The aim of this two year project was to use and evaluate the use of Graphic Facilitation as a tool for engagement with individuals who use AAC with Learning and Physical Disabilities. Secondary aims were to develop and implement a User Information Strategy for the Keycomm service as well as to develop a User Engagement programme to aid partnership working with AAC Users in shaping AAC services in Lothian. We looked at the use of Graphic Facilitation as a support to both groups of users: school leavers 16-18 year olds and older young people with AAC needs-20 + years living in the community. The Graphic facilitation strategy was useful to both groups to engage in discussions but for different reasons. The school leavers group used the graphics/images in real time as the discussion was going on to help follow what was being said and to help confirm that we were relaying their views correctly. The older community group mainly used the graphic/images during the break and at the end of the morning to remind themselves of what was said i.e. as an aide-memoire. In addition, we were able to identify 2 distinct areas to take forward to aid User Engagement with the service during the second part of the project. The first area was providing information to the Users in an appropriate, accessible way. This has resulted in the development of an Information Strategy, User friendly website, presence on Facebook and implementation of a portable information card for support staff working with AAC Users in the community. Parents also expressed an interest in being involved in a parent to parent mentoring/ support scheme and we are currently working on a Parent Champion scheme to take forward.
Keycomm 