Gillian is a very experienced speech and language therapist who has worked with many non-verbal students through her career. As Jonathan’s SLT in the early part of his literacy journey she was integral to the development of his current communication system and has been a huge supporter of both his personal development and subsequently our charity Teach Us Too. We are honoured to have her on board as an ambassador.

As a child I loved books and reading. That love and the escape it gave has never left me. I had decided that I wanted to be a teacher of the deaf when I left school as the result of my work experience placement in a partially hearing unit in a mainstream primary school. However, I had a change my decision when I discovered Speech and Language Therapy.

I studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. It was a very interesting place to study as there was eclectic mix of actors, stage managers and teachers, as well as the SLTs. Literature, language and writing was integral to the whole ethos of Central.

Once I qualified, I began working in community clinics before I got in to a special school where there was no AAC. At the time this was not unusual. However, two children had no speech and needed a means of communication which is how I discovered Blissymbols, a symbolic language system with Bliss-words being created with different combinations of Bliss-characters – essentially just like spelling with letters. One MSc in Human Communication (specialising in AAC) later, I started working at the ACE Centre in Oxford. This consisted of a small group of teachers, OTs, SLTs and physios who were exploring the introduction of new technology (like the early micro-computers!) and other AAC tools and strategies for students with often very significant communication and recording difficulties. This was a great place to work! We aimed to make communication and writing easier for all those with physical, sensory and communication needs.

After leaving the ACE Centre I worked for the SCOPE Communication Aids Project team. This was funded by the Department of Education. As part of the CAP team, I was involved with communication in all its forms. We assessed clients all over England and then provided them with equipment to support and develop their communication and learning. Now I work independently, my caseload has continued to be very varied. Over the years I have been involved with the introduction and use of many AAC systems, tools and strategies, computer based VOCAs and programs.

The improvement in technology has been dramatic. The choice of equipment, software and apps are constantly developing resulting in a much wide range of options for communication, learning and literacy for all. This has opened the door to improving the literacy skills of many more children. There is still much more to be achieved, barriers to be broken down and attitudes changed. That is why I fully support Teach Us Too. I am honoured to be asked to be an ambassador for Teach Us Too and I will do all I can to support this very important cause.