Hi, I’m Tom, founder of AAC & Me, a teaching-led consultancy supporting children with complex communication needs across Yorkshire.
For the past four years I have worked as an assistive technology specialist, focusing on AAC. I have 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 pupils who have strong language and ideas but struggle to access communication because of physical or sensory challenges. My role has always been about more than recommending a device. It is about building experiences that are meaningful, motivating and accessible for every child, whatever their starting point.
Before that, I was a special needs teacher. I bring that teaching experience into everything I do, drawing on a deep understanding of child development and pedagogy to shape interventions that truly support learning. My work is guided by what helps children engage and connect, whether through play, routine or shared attention. I use tools like the Engagement Model, MAPP, and EYFS Ages and Stages to inform planning and track progress in ways that are meaningful for each learner and their team.
Making assistive technology meaningful
I have worked with every access method: switch scanning, eye gaze, joystick and direct access. I know the software, but I also know how to make it matter. That might be through a sensory story designed to go alongside switch-accessible toys or equipment, helping to build anticipation and shared meaning. I also enjoy embedding AAC through play and playful activities, as well as using music to support engagement and interaction. Creating consistent routines around these experiences helps communication partners know how and when to model language in ways that feel natural and motivating.
Why AAC & Me
I started AAC & Me to help schools and families feel more confident with AAC and assistive technology. Often, I meet teams who feel unsure how to make the most of the tools they have been given. NHS AAC Hubs do vital work in assessing and providing equipment. However, day-to-day implementation takes time, practice and confidence. This is where AAC & Me fits in, supporting schools and families to embed AAC into everyday routines and learning so it becomes a natural part of a child’s world.
As a qualified Elklan tutor, I can deliver accredited training to support schools in embedding communication and AAC. This includes Elklan’s Level 3 courses in Supporting Children and Adults Using AAC and Communication Support for Children and Young People with Complex Needs. These courses are a great way to upskill teaching staff and build whole-school confidence in supporting communication.
Whether it is building symbol-based language, supporting literacy with a communication device, or helping a pupil access digital learning with eye gaze, my role is to join the dots. I help schools make sense of AAC and embed it across the day so it becomes part of how a child connects with their world.
Building community through AAC
Alongside my consultancy work, I also run the Northallerton Communication Club – a friendly, inclusive space where AAC users and their families can practise communication in real-life settings. Each session includes activities like games, vocabulary scavenger hunts and conversation role play, with plenty of opportunities to try out vocabulary and connect with others. It has been a joy to see confidence grow and relationships form through shared communication.
Looking ahead, my hope is to set up more AAC clubs across the region, offering regular spaces where children and families can build their skills, meet others on similar journeys, and feel part of a wider AAC community.
Looking ahead
Through AAC & Me, I hope to build lasting AAC expertise in schools across Yorkshire and beyond. I will be sharing regular blog posts, practical resources and real-life insights. I am always up for a conversation.
Thanks for reading. If you are working with a child who uses AAC and want to feel more confident in supporting them, you are in the right place.
– Tom
