the thoughtful addition of repeated refrains, which gave learners a clear rhythm and structure to engage with.

Tom integrated the core board in Grid seamlessly, ensuring communication opportunities were accessible throughout. He also guided the creation of symbol-supported boards that beautifully complemented the sensory-rich activities, making the story inclusive, interactive, and deeply engaging for diverse learners.

It was a pleasure working with Tom and I look forward to working together again in the future.

Professional Memberships and Accreditation

White line drawing of two heads facing each other with curved arrows between them, on a blue background.Elklan logo with stylised adult and child figures and the tagline “Training to Support Children’s Language and Learning”.CMSUK logo with the text “Case Management Society UK” and a four-pointed star symbol.

Ready to explore the right AAC support for your child or client?

Book a free 30-minute consultation and explore how we can support your child or client.