Specialist AAC and Assistive Technology Support for Schools, Families and Communities

AAC and Me provides expert AAC and Assistive Technology consultancy for schools and organisations, alongside free community support for AAC users and families across North Yorkshire and beyond.

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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

Everything we do is guided by three values.

COMMUNICATION

Every person has the right to communicate in the way that works for them. We place the voice and choices of AAC and Assistive Technology users at the heart of everything we do.

EDUCATION

Train one person well, and you reach many. We build the skills and confidence of everyone around an AAC user, creating support that grows and lasts.

PARTICIPATION

We are partners at every stage of the journey. Working alongside schools, families and communities, we are always in it together.

For Schools and Organisations

We work with schools and organisations to build skilled, confident communities around every person who uses AAC and Assistive Technology. Through expert assessment, professional training and practical support, we create lasting, independent change.

Explore our school services
A practitioner sits on the floor taking notes while a young girl in a wheelchair uses a communication device mounted in front of her.

For Families and Communities

The Northallerton Communication Club and AAC and Assistive Technology drop-in are free, open to all, and built around the needs of AAC users and the people around them. A trusted place to try equipment, access support and connect with others who understand.

Find out more
An adult and a child sit on the floor with a wooden train set. The adult holds a communication board and models words while the child reaches towards the board.

Parent Testimonial

AAC & Assistive Technology Drop-In

The drop-in session was extremely helpful. Tom shared a range of thoughtful, practical ideas that were genuinely useful, and I cam away with clear next steps. 

I would highly recommend this service to anyone looking for informed and supportive guidance. 

Amanda Jackson

Director of OT Rehab North East

Listening to Tom discuss developments in practice was a joy. Having the clinical time to reflect on past cases was invaluable.

The session has helped us become more aware of intentional interactions with our complex client group and how this informs the recommendations we make in our reports.

Parent Testimonial

AAC & Assistive Technology Drop-In

Tom has suggested some things to try for us as a family and see how we get on. 

I felt like he understood where I was with my understanding and with my child’s current communication level and so he could suggest useful next steps. 

It was great being able to speak to someone directly. 

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.

About

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

Tom’s work is shaped by years of experience in classrooms, homes and communities. As a SEND parent himself, he understands that real communication success depends on the people around an AAC user as much as the technology itself.

AAC and Me is growing into a team of specialists across education, health and the community, all united by the same belief: that every person deserves the support they need to communicate fully and participate in everyday life.

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

Ready to find the right AAC support?

Book a free 30-minute consultation and let's explore next steps together.