Specialist College
Supporting Young People with Disabilities
Posted Oct 2025
Henshaws Specialist College is proud to be shortlisted for the Communication Matters AAC Awards 2025. The nomination recognises the work of our Speech and Language Therapy team and the students who guide our approach to communication support.
Students Leading Real Change
A student led AAC audit shaped our nomination. One of our learners carried out the full audit using their own communication device. Their leadership showed how students drive change across the College. Their findings supported stronger training, clearer systems, and better access to communication tools.
Stronger Access and Skilled Staff
The audit showed clear progress in a short time. Device accessibility increased from 55% in December 2023 to 94% in July 2024. Staff confidence reached 100% after focused training. We introduced updated induction materials and new multimedia resources. A student also created a training video that now supports all new staff.
Working Together Across the College
Teams across the College play an active part in AAC development. SALT, Assistive Technology colleagues, university SALT students, and learners work side by side. Students also shared the audit findings at Student Parliament. This keeps learners central to every decision around communication access.
Georgia’s Journey with AAC
Georgia’s story shows the impact of this work. She joined Henshaws at 16 and soon explored new AAC tools with support from Amanda, Maria, and the wider SALT team. She moved from mainly using signs and gestures to using her talker to chat, connect, and express her personality. Today she programmes her device and customises her own grid sets. She now takes her talker everywhere because she sees it as her voice.
A Recognition of Commitment and Growth
This shortlist highlights the creativity, care, and teamwork across Henshaws Specialist College. It also reflects the determination of our learners, who show what is possible when inclusive communication sits at the heart of education. We will continue to build on this work so every student can communicate with confidence and independence.
