Hello, I’m Tom – founder of AAC & Me, a teaching-led consultancy supporting children with complex communication needs across Yorkshire.
Over the past four years, I’ve worked as an assistive technology consultant in the medico-legal sector, focusing on children and young people who use or could benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). I’ve supported learners with a wide range of needs – from children with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) who are beginning to explore cause and effect, to bright, articulate pupils who face physical barriers to accessing devices and need tools like switches or eye gaze.
But for me, AAC has always been about more than just access or devices. It’s about building rich, motivating, real-world experiences that give every child the chance to connect, be heard, and take part. It’s also been about building relationships with the people who are behind each AAC user and building their expertise.
Rooted in Teaching
Before I moved into consultancy, I was a special needs teacher, working with children as young as two and up to young adults in sixth form. That classroom grounding is at the heart of AAC & Me. I bring a deep understanding of child development, pedagogy and curriculum to every intervention.
I use frameworks like the Engagement Model, MAPP and the EYFS Ages and Stages to track progress in ways that feel relevant and encouraging. Whether it’s through routine, play or shared attention, I focus on what helps children engage, connect and flourish.
Focusing on the Individual
Every child is different – and so is their AAC journey. At the heart of my work is the individual: their voice, their pace, their goals.
I work directly with children and young people who use AAC to build confidence, independence and ownership of communication. Sessions are shaped by the learner – we follow their interests, build on their strengths and create systems that fit them.
Support isn’t limited to classrooms. I work across home, school and community settings to make AAC part of everyday life. Communication should never stop at the school gate – it should be embedded in play, friendships, routines, and family life.
Making assistive technology meaningful
I’ve supported children using every access method – from switch scanning and eye gaze to joysticks and direct touch. But knowing the tools isn’t enough. What matters is how we use them in ways that feel joyful, empowering and relevant.
That might mean a sensory story matched with switch-accessible equipment to build anticipation and shared meaning, or creating playful, music-led routines that give structure to language modelling. It may mean developing a shopping list before going on a scavenger hunt in a supermarket to use our device in a real world setting. I help teams build consistency around these experiences, so communication partners feel confident knowing what to model, and when.
Why AAC & Me?
AAC & Me exists to build confidence in AAC users, their support network as well as promoting communication-rich environments for children with complex needs.
Implementation takes time, teamwork and confidence – especially in busy classrooms. That’s where AAC & Me fits in: working alongside families, staff and learners to embed AAC in real-world contexts, with a teaching-led, relational approach.
As a qualified Elklan tutor, I deliver accredited training, including Level 2 and 3 courses in Supporting Children and Adults Using AAC and Communication Support for Children and Young People with Complex Needs. These programmes are practical, accessible and designed to build lasting, whole-school capacity.
Whether it’s building symbol-based language, supporting literacy through a device, or helping a child access learning using eye gaze, my job is to join the dots. I help families, schools and individuals make sense of AAC and integrate it across the day.
Building community through AAC
I also run the Northallerton Communication Club: a relaxed, inclusive space where AAC users and their families can come together to practise communication, try new vocabulary, and build confidence in real-life settings.
Each session includes games, role-play and activities like vocabulary scavenger hunts – all designed to be fun, accessible and flexible. No device is required to take part, and all communication styles are welcome.
Looking ahead, I hope to create more clubs across the region – building a network of support where children, families and professionals can learn, connect and grow together.
Looking ahead
Through AAC & Me, my aim is simple: to help every child find their voice – and make sure the people around them have the confidence to listen and respond.
I’ll be sharing regular blog posts, practical tools and everyday insights to support you on your AAC journey. If you’re working with a child who uses AAC – or you’re supporting someone at home – I’d love to connect.
Thanks for reading.
Tom McDonald,
AAC Consultant Teacher and Founder of AAC & Me
