Northallerton Mencap | January to March
From January, AAC and Me will be running a new AAC and Assistive Technology Drop-In at Northallerton Mencap. This is a free, three-month pilot, designed to explore whether there is a need for regular AAC and assistive technology support in Northallerton and beyond.
The drop-in is open to families, carers and professionals, whether you are completely new to AAC, already using a device, or simply looking for practical ideas to support communication, learning or access.
Who the drop-in is for
This service is designed to support:
- Families already using AAC or assistive technology who would value practical, hands-on guidance
- Families who are exploring communication or access options and are unsure where to begin
- Children working on early communication or simple cause-and-effect activities
- Children and young people who use different ways to communicate across settings
- Children who find writing, reading or recording ideas difficult due to physical, sensory or processing needs
- Parents and carers looking for strategies they can use straight away
- Professionals seeking brief, practical advice
You do not need a referral, diagnosis or device to attend.
Communication and access beyond speech
Early responses to the drop-in have highlighted a need for support where communication and access are not always straightforward or consistent.
This includes children and young people who may:
- Rely on different ways to communicate in different environments
- Find spoken language difficult to access during learning tasks
- Need support to express ideas, make choices or participate more fully
- Benefit from additional or alternative communication methods alongside speech
The drop-in provides a space to explore AAC and assistive technology as tools for access and participation, alongside low-tech and environmental strategies.
The focus is on practical, teachable approaches that support communication, learning and independence across home, school and community life.
Supporting early communication alongside NHS and school provision
Many children benefit from communication and access support before, during or alongside NHS and school-based services.
The drop-in is designed to complement existing provision, offering practical guidance that can support families and settings while formal pathways are explored or ongoing support is embedded.
Support may include:
- Early cause-and-effect learning
- Exploring and using simple switches
- Understanding early access options for communication or learning
- Introducing low-tech AAC, such as core boards or choice boards
- Building interaction, joint attention and early communication skills
What the drop-in can help with
For families already using AAC or technology:
- Troubleshooting Grid, TD Snap, LAMP or Clicker
- Vocabulary organisation and navigation
- Access challenges, including keyguards, switches, touch or eye gaze
- Supporting writing and reading through technology
- Personalising systems and building confidence
- Embedding AAC or technology into everyday routines
For those at an earlier stage:
- Low-tech AAC ideas
- Switch play and simple setup
- Using everyday routines to support communication and learning
- Hands-on exploration of different access tools
- First steps if you are unsure where to begin
A three-month pilot
This pilot will run from January to March.
The aim is to understand whether there is a need for a regular AAC and assistive technology drop-in in Northallerton and beyond, and what type of support is most useful to families and professionals.
To help demonstrate demand, booking is encouraged, particularly if you would like a dedicated 1:1 slot.
When and where
Location: Northallerton Mencap, Goosecroft Centre, DL6 1EG
Time: 9.30am to 11.30am
Frequency: Two sessions per month
Cost: Free
Confirmed dates
- Thursday 15th January
- Friday 30th January
- Thursday 12th February
- Friday 27th February
- Thursday 12th March
- Friday 27th March
How to book
You are welcome to drop in at any point during the session. Please note that availability for individual support may be limited without a booking.
To reserve a 1:1 slot or ask a question, please contact:
Email: info@aacandme.co.uk
Phone: 07474 195 017
Booking helps us plan sessions and demonstrate the need for this service in the local area.
Help shape AAC support in Northallerton and beyond
This pilot is an opportunity to help shape future AAC and assistive technology support in Northallerton and the wider area.
By attending, asking questions or booking a slot, you are helping build a clearer picture of what families, schools and professionals need, both locally and more broadly.
Your involvement helps inform how AAC and assistive technology support can develop, grow and be shared beyond Northallerton.
