Communication Matters      

I am sorry that I cannot be there in person to accept this award. Since my stroke and subsequent severe disability (and no voice!!), I have to fight constant pain mainly from BBB (Bladder, Bowels, and my Bottom) (pressure sores). I cannot tolerate sitting in my wheelchair for more than an hour or so. Coming to Leeds would be impossible for me in my present condition. 

So, as I  cannot make a video, I have created this Web page especially for the event. I wish to thank you all for this honour. I have spent over 40 years involved with Special Education and Augmentative and Alternative Communication. First as a teacher, then as a developer, then as a marketing professional, then as a trainer, then in website development, then in international education (I once worked for the Mafia in Italy but, that's another AAC story), (I worked in Taiwan for three years), finally, somewhat ironically, as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication consumer, needing my own Minspeak Application Program to communicate!! 

I am probably the only person in the world to have occupied all of these roles! It is very interesting to experience Augmentative and Alternative Communication as a user. I have experienced many solecistic events. Things that turn disability into handicap. People, oftentimes, treat me differently  as depicted in a few of my cartoons. 

I have over 100 cartoons illustrating all aspects of Augmentative and Alternative Communication. They are freely available to all who would like to have and use them. The next step for me is that I am standing for election to Parliament. I'll be championing Augmentative and Alternative Communication, if I am successful! 

I have: 
• Discussed disability with the King; 
• Mentioned Makaton to Princess Diana; 
• Talked Touch Talkers to Princess Sarah Ferguson; 
• Addressed Augmentative and Alternative Communication with Queen Elizabeth; 

In conclusion, I would like to say Thank You to all the wonderful and gifted people with whom I have worked. This award is for you too. Thanks to Communication Matters for honouring me, thanks to Charles Bliss, Margaret Walker, Judy King, Bruce Baker, Jean Ware, Flo Longhorn, Mark Street and, all the many others with whom I have worked and, who have helped me along my journey. I wish that I could name you all. Thank You Everyone.